A neutrally stable quasi-compliant spherical joint with a remote center of rotation

Conference paper (2022)

Authors

G. Radaelli Mechatronic Systems Design - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
J.L. Herder Precision and Microsystems Engineering
Research Group
Mechatronic Systems Design (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Precision and Microsystems Engineering

Research Group

Mechatronic Systems Design

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a compliant spherical joint which is neutrally stable in two DoF and has a remote center of rotation. Such a joint can be used, for example, as an exoskeleton’s shoulder joint. The foundation of this paper lies in previous work that has succeeded in designing a compliant spherical joint with a remote center of rotation, but without neutral stability. The existing joint is simulated and its energy properties are analysed. Thereafter it is adapted and optimized for an axi-symmetrical energy field. A spring is introduced to the joint and optimized such that the combined energy field of both spring and joint, is neutrally stable. Experimental verification of the simulation was achieved with a prototype for which a moment reduction of 83.69% was achieved through the addition of the spring.