Variable Curvature Modeling Method of Soft Continuum Robots with Constraints

The inherent compliance of continuum robots holds great promise in the fields of soft manipulation and safe human–robot interaction.This compliance reduces the risk of damage to the manipulated object and its surroundings.However,continuum robots possess theoretically infinite degrees of freedom,and this high flexibility usually leads to complex deformations when subjected to external forces and positional constraints.Describing these complex deformations is the main challenge in modeling continuum robots.In this study,we investigated a novel variable curvature modeling method for continuum robots,considering external forces and positional constraints.The robot configuration curve is described using the developed mechanical model,and then the robot is fitted to the curve.A ten-section continuum robot prototype with a length of 1 m was developed in order to validate the model.The feasibility and accuracy of the model were verified by the ability of the robot to reach target points and track complex trajectories with a load.This work was able to serve as a new perspective for the design analysis and motion control of continuum robots.

Exact Solutions and Mode Transition for Out-of-Plane Vibrations of Non-uniform Beams with Variable Curvature

The two coupled governing differential equations for the out-of-plane vibrations of non-uniform beams with variable curvature are derived via the Hamilton’s principle.These equations are expressed in terms of flexural and torsional displacements simultaneously.In this study,the analytical method is proposed.Firstly,two physical parameters are introduced to simplify the analysis.One derives the explicit relations between the flexural and the torsional displacements which can also be used to reduce the difficulty in experimental measurements.Based on the relation,the two governing characteristic differential equations with variable coefficients can be uncoupled into a sixth-order ordinary differential equation in terms of the flexural displacement only.When the material and geometric properties of the beam are in arbitrary polynomial forms,the exact solutions with regard to the outof-plane vibrations of non-uniform beams with variable curvature can be obtained by the recurrence formula.In addition,the mode transition mechanism is revealed and the influence of several parameters on the vibration of the non-uniform beam with variable curvature is explored.

Seismic performance evaluation of VCFPB isolated storage tank using real-time hybrid simulation

Variable curvature friction pendulum bearings(VCFPB)effectively reduce the dynamic response of storage tanks induced by earthquakes.Shaking table testing is used to assess the seismic performance of VCFPB isolated storage tanks.However,the vertical pressure and friction coefficient of the scaled VCFPB in the shaking table tests cannot match the equivalent values of these parameters in the prototype.To avoid this drawback,a real-time hybrid simulation(RTHS)test was developed.Using RTHS testing,a 1/8 scaled tank isolated by VCFPB was tested.The experimental results showed that the displacement dynamic magnification factor of VCFPB,peak reduction factors of the acceleration,shear force,and overturning moment at bottom of the tank,were negative exponential functions of the ratio of peak ground acceleration(PGA)and friction coefficient.The peak reduction factors of displacement,acceleration,force and overturning moment,which were obtained from the experimental results,are compared with those calculated by the Housner model.It can be concluded that the Housner model is applicable in estimation of the acceleration,shear force,and overturning moment of liquid storage tank,but not for the sliding displacement of VCFPBs.

Stretch bending defect control of L-section SUS301L stainless-steel components with variable contour curvatures

The stretch bending of L-section variable-curvature SUS301L stainless-steel roof bending beams for metro vehicles was numerically simulated.The causes of defects such as wrinkling,section distortion,and poor contour accuracy were analysed,and the corresponding control methods were proposed.The simulation results demonstrated that wrinkling in the small-arc segment could be eliminated by setting the die clearance and adjusting the elongation reasonably.Owing to the sidewall shrinkage of the profile in the process of stretch bending,the die groove depth was correspondingly reduced.Each section of the profile was effectively supported by the bottom of the die groove,and the section distortion could be controlled.Springback was the main reason for the poor contour accuracy,which could be compensated by modifying the die surface based on the springback value.Using the above defect control methods,forming experiments were performed on a new type of stretch bending die with variable die clearance and groove depth developed in this work.Finally,high-quality components were obtained,which verified the efficacy of the defect control methods.