A force–torque sensor based on a Stewart Platform in a near-singular configuration

Ranganath, R and Nair, PS and Mruthyunjaya, TS and Ghosal, A (2004) A force–torque sensor based on a Stewart Platform in a near-singular configuration. In: Mechanism and Machine Theory, 39 (9). pp. 971-998.

PDF sdarticle.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (924Kb) | Request a copy

Abstract

It is well known that a parallel mechanism at a singular configuration can gain one or more degrees of freedom instantaneously, and at such a configuration it cannot resist externally applied force/torque along certain directions. At near-singular configurations, small applied force/torque in a certain specific direction can give rise to large forces in the links, thereby resulting in mechanical magnification in link forces. This key idea is used, with a Stewart Platform, in a near-singular configuration, to design a directionally sensitive force–torque sensor. The concept of near-singular configuration and magnification is developed analytically and numerically with the help of a simple planar truss with rotary and flexure joints. A finite element analysis shows that a properly designed flexure joint approximates a rotary joint reasonably well, thus avoiding friction and non-linearities associated with rotary joints. The concept of force magnification and flexural joints is next extended to a Stewart Platform at a near-singular configuration. It is verified, using finite element analysis, that the Stewart Platform at a near-singular configuration with flexural hinges shows large forces in the legs for small external forces and torques applied in certain directions, and thus can be a good design for a highly sensitive force–torque sensor for certain components of applied force/torque. It is also shown, from a singularity analysis of the Stewart Platform, that sensitivity to other components of external force/torque can be obtained by using different near-singular configurations. The theoretical concepts are demonstrated with a prototype sensor which is sensitive to two components of the externally applied force and one component of the externally applied moment.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords:	Stewart Platform;Singular configurations;Force–torque sensor;Flexure hinges
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	23 Nov 2007
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:31
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ernet.in/id/eprint/8294

Actions (login required)

View Item