This thesis is motivated by practical problems encountered in handling live products in the poultry processing industry, where live birds are manually transferred by human labors. As the task of handling live products is often unpleasant and hazardous, it is an ideal candidate for automation. To reduce the number of configurations and live birds to be tested, this thesis focuses on developing analytical models based on the Lagrange method to predict the effect of mechanical inversion on the shackled bird. Unlike prior research which focused on the effect of different inversion paths on the joint force/torque of a free-falling shackled bird, this thesis research examines the effect of kinematic constraints (designed to support the bird body) on the shackled bird. Unlike free-falling, the imposed kinematic constraints enable the shackled bird to rotate about its center of mass, and thus minimize wing flapping. In this thesis, birds are geometrically approximated as ellipsoids while the lower extremity is modeled as a pair of multi-joint serial manipulators. With the constraint equations formulated into a set of differential algebraic equations, the equations of motion as well as Lagrange multipliers characterizing kinematical constraints are numerically solved for the bird motion, specifically the position, velocity, and orientation and hence the forces and torques of the joints. The dynamic models are verified by comparing simulation results against those obtained using a finite element method. The outcomes of this thesis will provide some intuitive insights essential to design optimization of a live-bird transfer system.

Ce projet s’inscrit dans l’effort développé par l’Agence Spatiale Européenne (ESA)pour robotiser les activités extravéhiculaires à bord de la Station Spatiale Internationale et lors des futures missions d’exploration planétaire. Un aspect important de ces projets concerne le retour de force et la capacité, pour la personne qui commande les mouvements du robot, à ressentir les efforts qui lui sont appliqués. Le but est d’améliorer la qualité et l’immersion de la téléopération.<p><p>L’objectif de cette thèse est la conception d’une interface haptique de type exosquelette pour le bras, pour ces missions de téléopération à retour de force. Ce système doit permettre une commande intuitive du robot téléopéré tout en reproduisant<p>le plus fidèlement possible les efforts. <p><p>Les chapitres 2 et 3 présentent les études réalisées sur un banc de test à 1 degré de liberté, destinées à comprendre le contrôle haptique ainsi qu’à évaluer différentes technologies d’actionnements et de capteurs. Les principales méthodes de contrôle sont décrites théoriquement et comparées en pratique sur le banc de test. Les<p>chapitres 4 et 5 décrivent le développement de l’exosquelette SAM destiné aux futures applications de téléopération spatiale. La conception cinématique, le choix des actionneurs et des capteurs sont décrits. Différentes méthodes de contrôle sont également comparées avec des expériences de réalité virtuelle (sans robot esclave) et de téléopération. Pour finir, le chapitre 6 présente le projet EXOSTATION, un démonstrateur de téléopération haptique spatiale, dans lequel SAM est utilisé comme interface maître. / Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP); FINEP; Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT) / Este trabalho consiste no desenvolvimento de um sistema estabilizador da adesão de um robô escalador com rodas magnéticas. O projeto deste robô surge da necessidade em automatizar o processo de inspeção de tanques de armazenamento de derivados de petróleo, o qual e atualmente realizado de modo manual. O robô vem sendo desenvolvido no Laboratório de Automação e Sistemas de Controle Avençado (LASCA) da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR). Primeiramente foi realizada uma análise teórica completa do protótipo, englobando um estudo da estrutura do robô, seus requisitos e as análises de cinemática e dinâmica. Realizou-se então um estudo das rodas magnéticas do robô e das características do campo magnético enquanto ocorre descolamento da roda em superfícies ferromagnéticas. Os dados do campo magnético são adquiridos por meio do magnetômetro presente na unidade de navegação inercial do robô. Implementou-se então uma rede neural artificial do tipo Perceptron Multi-Camadas com o intuito de interpretar os dados do campo magnético e estimar a forca de adesão entre o robô e a superfície. Por fim a quantificação da forca de adesão e utilizada para implementar um sistema de controle de adesão para o robô escalador. / This work consists in the design of an adhesion stabilization system of a climbing robot with magnetic wheels. The robot’s design comes from the need to automatize the inspection process of industrial storage tanks for petroleum products, which is currently performed manually. The robot is being developed in the Laboratory of Automation and Advanced Control Systems (LASCA) of the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR). First, a complete a theoretical analysis of the prototype was carried out including a study of the robot’s structure, its requirements and the kinematics and dynamics analyses. Then, a study of the robot’s magnetic wheels and the characteristics of the magnetic field in the occurancy of detachment between the magnetic wheel and the ferro-magnetic surfaces was carried out. The magnetic field data is acquired through the magnetometer of the inertial measurement unit sensor of the robot. Then a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network was implemented in order to interpret the magnetic field data and estimate the adhesion force between robot and surface. Finally the adhesion force quantification is used to implement an adhesion control system for the robot.

Orientador: Paulo Roberto Gardel Kurka / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T11:40:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Izuka_JaimeHideo_D.pdf: 4550690 bytes, checksum: d283c500cecbc7a038784ba35f0f73df (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: A utilização de braços manipuladores flexíveis em veículos de exploração foi o motivador deste trabalho. Estas estruturas têm como vantagens a sua massa reduzida e a capacidade de suportar grandes deformações sem que o limite de elasticidade seja excedido. O controle das vibrações de sua extremidade livre é essencial para uma aplicação prática. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo a determinação de um modelo dinâmico para uma estrutura longa e flexível, visando o seu controle de vibração. A estrutura considerada possui seção variável, semelhante a uma viga telescópica. Considera-se ainda que a estrutura esteja sujeita a uma grande deformação causada pelas ações de tendão de tração, peso próprio e cargas concentradas. O modelo dinâmico consiste na adaptação de uma malha de elementos finitos de baixa ordem à configuração da linha de deformação estática da viga. A vibração a ser controlada consiste das pequenas oscilações que ocorrem em torno da posição de equilíbrio da viga deformada. O modelo dinâmico encontrado para a estrutura é utilizado no projeto de um controlador de vibrações, ativado por forças exercidas no tendão de tração, responsável pela deformação estática da própria viga. Comparações com a literatura, bem como resultados experimentais comprovam a validade do modelo empregado para a caracterização do sistema. Simulações numéricas mostram o sucesso de uso do modelo no projeto de um controlador ativo de vibrações / Abstract: The use of flexible manipulator arms in exploration vehicles was the motivation of this work. The advantages of such structures are their light weight and the capability to withstand large displacements without exceeding their specified elastic limit. The control of vibrations of its free end is essential for a practical application. In this context, the objective of this study is to determine a dynamic model for a long and flexible structure, aiming its vibration control. The structure has a variable section, similar to a telescopic beam. Large deformation behavior of the structure is considered. Concentrated loads, self-weight of the structure and tendon traction are the loads applied to the structure. The model dynamics is described by a low order finite element mesh, which is adapted to the geometry defined by the static deformation of the beam. The vibrations to be controlled are the small oscillations about the equilibrium position of the deformed beam. The dynamic model found for the structure is applied to design an active vibration controller. The controller forces are applied though the tendon traction cables, which is also responsible for the static deformation of the beam itself. Comparison with literature as well as experimental results prove the validity of the model used to characterize the system. Numerical simulations show the success of using the model in the design of an active vibration controller / Doutorado / Mecanica dos Sólidos e Projeto Mecanico / Doutor em Engenharia Mecânica

This thesis presents an investigation of the modelling and optimal design of a particular 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) XYθz micro-motion stage. This stage provides micron-scale motion in X and Y directions and a rotation about the Z-axis. Such a stage can be used for applications where positioning of components with micrometre, or even nanometre positioning accuracy is required. Some applications are; the positioning of samples in a scanning-electron-microscope; the positioning of masks in lithography; aligning fibre-optics and lasers; and manipulation of micro-scale objects in micro-biology or micro-systems assembly. The XYθz micro-motion stage investigated in this study uses a particular topology of monolithic compliant mechanism and three stack piezoelectric actuators. The compliant mechanism used is a 3RRR (three revolute-revolute-revolute) parallel compliant mechanism using flexure hinges. This parallel mechanism uses three RRR linkages. Each of the three RRR linkages uses three circular profile flexure hinges. Each flexure hinge provides predominantly rotational motion about one axis. This topology of mechanism has a symmetrical structure and provides numerous advantages that make it appropriate for use in a micro-motion stage. However, as yet this topology of compliant mechanism has only been investigated by a handful of researchers and it has not been used in any commercially developed systems. The design methodology of a stage using the 3RRR compliant mechanism has not been investigated in detail. In this thesis a study is presented that investigates different approaches to model the 3RRR compliant mechanism and also considers the piezo-actuator modelling, to give the complete XYθz micro-motion stage. Three models are presented and compared; the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM); a two-dimensional Finite-Element-Model (2-D FEM); and a third model is developed that is similar to the PRBM, but uses analytical equations to model the multiple degree-of-freedom compliance of the flexure hinges. The models developed are then used in parametric study so that the relationship between design parameters and output behaviour can be understood. An optimal design approach is then presented to develop an XYθz micro-motion stage for a particular application in a Scanning-Electron-Microscope (SEM). Finally experimental validation of the models is presented. The results of this study indicate which modelling approaches are accurate enough to prove useful for design, while also considering which models are computationally simple enough to be efficient and easy to use. The kinematic and dynamic behaviour of the 3RRR compliant mechanism and XYθz micro-motion stage is discussed in detail. This includes; a comprehensive description of the stage workspace, defining reachable and constant-rotation workspace areas; a discussion of actuator coupling; and in depth investigation of the modes of vibration. The results of the parametric study provide useful insight to aid the design of the XYz micro-motion stage and help simplify optimal design. The parametric study also highlights the difference in trends predicted by different modelling methods, which demonstrates the importance of using an appropriate model in design. The experimental validation demonstrates the accuracy of some modelling approaches while highlighting the limited accuracy of others. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1272186 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Mechanical Engineering, 2007

This thesis presents an investigation of the modelling and optimal design of a particular 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) XYθz micro-motion stage. This stage provides micron-scale motion in X and Y directions and a rotation about the Z-axis. Such a stage can be used for applications where positioning of components with micrometre, or even nanometre positioning accuracy is required. Some applications are; the positioning of samples in a scanning-electron-microscope; the positioning of masks in lithography; aligning fibre-optics and lasers; and manipulation of micro-scale objects in micro-biology or micro-systems assembly. The XYθz micro-motion stage investigated in this study uses a particular topology of monolithic compliant mechanism and three stack piezoelectric actuators. The compliant mechanism used is a 3RRR (three revolute-revolute-revolute) parallel compliant mechanism using flexure hinges. This parallel mechanism uses three RRR linkages. Each of the three RRR linkages uses three circular profile flexure hinges. Each flexure hinge provides predominantly rotational motion about one axis. This topology of mechanism has a symmetrical structure and provides numerous advantages that make it appropriate for use in a micro-motion stage. However, as yet this topology of compliant mechanism has only been investigated by a handful of researchers and it has not been used in any commercially developed systems. The design methodology of a stage using the 3RRR compliant mechanism has not been investigated in detail. In this thesis a study is presented that investigates different approaches to model the 3RRR compliant mechanism and also considers the piezo-actuator modelling, to give the complete XYθz micro-motion stage. Three models are presented and compared; the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM); a two-dimensional Finite-Element-Model (2-D FEM); and a third model is developed that is similar to the PRBM, but uses analytical equations to model the multiple degree-of-freedom compliance of the flexure hinges. The models developed are then used in parametric study so that the relationship between design parameters and output behaviour can be understood. An optimal design approach is then presented to develop an XYθz micro-motion stage for a particular application in a Scanning-Electron-Microscope (SEM). Finally experimental validation of the models is presented. The results of this study indicate which modelling approaches are accurate enough to prove useful for design, while also considering which models are computationally simple enough to be efficient and easy to use. The kinematic and dynamic behaviour of the 3RRR compliant mechanism and XYθz micro-motion stage is discussed in detail. This includes; a comprehensive description of the stage workspace, defining reachable and constant-rotation workspace areas; a discussion of actuator coupling; and in depth investigation of the modes of vibration. The results of the parametric study provide useful insight to aid the design of the XYz micro-motion stage and help simplify optimal design. The parametric study also highlights the difference in trends predicted by different modelling methods, which demonstrates the importance of using an appropriate model in design. The experimental validation demonstrates the accuracy of some modelling approaches while highlighting the limited accuracy of others. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1272186 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Mechanical Engineering, 2007

Cable-actuated manipulators (or 'cable robots') constitute a relatively new classification of robots which use motors, located at fixed remote locations, to manipulate an end-effector by extending or retracting cables. These manipulators possess a number of unique properties which make them proficient with tasks involving high payloads, large workspaces, and dangerous or contaminated environments. However, a number of challenges exist which have limited the mainstream emergence of cable robots. This thesis addresses two of the most important of these issues-- workspace analysis and disturbance compensation. Workspace issues are particularly important, as many large-scale applications require the end-effector to operate in regions of a particular shape, and to exert certain minimum forces throughout those regions. The 'Force-Feasible Workspace' represents the set of end-effector positions, for a given robot design, for which the robot can exert a set of required forces on its environment. This can be considered as the robot's 'usable' workspace, and an analysis of this workspace shape for point-mass cable robots is therefore presented to facilitate optimal cable robot design. Numerical simulation results are also presented to validate the analytical results, and to aid visualization of certain complex workspace shapes. Some cable robot applications may require mounting motors to moving bases (i.e. mobile robots) or other surfaces which are subject to disturbances (i.e. helicopters or crane arms). Such disturbances can propagate to the end-effector and cause undesired motion, so the rejection of motor mount disturbances is also of interest. This thesis presents a strategy for measuring these disturbances and compensating for them. General approaches and implementation issues are explored qualitatively with a simple one-degree-of-freedom prototype (including a strategy for mitigating accelerometer drift), and quantitative simulation results are presented as a proof of concept.