Conceptual designs of multi-degree of freedom compliant parallel manipulators composed of wire-beam based compliant mechanisms

This paper proposes conceptual designs of multi-degree(s) of freedom (DOF) compliant parallel manipulators (CPMs) including 3-DOF translational CPMs and 6-DOF CPMs using a building block based pseudo-rigid-body-model (PRBM) approach. The proposed multi-DOF CPMs are composed of wire-beam based compliant mechanisms (WBBCMs) as distributed-compliance compliant building blocks (CBBs). Firstly, a comprehensive literature review for the design approaches of compliant mechanisms is conducted, and a building block based PRBM is then presented, which replaces the traditional kinematic sub-chain with an appropriate multi-DOF CBB. In order to obtain the decoupled 3-DOF translational CPMs (XYZ CPMs), two classes of kinematically decoupled 3-PPPR (P: prismatic joint, R: revolute joint) translational parallel mechanisms (TPMs) and 3-PPPRR TPMs are identified based on the type synthesis of rigid-body parallel mechanisms, and WBBCMs as the associated CBBs are further designed. Via replacing the traditional actuated P joint and the traditional passive PPR/PPRR sub-chain in each leg of the 3-DOF TPM with the counterpart CBBs (i.e. WBBCMs), a number of decoupled XYZ CPMs are obtained by appropriate arrangements. In order to obtain the decoupled 6-DOF CPMs, an orthogonally-arranged decoupled 6-PSS (S: spherical joint) parallel mechanism is first identified, and then two example 6-DOF CPMs are proposed by the building block based PRBM method. It is shown that, among these designs, two types of monolithic XYZ CPM designs with extended life have been presented

Static force capabilities and dynamic capabilities of parallel mechanisms equipped with safety clutches

Cette thèse étudie les forces potentielles des mécanismes parallèles plans à deux degrés de liberté équipés d'embrayages de sécurité (limiteur de couple). Les forces potentielles sont étudiées sur la base des matrices jacobienne. La force maximale qui peut être appliquée à l'effecteur en fonction des limiteurs de couple ainsi que la force maximale isotrope sont déterminées. Le rapport entre ces deux forces est appelé l'efficacité de la force et peut être considéré ; comme un indice de performance. Enfin, les résultats numériques proposés donnent un aperçu sur la conception de robots coopératifs reposant sur des architectures parallèles. En isolant chaque lien, les modèles dynamiques approximatifs sont obtenus à partir de l'approche Newton-Euler et des équations de Lagrange pour du tripteron et du quadrupteron. La plage de l'accélération de l'effecteur et de la force externe autorisée peut être trouvée pour une plage donnée de forces d'actionnement.This thesis investigates the force capabilities of two-degree-of-freedom planar parallel mechanisms that are equipped with safety clutches (torque limiters). The force capabilities are studied based on the Jacobian matrices. The maximum force that can be applied at the end-effector for given torque limits (safety index) is determined together with the maximum isotropic force that can be produced. The ratio between these two forces, referred to as the force effectiveness, can be considered as a performance index. Finally, some numerical results are proposed which can provide insight into the design of cooperation robots based on parallel architectures. Considering each link and slider system as a single body, approximate dynamic models are derived based on the Newton-Euler approach and Lagrange equations for the tripteron and the quadrupteron. The acceleration range or the external force range of the end-effector are determined and given as a safety consideration with the dynamic models

A versatile and reconfigurable microassembly workstation

In this paper, a versatile and reconfigurable microassembly workstation designed and realized as a research tool for investigation of the problems in microassembly and micromanipulation processes and recent developments on mechanical and control structure of the system with respect to the previous workstation are presented. These developments include: (i) addition of a manipulator system to realize more complicated assembly and manipulation tasks, (ii) addition of extra DOF for the vision system and sample holder stages in order to make the system more versatile (iii) a new optical microscope as the vision system in order to visualize the microworld and determine the position and orientation of micro components to be assembled or manipulated, (iv) a modular control system hardware which allows handling more DOF. In addition several experiments using the workstation are presented in different modes of operation like tele-operated, semiautomated and fully automated by means of visual based schemes

Creative design and modelling of large-range translation compliant parallel manipulators

Compliant parallel mechanisms/manipulators (CPMs) are parallel manipulators that transmit motion/load by deformation of their compliant members. Due to their merits such as the eliminated backlash and friction, no need for lubrication, reduced wear and noise, and monolithic configuration, they have been used in many emerging applications as scanning tables, bio-cell injectors, nano-positioners, and etc. How to design large-range CPMs is still a challenging issue. To meet the needs for large-range translational CPMs for high-precision motion stages, this thesis focuses on the systematic conceptual design and modelling of large-range translational CPMs with distributed-compliance. Firstly, several compliant parallel modules with distributed-compliance, such as spatial multi-beam modules, are identified as building blocks of translational CPMs. A normalized, nonlinear and analytical model is then derived for the spatial multi-beam modules to address the non-linearity of load-equilibrium equations. Secondly, a new design methodology for translational CPMs is presented. The main characteristic of the proposed design approach is not only to replace kinematic joints as in the literature, but also to replace kinematic chains with appropriate multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF) compliant parallel modules. Thirdly, novel large-range translational CPMs are constructed using the proposed design methodology and identified compliant parallel modules. The proposed novel CPMs include, for example, a 1-DOF compliant parallel gripper with auto-adaptive grasping function, a stiffness-enhanced XY CPM with a spatial compliant leg, and an improved modular XYZ CPM using identical spatial double four-beam modules. Especially, the proposed XY CPM and XYZ CPM can achieve a 10mm’s motion range along each axis in the case studies. Finally, kinematostatic modelling of the proposed translational CPMs is presented to enable rapid performance characteristic analysis. The proposed analytical models are also compared with finite element analysis

Design and control of a 6-degree-of-freedom precision positioning system

This paper presents the design and test of a6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) precision positioning system, which is assembledby two different 3-DOF precision positioning stages each driven by three piezoelectric actuators (PEAs). Based on the precision PEAs and flexure hinge mechanisms, high precision motion is obtained.The design methodology and kinematic characteristics of the6-DOF positioning system areinvestigated. According to an effective kinematic model, the transformation matrices are obtained, which is used to predict the relationship between the output displacement from the system arrangement and the amountof PEAsexpansion. In addition, the static and dynamic characteristics of the 6-DOF system have been evaluated by finite element method (FEM) simulation andexperiments. The design structure provides a high dynamic bandwidth withthe first naturalfrequency of 586.3 Hz.Decoupling control is proposed to solve the existing coupling motion of the 6-DOF system. Meanwhile, in order to compensate for the hysteresis of PEAs, the inverse Bouc-Wen model was applied as a feedforward hysteresis compensator in the feedforward/feedback hybrid control method. Finally, extensive experiments were performed to verify the tracking performance of the developed mechanism

Workshop on "Robotic assembly of 3D MEMS".

Proceedings of a workshop proposed in IEEE IROS'2007.The increase of MEMS' functionalities often requires the integration of various technologies used for mechanical, optical and electronic subsystems in order to achieve a unique system. These different technologies have usually process incompatibilities and the whole microsystem can not be obtained monolithically and then requires microassembly steps. Microassembly of MEMS based on micrometric components is one of the most promising approaches to achieve high-performance MEMS. Moreover, microassembly also permits to develop suitable MEMS packaging as well as 3D components although microfabrication technologies are usually able to create 2D and "2.5D" components. The study of microassembly methods is consequently a high stake for MEMS technologies growth. Two approaches are currently developped for microassembly: self-assembly and robotic microassembly. In the first one, the assembly is highly parallel but the efficiency and the flexibility still stay low. The robotic approach has the potential to reach precise and reliable assembly with high flexibility. The proposed workshop focuses on this second approach and will take a bearing of the corresponding microrobotic issues. Beyond the microfabrication technologies, performing MEMS microassembly requires, micromanipulation strategies, microworld dynamics and attachment technologies. The design and the fabrication of the microrobot end-effectors as well as the assembled micro-parts require the use of microfabrication technologies. Moreover new micromanipulation strategies are necessary to handle and position micro-parts with sufficiently high accuracy during assembly. The dynamic behaviour of micrometric objects has also to be studied and controlled. Finally, after positioning the micro-part, attachment technologies are necessary

A Parallel Manipulator with Only Translational Degrees of Freedom

This report presents a novel three degree of freedom parallel manipulator that employs only revolute joints and constrains the manipulator output to translational motion. Closed-form solutions are developed for both the inverse and forward kinematics. It is shown that the inverse kinematics problem has up to four real solutions, and the forward kinematics problem has up to 16 real solutions

Design and Fabrication of Electrothermal Micromotors and Compliant Mechanisms for Spatial Parallel Micromanipulators

In this dissertation a new class of spatial micromechanisms employing compliant joints and electrothermal motors has been developed. The spatial micromechanisms contain three limbs driven by individual electrothermal linear motors to form multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) manipulators. At the coaxial point of the actuated limbs, a platform acts as the end effector of the device. Each limb in this spatial mechanism interconnects compliant pseudo-revolute joints, which are capable of providing either in-plane or out-of-plane rotations. Mechanisms are demonstrated using polysilicon surface micromachining, and a new four-layer UV-LIGA fabrication process is also presented for future production of high aspect ratio spatial micromechanisms. Linear motors are developed to provide bi-directional continuous motions to drive the spatial mechanism. Individual electrothermal actuators within a linear motor employ saw-toothed impactors to provide a synchronized locking/pushing motion without needing a secondary clamping actuator. These saw-toothed linear motors provide a platform for accurate open-loop position control, continuously smooth motion, high motion resolution, and long life operation. Electrothermal V-beam actuators using multiple arrayed beams have been shown to provide large output forces up to several mN, sufficient for the spatial micromechanisms developed in this work. Taking advantage of a modeling approach based on the pseudo-rigid-body model, a new force and displacement model for the electrothermal V-beam actuators is developed and shown to provide good agreement with experimental results. The optimization design for the thermal actuators is also discussed to reduce actuation power. Pseudo-rigid-body modeling is used to simplify the designed compliant spatial mechanisms, allowing the well-known rigid body method to replace the cumbersome matrix method for compliant mechanism analysis. Based on the pseudo-rigid-body model, inverse kinematics is used to find the workspace of a typical microscale mechanism, together with the required movement for each linear motor to allow the end effector to reach a desired position. Dynamic analysis of the mechanism is applied to determine the maximum required forces for each actuator. The manipulator workspace volume defined by maximum link lengths and joint rotation angles is determined by using the Monte Carlo method. A systematic design procedure is finally proposed to enable effective compliant micromanipulator designs