Modeling and analysis of hysteresis using the Maxwell-slip model for variable stiffness actuators

Hysteresis non-linearity in variable stiffness actuators(VSAs)causes significant torque errors and reduces the stability of the actuators,leading to poor human–computer interaction performance.At present,fewer hysteresis compensation models have been developed for compliant drives,so it is necessary to establish a suitable hysteresis model for compliant actuators.In this work,a new model with a combination of the Maxwell-slip model and virtual deformation is proposed and applied to an elbow compliant actuator.The method divides the periodic variation of the actuator into three parts:an ascending phase,a descending phase,and a transition phase.Based on the concept of virtual deformation,the nonlinear hysteresis curve is transformed into a polyline,and the output torque is estimated using the revised Maxwell-slip model.The simulation results are compared with the experimental data.Its torque error is controlled within 0.2Nm,which validates the model.An inverse model is finally established to calculate the deformation deflection angle for hysteresis compensation.The results show that the inverse model has high accuracy,and the deformation deflection is less than 0.15 rad.

New nonlinear stiffness actuator with predefined torque‒deflection profile

A nonlinear stiffness actuator(NSA)could achieve high torque/force resolution in low stiffness range and high bandwidth in high stiffness range,both of which are beneficial for physical interaction between a robot and the environment.Currently,most of NSAs are complex and hardly used for engineering.In this paper,oriented to engineering applications,a new simple NSA was proposed,mainly including leaf springs and especially designed cams,which could perform a predefined relationship between torque and deflection.The new NSA has a compact structure,and it is lightweight,both of which are also beneficial for its practical application.An analytical methodology that maps the predefined relationship between torque and deflection to the profile of the cam was developed.The optimal parameters of the structure were given by analyzing the weight of the NSA and the mechanic characteristic of the leaf spring.Though sliding friction force is inevitable because no rollers were used in the cam-based mechanism,the sliding displacement between the cam and the leaf spring is very small,and consumption of sliding friction force is very low.Simulations of different torque‒deflection profiles were carried out to verify the accuracy and applicability of performing predefined torque‒deflection profiles.Three kinds of prototype experiments,including verification experiment of the predefined torque‒deflection profile,torque tracking experiment,and position tracking experiment under different loads,were conducted.The results prove the accuracy of performing the predefined torque‒deflection profile,the tracking performance,and the interactive performance of the new NSA.