Hybrid intelligent machine systems : design, modeling and control

To further improve performances of machine systems, mechatronics offers some opportunities. Traditionally, mechatronics deals with how to integrate mechanics and electronics without a systematic approach. This thesis generalizes the concept of mechatronics into a new concept called hybrid intelligent machine system. A hybrid intelligent machine system is a system where two or more elements combine to play at least one of the roles such as sensor, actuator, or control mechanism, and contribute to the system behaviour. The common feature with the hybrid intelligent machine system is thus the presence of two or more entities responsible for the system behaviour with each having its different strength complementary to the others. The hybrid intelligent machine system is further viewed from the system’s structure, behaviour, function, and principle, which has led to the distinction of (1) the hybrid actuation system, (2) the hybrid motion system (mechanism), and (3) the hybrid control system. This thesis describes a comprehensive study on three hybrid intelligent machine systems. In the case of the hybrid actuation system, the study has developed a control method for the “true” hybrid actuation configuration in which the constant velocity motor is not “mimicked” by the servomotor which is treated in literature. In the case of the hybrid motion system, the study has resulted in a novel mechanism structure based on the compliant mechanism which allows the micro- and macro-motions to be integrated within a common framework. It should be noted that the existing designs in literature all take a serial structure for micro- and macro-motions. In the case of hybrid control system, a novel family of control laws is developed, which is primarily based on the iterative learning of the previous driving torque (as a feedforward part) and various feedback control laws. This new family of control laws is rooted in the computer-torque-control (CTC) law with an off-line learned torque in replacement of an analytically formulated torque in the forward part of the CTC law. This thesis also presents the verification of these novel developments by both simulation and experiments. Simulation studies are presented for the hybrid actuation system and the hybrid motion system while experimental studies are carried out for the hybrid control system

Improvement in the Imaging Performance of Atomic Force Microscopy: A Survey

Nanotechnology is the branch of science which deals with the manipulation of matters at an extremely high resolution down to the atomic level. In recent years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has proven to be extremely versatile as an investigative tool in this field. The imaging performance of AFMs is hindered by: 1) the complex behavior of piezo materials, such as vibrations due to the lightly damped low-frequency resonant modes, inherent hysteresis, and creep nonlinearities; 2) the cross-coupling effect caused by the piezoelectric tube scanner (PTS); 3) the limited bandwidth of the probe; 4) the limitations of the conventional raster scanning method using a triangular reference signal; 5) the limited bandwidth of the proportional-integral controllers used in AFMs; 6) the offset, noise, and limited sensitivity of position sensors and photodetectors; and 7) the limited sampling rate of the AFM's measurement unit. Due to these limitations, an AFM has a high spatial but low temporal resolution, i.e., its imaging is slow, e.g., an image frame of a living cell takes up to 120 s, which means that rapid biological processes that occur in seconds cannot be studied using commercially available AFMs. There is a need to perform fast scans using an AFM with nanoscale accuracy. This paper presents a survey of the literature, presents an overview of a few emerging innovative solutions in AFM imaging, and proposes future research directions.This work was supported in part by the Australian Research Council (ARC) under Grant FL11010002 and Grant DP160101121 and the UNSW Canberra under a Rector's Visiting Fellowshi

A high precision two dimensional stage using friction drive

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1997.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-110).by Razman Zambri.M.S

Design for microassembly: a methodology for product design and process selection

The thesis presents research carried out in the field of design for microassembly (DFµA), a field that has hereto been characterised by the absence of well defined methodologies intended to facilitate transfer of prototypes from the research lab to production on industrial scale. A DFμA methodology has been developed, serving the purpose of integrating product and micro assembly process development. It aims in particular at increasing the efficiency of the microproduct development process, decreasing the development time and the product and process cost, and enhancing the product quality. Chapter 1 presents the motivations, objectives, and structure of the thesis. The work carried out is inspired by the need to overcome barriers currently existing between the making of single research products and production on an industrial level. The main objective is to contribute to the creating of a novel DFμA that supports product design and process selection, thereby facilitating the efficient assembly of complex three-dimensional miniaturised devices. This is complemented by a range of secondary targets that deal with the development and verification of supporting methods and models related to DFμA. The summary of a comprehensive literature review is given in chapter 2. The survey provides results of studies closely related to the work reported in this thesis and relates that work to a larger ongoing dialogue about the topic of assembly and design in the microworld. Chapter 3 outlines the research approach adopted here for the developing of a DFμA methodology. It carefully analyses the way in which the knowledge gaps identified can be addressed and how the stated objectives can best be achieved. The key contributions made to the developing of a DFμA methodology are presented in chapters 4,5, and 6. The micro assembly process capability model is described first, in Chapter 4. It constitutes the first attempt made at introducing a general framework for capturing of microassembly characteristics. The model developed enables selection and characterisation of microassembly processes. A framework to characterise the model's application to microjoining, -feeding, and -handling is as well suggested. Chapter 5 concerns the actual DFμA methodology. The methodology's layout and structure are introduced in detail. Moreover, the main functions and key phases of the methodology are explained. Special attention is paid to the integration of the microassembly process capability model and to the development of further elements used within the methodology, such as support in product design. Provided in Chapter 6 is a comprehensive analysis of conventional DFA guidelines, intended to explain how the microspecific guidelines have been formulated. The chapter also describes how these are implemented within the overall DFμA methodology. The procedure of validating and illustrating the methodology, which includes applying it to practical test cases, takes place in Chapter 7. The thesis is concluded in Chapter 8, wherein evidence of the originality of the knowledge contribution achieved through the work presented is highlighted. Opportunities for further research work building on th

Optimal Design of Beam-Based Compliant Mechanisms via Integrated Modeling Frameworks

Beam-based Compliant Mechanisms (CMs) are increasingly studied and implemented in precision engineering due to their advantages over the classic rigid-body mechanisms, such as scalability and reduced need for maintenance. Straight beams with uniform cross section are the basic modules in several concepts, and can be analyzed with a large variety of techniques, such as Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, Pseudo-Rigid Body (PRB) method, chain algorithms (e.g.~the Chained Beam-Constraint Model, CBCM) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This variety is unquestionably reduced for problems involving special geometries, such as curved or spline beams, variable section beams, nontrivial shapes and, eventually, contacts between bodies. 3D FEA (solid elements) can provide excellent results but the solutions require high computational times. This work compares the characteristics of modern and computationally efficient modeling techniques (1D FEA, PRB method and CBCM), focusing on their applicability in nonstandard problems. In parallel, as an attempt to provide an easy-to-use environment for CM analysis and design, a multi-purpose tool comprising Matlab and modern Computer-Aided Design/Engineering (CAD/CAE) packages is presented. The framework can implement different solvers depending on the adopted behavioral models. Summary tables are reported to guide the designers in the selection of the most appropriate technique and software architecture. The second part of this work reports demonstrative case studies involving either complex shapes of the flexible members or contacts between the members. To improve the clarity, each example has been accurately defined so as to present a specific set of features, which leads in the choice of a technique rather than others. When available, theoretical models are provided for supporting the design studies, which are solved using optimization approaches. Software implementations are discussed throughout the thesis. Starting from previous works found in the literature, this research introduces novel concepts in the fields of constant force CMs and statically balanced CMs. Finally, it provides a first formulation for modeling mutual contacts with the CBCM. For validation purposes, the majority of the computed behaviors are compared with experimental data, obtained from purposely designed test rigs

Stratégies de modélisation et de commande des microsystèmes piézoélectriques à plusieurs degrés de liberté.

Piezoelectric actuators are among the most used tools in many applications at micro/nano-scale (micromanipulation,microassembly, micropositioning, etc). From a functional perspective, there exist mono-axis actuators(which are made to bend in one direction) and multi-axis actuators (which provide deflections in different directions).The popularity of piezoelectric actuators is especially due to their high resolution (nanometric resolution),the large bandwidth (greater than 1kHz possible), the low electrical power consumption, the high force density,the ease of integration in positioning systems, etc. However, piezoelectric actuators are characterized by hysteresisand creep nonlinearities, badly damped vibrations and they are sensitive to the variation of ambient conditions(especially to the temperature variation). In addition, multi-axis actuators exhibit cross-couplings betweentheir axis. This thesis proposes novel strategies for modeling and control of multi-axis piezoelectric actuators,with the aim to counteract the aforementionned problems. These strategies are grouped into two categories.The first category concerns feedback control techniques. These techniques are the most suitable to ensurethe robustness and a high level of precision for piezoelectric actuators. However, at the micro/nanoscale, thesetechniques are limited by the lack of enough physical space to install feedback sensors. The second categoryconcerns the feedforward control techniques. The main advantage of these techniques is related to the factthat, in feedforward control schemes, feedback sensors are not needed for tracking. This allows to achieve ahigh degree of packageability and the cost reduction. In this thesis, we first propose multivariable modelingand feedforward control techniques. Then, we analyse the effects of temperature variation on piezoelectricactuators and we propose feedforward and feedback control techniques for these effects. Finally, a feedbackstrategy based on decoupling techniques with an aim to reduce the order of feedback controllers for multi-axispiezoelectric actuators, is proposed. All these modeling and control strategies are experimentally applied on apiezoelectric tube actuator.Les actionneurs piézoélectriques font partie des outils les plus utilisés dans les applications à l’échelle micro/nano-métrique (micromanipulation, microassemblage, micropositionnement, etc). Du point de vue fonctionnel, on distingue les actionneurs mono-axe (permettant d’obtenir la déflection suivant une direction) et les actionneurs multi-axes (pouvant fléchir suivant plusieurs directions). La notoriété des actionneurs piézoélectriques est due à un certain nombre de performances telles qu’une large bande passante (plus du kHz possible), une très bonne résolution (de l’ordre du nanomètre), une faible consommation en énergie électrique, une grande densité de force, une facilité d’alimentation et d’intégration, etc. Cependant, ces actionneurs sont caractérisés par des non-linéarités fortes (hystérésis et la dérive lente), des oscillations mal-amorties, et sont sensibles à la variation des conditions ambiantes (en particulier à la variation de la température). Pour les actionneurs multi-axes, il s’ajoute un problème des couplages entre les différents axes de l’actionneur. Cette thèsepropose des stratégies innovantes de commande des actionneurs piézoélectriques multi-axes pour contrer les problèmes sus-mentionnés. Ces stratégies sont groupées en deux catégories. La première catégorie concerne les techniques de commande en boucle fermée. Ces techniques sont les plus adaptées pour garantir la robustesse et un niveau de précision élevée pour les actionneurs piézoélectriques. Cependant, à l’échelle micro/nanométrique, ces techniques sont limitées par un manque d’espace suffisant pour installer des capteurs de position.La deuxième catégorie concerne la commande en boucle ouverte dont l’intérêt majeur est lié au fait qu’il n’y a pas besoin de capteurs pour la commande, ce qui constitue un avantage en terme de coût et facilité d’intégration. Dans cette thèse, nous proposons d’abord les techniques de modélisation et de commande en boucle ouverte multivariables. Ensuite, nous faisons une analyse des effets de la température sur les actionneurs piézoélectriques et nous proposons des techniques de commande en boucle ouverte et en boucle fermée de ces effets. Enfin, une stratégie de commande en boucle fermée par découplage, visant à obtenir des correcteurs d’ordre réduit pour les actionneurs multi-axes est proposée. Toutes ces techniques sont vérifiées et appliquées expérimentalement à un actionneur piézoélectrique de type tube

21st century manufacturing machines: Design, fabrication and controls

Advances in nanotechnology, microfabrication and new manufacturing processes, the revolution of open electronics, and the emerging internet of things will influence the design, manufacture, and control of manufacturing machines in the future. For instance, miniaturization will change manufacturing processes; additive and rapid prototyping will change the production of machine components; and open electronics offer a platform for new control architectures for manufacturing systems that are open, modular, and easy to reconfigure. Combined with the latest trends in cyber-physical systems and the internet of things, open architecture controllers for CNC systems can become platforms, oriented for numerical control as a service (NCaaS) and manufacturing as a service, tailored to the creation of cyber-manufacturing networks of shared resources and web applications. With this potential in mind, this research presents new design-for-fabrication methodologies and control strategies to facilitate the creation of next generation machine tools. It provides a discussion and examples of the opportunities that the present moment offers. The first portion of this dissertation focuses on the design of complex 3D MEMS machines realized from conventional 2.5D microfabrication processes. It presents an analysis of an example XYZ-MEMS parallel kinematics stage as well as of designs of the individual components of the manipulator, integrated into a design approach for PK-XYZ-MEMS stages. It seems likely that this design-for-fabrication methodology will enable higher functionality in MEMS micromachines and result in new devices that interact, in three full dimensions, with their surroundings. Novel and innovative research exemplifies the opportunities new and economical manufacturing technologies offer for the design and fabrication of modern machine tools. The second portion of this dissertation describes the demonstration of a new flexural joint designed with both traditional and additive manufacturing processes. It extrapolates principles based on the design of this joint that alleviate the effects of low accuracy and poor surface finishing, anisotropy, reductions in material properties of components, and small holding forces. Based on these results, the next section presents case examples of the construction of mesoscale devices and machine components using multilayered composites and hybrid flexures for precision engineering, medical training, and machine tools for reduced life applications and tests design-for-fabrication strategies. The results suggest the strategies effectively address existing problems, providing a repertory of creative solutions applicable to the design of devices with hybrid flexures. The implications for medical industry, micro robotics, soft robotics, flexible electronics, and metrology systems are positive. Chapter number five examines to positive impact of open architectures of control for CNC systems, given the current availability of micro-processing power and open-source electronics. It presents a new modular architecture controller based on open-source electronics. This component-based approach offers the possibility of adding micro-processing units and an axis of motion without modification of the control programs. This kind of software and hardware modularity is important for the reconfiguration of new manufacturing units. The flexibility of this architecture makes it a convenient testbed for the implementation of new control algorithms on different electromechanical systems. This research provides general purpose, open architecture for the design of a CNC system based on open electronics and detailed information to experiment with these platforms. This dissertation’s final chapter describes how applying the latest trends to the classical concepts of modular and open architecture controllers for CNC systems results in a control platform, oriented for numerical control as a service (NCaaS) and manufacturing as a service (MaaS), tailored to the creation of cyber-manufacturing networks of shared resources and web applications. Based on this technology, this chapter introduces new manufacturing network for numerical control (NC) infrastructure, provisioned and managed over the internet. The proposed network architecture has a hardware, a virtualization, an operating system, and a network layer. With a new operating system necessary to service and virtualize manufacturing resources, and a micro service architecture of manufacturing nodes and assets, this network is a new paradigm in cloud manufacturing

Large contraction conducting polymer molecular actuators

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, February 2005.Vita. Leaf 239 blank.Includes bibliographical references.The development of powerful and efficient artificial muscles that mimic Nature will profoundly affect engineering sciences including robotics and prosthetics, propulsion systems, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Biological systems driven by muscle out-perform human-engineered systems in many key aspects. For example, muscle endows animals with a level of dexterity and speed that has yet to be emulated by even the most complex robotic system to date. Conducting polymers were chosen for research as actuators, based on a review of the relevant properties of all known actuators and active materials. Key features of conducting polymer actuators include low drive voltages (1 - 2 V) and high active strength (10 - 40 MPa) but moderate active strains (2 %). Active strains of 20 %, which human skeletal muscle is capable of, are desirable for applications in life-like robotics, artificial prostheses or medical devices. This thesis focuses on two approaches to create large contraction in conducting polymer actuators. The first strategy utilizes polypyrrole (PPy), a conducting polymer actuator material that contracts and expands based on a bulk ion swelling mechanism. Optimization of the polymer activation environment via room temperature ionic liquids enables PPy actuators to generate large contractions (16.3 % recoverable strain at 2.5 MPa, 21 % max) at slow speeds (0.4 %/s). In addition, cycle life can reach 10⁵ cycles without significant polymer degradation. This thesis presents an in-depth characterization of the behavior of polypyrrole actuators in room temperature 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate liquid salt electrolyte.(cont.) The characterization includes the assessment of passive and electroactive mechanical properties as well as electrical and morphological properties. Using Nature's actin-myosin molecular engine as a source of inspiration, the second approach uses molecular mechanisms to create motion. In this bottom-up approach molecules are rationally designed from the molecular level for specific actuation properties. Such active molecular building blocks include shape changing, load bearing, passively deformable or hinge-like molecular elements. Several novel materials based on contractile molecular design were synthesized and their active properties characterized.by Patrick A.T. Anquetil.Ph.D

Bio-inspired robotic control in underactuation: principles for energy efficacy, dynamic compliance interactions and adaptability.

Biological systems achieve energy efficient and adaptive behaviours through extensive autologous and exogenous compliant interactions. Active dynamic compliances are created and enhanced from musculoskeletal system (joint-space) to external environment (task-space) amongst the underactuated motions. Underactuated systems with viscoelastic property are similar to these biological systems, in that their self-organisation and overall tasks must be achieved by coordinating the subsystems and dynamically interacting with the environment. One important question to raise is: How can we design control systems to achieve efficient locomotion, while adapt to dynamic conditions as the living systems do? In this thesis, a trajectory planning algorithm is developed for underactuated microrobotic systems with bio-inspired self-propulsion and viscoelastic property to achieve synchronized motion in an energy efficient, adaptive and analysable manner. The geometry of the state space of the systems is explicitly utilized, such that a synchronization of the generalized coordinates is achieved in terms of geometric relations along the desired motion trajectory. As a result, the internal dynamics complexity is sufficiently reduced, the dynamic couplings are explicitly characterised, and then the underactuated dynamics are projected onto a hyper-manifold. Following such a reduction and characterization, we arrive at mappings of system compliance and integrable second-order dynamics with the passive degrees of freedom. As such, the issue of trajectory planning is converted into convenient nonlinear geometric analysis and optimal trajectory parameterization. Solutions of the reduced dynamics and the geometric relations can be obtained through an optimal motion trajectory generator. Theoretical background of the proposed approach is presented with rigorous analysis and developed in detail for a particular example. Experimental studies are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Towards compliance interactions with the environment, accurate modelling or prediction of nonlinear friction forces is a nontrivial whilst challenging task. Frictional instabilities are typically required to be eliminated or compensated through efficiently designed controllers. In this work, a prediction and analysis framework is designed for the self-propelled vibro-driven system, whose locomotion greatly relies on the dynamic interactions with the nonlinear frictions. This thesis proposes a combined physics-based and analytical-based approach, in a manner that non-reversible characteristic for static friction, presliding as well as pure sliding regimes are revealed, and the frictional limit boundaries are identified. Nonlinear dynamic analysis and simulation results demonstrate good captions of experimentally observed frictional characteristics, quenching of friction-induced vibrations and satisfaction of energy requirements. The thesis also performs elaborative studies on trajectory tracking. Control schemes are designed and extended for a class of underactuated systems with concrete considerations on uncertainties and disturbances. They include a collocated partial feedback control scheme, and an adaptive variable structure control scheme with an elaborately designed auxiliary control variable. Generically, adaptive control schemes using neural networks are designed to ensure trajectory tracking. Theoretical background of these methods is presented with rigorous analysis and developed in detail for particular examples. The schemes promote the utilization of linear filters in the control input to improve the system robustness. Asymptotic stability and convergence of time-varying reference trajectories for the system dynamics are shown by means of Lyapunov synthesis