Light-weight, compact actuators capable of delivering large linear stroke based compliant structures offer interesting potential for adaptive structures and robotics given their capability to carry a load and to be geometrically scalable. Furthermore, the utilization of compliant structures replacing mechanisms and moving parts offers the possibility for reducing losses due to friction. Solid state actuators have been proposed as a means to attain such capabilities with particular success for smart systems based on piezoelectric, shape memory, and electroactive polymer materials. Despite this success, smart material systems do not concurrently offer large strokes, high blocking force and wide response bandwidth. Recently, a new class of multi-stable structures that generate large linear strokes from twisting have been introduced. Furthermore, the snap-through action characterizing the changes between stable states of multi-stable systems has been shown to be a viable mechanism for inducing controlled actuation at high rates. In this paper, the novel design of a linear actuator adapted from twisting multi-stable structures is tailored to have geometric instability that is exploited to achieve large axial strokes under the action of small deformations from a single structural component. Finite element modeling is used for analysis of the structure, where parameter studies of composite layup and structure geometry are conducted to adjust equilibrium positions and stroke length of the actuator design. Different smart actuator topologies demonstrating the ability for compliant multi-stable systems are coupled with smart materials to produce large linear deformations and wide actuation bandwidth. The herein presented unconventional design serves as a useful linear actuator, as well as a load carrying component. The introduced multi-functional light-weight load-carrying actuators relevant for aerospace and robotics applications.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2017 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems
September 18–20, 2017
Snowbird, Utah, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Aerospace Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-5826-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Design of Linear Actuators Based on Compliant Multi-Stable Structures
Aaron J. Anderson,
Aaron J. Anderson
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Search for other works by this author on:
Andres F. Arrieta
Andres F. Arrieta
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Search for other works by this author on:
Aaron J. Anderson
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Andres F. Arrieta
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Paper No:
SMASIS2017-3976, V002T04A020; 7 pages
Published Online:
November 9, 2017
Citation
Anderson, AJ, & Arrieta, AF. "Design of Linear Actuators Based on Compliant Multi-Stable Structures." Proceedings of the ASME 2017 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems. Volume 2: Modeling, Simulation and Control of Adaptive Systems; Integrated System Design and Implementation; Structural Health Monitoring. Snowbird, Utah, USA. September 18–20, 2017. V002T04A020. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SMASIS2017-3976
Download citation file:
73
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
A Systematic Approach for Designing Multifunctional Thermally Conducting Polymer Structures With Embedded Actuators
J. Mech. Des (November,2009)
Design of a Novel Long-Range Inflatable Robotic Arm: Manufacturing and Numerical Evaluation of the Joints and Actuation
J. Mechanisms Robotics (November,2013)
Systematic Synthesis of Large Displacement Contact-Aided Monolithic Compliant Mechanisms
J. Mech. Des (January,2012)
Related Chapters
Introduction and Definitions
Handbook on Stiffness & Damping in Mechanical Design
Data Tabulations
Structural Shear Joints: Analyses, Properties and Design for Repeat Loading
Design for Displacement Strains
Process Piping: The Complete Guide to ASME B31.3, Fourth Edition