TVIM: Thermo-Active Variable Impedance Module: Evaluating Shear-Mode Capabilities of Polycaprolactone

Fuente: arXiv
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Auteurs principaux: Exley, Trevor, Wijesundara, Rashmi, Wang, Shuopu, Moridani, Arian, Jafari, Amir
Format: Preprint
Publié: 2024
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author Exley, Trevor
Wijesundara, Rashmi
Wang, Shuopu
Moridani, Arian
Jafari, Amir
author_facet Exley, Trevor
Wijesundara, Rashmi
Wang, Shuopu
Moridani, Arian
Jafari, Amir
contents In this work, we introduce an advanced thermo-active variable impedance module which builds upon our previous innovation in thermal-based impedance adjustment for actuation systems. Our initial design harnessed the temperature-responsive, viscoelastic properties of Polycaprolactone (PCL) to modulate stiffness and damping, facilitated by integrated flexible Peltier elements. While effective, the reliance on compressing and the inherent stress relaxation characteristics of PCL led to suboptimal response times in impedance adjustments. Addressing these limitations, the current iteration of our module pivots to a novel 'shear-mode' operation. By conducting comprehensive shear rheology analyses on PCL, we have identified a configuration that eliminates the viscoelastic delay, offering a faster response with improved heat transfer efficiency. A key advantage of our module lies in its scalability and elimination of additional mechanical actuators for impedance adjustment. The compactness and efficiency of thermal actuation through Peltier elements allow for significant downsizing, making these thermal, variable impedance modules exceptionally well-suited for applications where space constraints and actuator weight are critical considerations. This development represents a significant leap forward in the design of variable impedance actuators, offering a more versatile, responsive, and compact solution for a wide range of robotic and biomechanical applications.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2403_10951
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle TVIM: Thermo-Active Variable Impedance Module: Evaluating Shear-Mode Capabilities of Polycaprolactone
Exley, Trevor
Wijesundara, Rashmi
Wang, Shuopu
Moridani, Arian
Jafari, Amir
Robotics
In this work, we introduce an advanced thermo-active variable impedance module which builds upon our previous innovation in thermal-based impedance adjustment for actuation systems. Our initial design harnessed the temperature-responsive, viscoelastic properties of Polycaprolactone (PCL) to modulate stiffness and damping, facilitated by integrated flexible Peltier elements. While effective, the reliance on compressing and the inherent stress relaxation characteristics of PCL led to suboptimal response times in impedance adjustments. Addressing these limitations, the current iteration of our module pivots to a novel 'shear-mode' operation. By conducting comprehensive shear rheology analyses on PCL, we have identified a configuration that eliminates the viscoelastic delay, offering a faster response with improved heat transfer efficiency. A key advantage of our module lies in its scalability and elimination of additional mechanical actuators for impedance adjustment. The compactness and efficiency of thermal actuation through Peltier elements allow for significant downsizing, making these thermal, variable impedance modules exceptionally well-suited for applications where space constraints and actuator weight are critical considerations. This development represents a significant leap forward in the design of variable impedance actuators, offering a more versatile, responsive, and compact solution for a wide range of robotic and biomechanical applications.
title TVIM: Thermo-Active Variable Impedance Module: Evaluating Shear-Mode Capabilities of Polycaprolactone
topic Robotics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.10951