Development and characterization of a novel piezoelectric-driven stick-slip actuator with anisotropic-friction surfaces

Piezoelectric actuators (PEA) hold the most promise for precision positioning applications due to their capability of producing extremely small displacements down to 10 pm (1 pm = 10-12 m) as well as their high stiffness and force output. The piezoelectric-driven stick-slip (PDSS) actuator, working on the friction-inertia concept, has the capacity of accomplishing an unlimited range of motion. It also holds the promises of simple configuration and low cost. On the other hand, the PDSS actuator has a relatively low efficiency and low loading capability, which greatly limits its applications. The purpose of this research is to improve the performance of the PDSS actuators by employing specially-designed working surfaces. The working surfaces, referred as anisotropic friction (AF) surfaces in this study, can provide different friction forces depending on the direction of relative motion of the two surfaces, and are used in this research to accomplish the aforementioned purpose. To fabricate such surfaces, two nanostructure technologies are employed: hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) and ion beam etching (IBE). The HFCVD is used to deposit diamond on silicon substrates; and the IBE is used to etch the diamond crystalloid with a certain angle with respect to the coating surface to obtain an unsymmetrical-triangle microstructure. A PDSS actuator prototype containing the AF surfaces was developed in this study to verify the function of the AF surfaces and characterize the performance of PDSS actuators. The designed surfaces were mounted on the prototype; and the improvement in performance was characterized by conducting a set of experiments with both the normal isotropic friction (IF) surfaces and the AF surfaces, respectively. The results illustrate that the PDSS actuator with the AF surface has a higher efficiency and improved loading capability compared to the one with the IF surfaces. A model was also developed to represent the displacement of the novel PDSS actuator. The dynamics of the PEA and the platform were approximated by using a second order dynamic system. The pre-sliding friction behaviour involved was investigated by modifying the LuGre friction model, in which six parameters (Note that three parameters are used in the LuGre model) were employed to represent the anisotropic friction. By combining the PEA mechanism model, the modified friction model, and the dynamics of end-effector, a model for the PDSS actuator with the AF surface was developed. The model with the identified parameters was simulated in MATLAB Simulink and the simulation results obtained were compared to the experimental results to verify the model. The comparison suggests that the model developed in this study is promising to represent the displacement of the novel PDSS actuators with AF surfaces

From model-driven to data-driven : a review of hysteresis modeling in structural and mechanical systems

Hysteresis is a natural phenomenon that widely exists in structural and mechanical systems. The characteristics of structural hysteretic behaviors are complicated. Therefore, numerous methods have been developed to describe hysteresis. In this paper, a review of the available hysteretic modeling methods is carried out. Such methods are divided into: a) model-driven and b) datadriven methods. The model-driven method uses parameter identification to determine parameters. Three types of parametric models are introduced including polynomial models, differential based models, and operator based models. Four algorithms as least mean square error algorithm, Kalman filter algorithm, metaheuristic algorithms, and Bayesian estimation are presented to realize parameter identification. The data-driven method utilizes universal mathematical models to describe hysteretic behavior. Regression model, artificial neural network, least square support vector machine, and deep learning are introduced in turn as the classical data-driven methods. Model-data driven hybrid methods are also discussed to make up for the shortcomings of the two methods. Based on a multi-dimensional evaluation, the existing problems and open challenges of different hysteresis modeling methods are discussed. Some possible research directions about hysteresis description are given in the final section

Hammerstein model for hysteresis characteristics of pneumatic muscle actuators

As a kind of novel compliant actuators, pneumatic muscle actuators (PMAs) have been recently used in wearable devices for rehabilitation, industrial manufacturing and other fields due to their excellent actuation characteristics such as high power/weight ratio, safety and inherent compliance. However, the strong nonlinearity and asymmetrical hysteresis cause difficulties in the accurate control of robots actuated by PMAs. In this paper, a method for hysteresis modeling of PMA based on Hammerstein model is proposed, which introduces the BP neural network into the hysteretic system. In order to overcome the limitation of BP neural network’s single-valued mapping, an extended space input method is adapted while the Modified Prandtl–Ishlinskii model is applied to characterize the hysteretic phenomenon. A conventional PID control is implemented to track the trajectory of PMA with and without the feed-forward hysteresis compensation based on Hammerstein model, and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the designed model which has the advantages of high precision and easy identification

Mehatronički pristup pozicioniranju ultravisokih preciznosti i točnosti

Ultra-high precision mechatronics positioning systems are critical devices in current precision engineering and micro- and nano-systems’ technologies, as they allow repeatability and accuracy in the nanometric domain to be achieved. The doctoral thesis deals thoroughly with nonlinear stochastic frictional effects that limit the performances of ultra-high precision devices based on sliding and rolling elements. The state-of-the-art related to the frictional behavior in the pre-sliding and sliding motion regimes is considered and different friction models are validated. Due to its comprehensiveness and simplicity, the generalized Maxwell-slip (GMS) friction model is adopted to characterize frictional disturbances of a translational axis of an actual multi-degrees-of-freedom point-to-point mechatronics positioning system aimed at handling and positioning of microparts. The parameters of the GMS model are identified via innovative experimental set-ups, separately for the actuator-gearhead assembly and for the linear guideways, and included in the overall MATLAB/SIMULINK model of the used device. With the aim of compensating frictional effects, the modeled responses of the system are compared to experimental results when the system is controlled by means of a conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, when the PID controller is complemented with an additional feed-forward model-based friction compensator and, finally, when the system is controlled via a self-tuning adaptive regulator. The adaptive regulator, implemented within the real-time field programmable gate array based control system, is proven to be the most efficient and is hence used in the final repetitive point-to-point positioning tests. Nanometric-range precision and accuracy (better than 250 nm), both in the case of short-range (micrometric) and long-range (millimeter) travels, are achieved. Different sensors, actuators and other design components, along with other control typologies, are experimentally validated in ultra-high precision positioning applications as well.Mehatronički sustavi ultra-visokih (nanometarskih) preciznosti i točnosti pozicioniranja su u današnje vrijeme vrlo važni u preciznom inženjerstvu i tehnologiji mikro- i nano-sustava. U disertaciji se temeljito analiziraju nelinearni stohastički učinci trenja koji vrlo često ograničavaju radna svojstva sustava za precizno pozicioniranje temeljenih na kliznim i valjnim elementima. Analizira se stanje tehnike za pomake pri silama manjim od sile statičkog trenja, kao i u režimu klizanja, te se vrednuju postojeći matematički modeli trenja. U razmatranom slučaju mehatroničkog sustava ultra-visokih preciznosti i točnosti pozicioniranja, namijenjenog montaži i manipulaciji mikrostruktura, trenje koje se javlja kod linearnih jednoosnih pomaka se, zbog jednostavnosti i sveobuhvatnosti toga pristupa, modelira generaliziranim Maxwell-slip (GMS) modelom trenja. Parametri GMS modela se identificiraju na inovativnim eksperimentalnim postavima, i to posebno za pokretački dio analiziranog sustava, koji se sastoji od istosmjernog motora s reduktorom, te posebno za linearni translator. Rezultirajući modeli trenja se zatim integriraju u cjeloviti model sustava implementiran u MATLAB/SIMULINK okruženju. S ciljem minimizacije utjecaja trenja, modelirani odziv sustava uspoređuje se potom s eksperimentalnim rezultatima dobivenim na sustavu reguliranom pomoću često korištenog proporcionalno-integralno-diferencijalnog (PID) regulatora, kada se sustav regulira po načelu unaprijedne veze, te kada se regulira prilagodljivim upravljačkim algoritmom. Regulator s prilagodljivim vođenjem, implementiran unutar stvarno-vremenskog sustava temeljenog na programibilnim logičkim vratima, pokazao se kao najbolje rješenje te se stoga koristi u uzastopnim eksperimentima pozicioniranja iz točke u točku, koji predstavljaju željenu funkcionalnost razmatranog sustava. Postignute su tako nanometarska preciznost i točnost (bolje od 250 nm) i to kako kod kraćih (mikrometarskih), tako i duljih (milimetarskih) pomaka. U završnom se dijelu disertacije eksperimentalno analizira i mogućnost korištenja drugih pokretača, osjetnika i strojnih elemenata kao i različitih upravljačkih pristupa pogodnih za ostvarivanje ultra-visokih preciznosti i točnosti pozicioniranja

Mehatronički pristup pozicioniranju ultravisokih preciznosti i točnosti

Ultra-high precision mechatronics positioning systems are critical devices in current precision engineering and micro- and nano-systems’ technologies, as they allow repeatability and accuracy in the nanometric domain to be achieved. The doctoral thesis deals thoroughly with nonlinear stochastic frictional effects that limit the performances of ultra-high precision devices based on sliding and rolling elements. The state-of-the-art related to the frictional behavior in the pre-sliding and sliding motion regimes is considered and different friction models are validated. Due to its comprehensiveness and simplicity, the generalized Maxwell-slip (GMS) friction model is adopted to characterize frictional disturbances of a translational axis of an actual multi-degrees-of-freedom point-to-point mechatronics positioning system aimed at handling and positioning of microparts. The parameters of the GMS model are identified via innovative experimental set-ups, separately for the actuator-gearhead assembly and for the linear guideways, and included in the overall MATLAB/SIMULINK model of the used device. With the aim of compensating frictional effects, the modeled responses of the system are compared to experimental results when the system is controlled by means of a conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, when the PID controller is complemented with an additional feed-forward model-based friction compensator and, finally, when the system is controlled via a self-tuning adaptive regulator. The adaptive regulator, implemented within the real-time field programmable gate array based control system, is proven to be the most efficient and is hence used in the final repetitive point-to-point positioning tests. Nanometric-range precision and accuracy (better than 250 nm), both in the case of short-range (micrometric) and long-range (millimeter) travels, are achieved. Different sensors, actuators and other design components, along with other control typologies, are experimentally validated in ultra-high precision positioning applications as well.Mehatronički sustavi ultra-visokih (nanometarskih) preciznosti i točnosti pozicioniranja su u današnje vrijeme vrlo važni u preciznom inženjerstvu i tehnologiji mikro- i nano-sustava. U disertaciji se temeljito analiziraju nelinearni stohastički učinci trenja koji vrlo često ograničavaju radna svojstva sustava za precizno pozicioniranje temeljenih na kliznim i valjnim elementima. Analizira se stanje tehnike za pomake pri silama manjim od sile statičkog trenja, kao i u režimu klizanja, te se vrednuju postojeći matematički modeli trenja. U razmatranom slučaju mehatroničkog sustava ultra-visokih preciznosti i točnosti pozicioniranja, namijenjenog montaži i manipulaciji mikrostruktura, trenje koje se javlja kod linearnih jednoosnih pomaka se, zbog jednostavnosti i sveobuhvatnosti toga pristupa, modelira generaliziranim Maxwell-slip (GMS) modelom trenja. Parametri GMS modela se identificiraju na inovativnim eksperimentalnim postavima, i to posebno za pokretački dio analiziranog sustava, koji se sastoji od istosmjernog motora s reduktorom, te posebno za linearni translator. Rezultirajući modeli trenja se zatim integriraju u cjeloviti model sustava implementiran u MATLAB/SIMULINK okruženju. S ciljem minimizacije utjecaja trenja, modelirani odziv sustava uspoređuje se potom s eksperimentalnim rezultatima dobivenim na sustavu reguliranom pomoću često korištenog proporcionalno-integralno-diferencijalnog (PID) regulatora, kada se sustav regulira po načelu unaprijedne veze, te kada se regulira prilagodljivim upravljačkim algoritmom. Regulator s prilagodljivim vođenjem, implementiran unutar stvarno-vremenskog sustava temeljenog na programibilnim logičkim vratima, pokazao se kao najbolje rješenje te se stoga koristi u uzastopnim eksperimentima pozicioniranja iz točke u točku, koji predstavljaju željenu funkcionalnost razmatranog sustava. Postignute su tako nanometarska preciznost i točnost (bolje od 250 nm) i to kako kod kraćih (mikrometarskih), tako i duljih (milimetarskih) pomaka. U završnom se dijelu disertacije eksperimentalno analizira i mogućnost korištenja drugih pokretača, osjetnika i strojnih elemenata kao i različitih upravljačkih pristupa pogodnih za ostvarivanje ultra-visokih preciznosti i točnosti pozicioniranja

Model of tactile sensors using soft contacts and its application in robot grasping simulation

In the context of robot grasping and manipulation, realistic dynamic simulation requires accurate modeling of contacts between bodies and, in a practical level, accurate simulation of touch sensors. This paper addresses the problem of creating a simulation of a tactile sensor as well as its implementation in a simulation environment. The simulated tactile sensor model utilizes collision detection and response methods using soft contacts as well as a full friction description. The tactile element is created based on a geometry enabling the creation of a variety of different shape tactile sensors. The tactile sensor element can be used to detect touch against triangularized geometries. This independence in shape enables the use of the sensor model for various applications, ranging from regular tactile sensors to more complex geometries as the human hand which makes it possible to explore human-like touch. The developed tactile sensor model is implemented within OpenGRASP and is available in the open-source plugin. The model has been validated through several experiments ranging from physical properties verification to testing on robot grasping applications. This simulated sensor can provide researchers with a valuable tool for robotic grasping research, especially in cases where the real sensors are not accurate enough yet

Dynamic modeling and bioinspired control of a walking piezoelectric motor

Szufnarowski F. Dynamic modeling and bioinspired control of a walking piezoelectric motor. Bielefeld: Universität Bielefeld; 2013.Piezoelectric motors have increasingly extended their field of applications during recent years. Improved material properties and manufacturing techniques have led to a variety of designs which can achieve theoretically unlimited displacements for moderate voltage levels while retaining a relatively high stiffness. In practical terms, this leads to stronger and faster motors which become a viable alternative to electromagnetic drives, especially if compact size and small weight are important. The piezoelectric motor considered in this work consists of four piezoelectric bender elements which can forward a ceramic bar by means of a frictional interaction. The drive elements can be compared to "legs" walking on a movable plane. The walking motor offers outstanding force generation capabilities for a motor of its size. Despite this fact, this motor has not been used in a force control scenario before and no motor models exist in the literature which can reproduce the effect of load on its performance. In this work, two dynamic motor models are developed to address the latter issue. Both of them faithfully reproduce the non-linear motor velocity decrease under load. The first model is based on an analytic approach and describes the low-level frictional interactions between the legs and the ceramic bar by means of several physically meaningful assumptions. This analytic model explains several non-linear phenomena in the operation of the walking motor within the full bandwidth of its rated operation. Non-linear influences due to the impact dynamics of the legs, ferroelectric hysteresis and friction are identified in the motor and new insights for an improved motor design as well as an improved motor-drive strategy gained. Moreover, the analytic model finds its application in a theoretical investigation of an alternative motor-drive strategy which is based on findings in insect walking. Specifically, it is shown that the performance of the motor can be improved by a half in terms of its force generation and doubled in terms of its maximal velocity, as compared to classical drive approaches, if the bioinspired drive strategy as proposed in this work is used. The second model is based on an experimental approach and system identification. Although less general, the second model is well-suited for a practical application in a force-control scenario. In particular, the experimental model is used in this work for the development of a load compensation strategy based on force feedback which restores the linearity of motor operation for moderate levels of loading. Based on the linearized motor model, a force controller is developed whose performance is evaluated both theoretically and experimentally. The developed force controller is also used in a bioinspired control scenario. Specifically, two walking motors together with their force controllers are employed in a 1-DOF antagonistic joint as force generators. The motors are supposed to partially mimic the functionality of a muscle based on the non-linear force-length relation as derived by Hill. A simple positioning task shows the feasibility of this kind of non-standard application of a piezoelectric motor. Beside the development of motor models and bioinspired control approaches, this work addresses the issue of drive-signal generation for the walking motor. Specifically, the development of motor-drive electronics is presented which supersedes the commercially available products due to its compactness and the possibility of waveform generation at much higher drive frequencies, above 50 kHz, as compared to the nominal limit of 3 kHz and commercial products. In this context, the possibility of motor operation at ultrasonic frequencies is discussed which would benefit the motor in terms of its speed and the absence of audible noises