Clutched elastic actuators

Journal article (2017)

Authors

M.C. Plooij Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

W.J. Wolfslag Learning & Autonomous Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

M. Wisse Robot Dynamics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Research Group

OLD Biorobotics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TMECH.2017.2657224

Springs Energy consumption Actuators Mechanical energy Robot dynamics

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Published Date

2017

Language

English

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Research Group

OLD Biorobotics

Abstract

This paper identifies the class of actuators called clutched elastic actuators (CEAs). CEAs use clutches to control the energy flow into springs. CEAs in exoskeletons, prostheses, legged robots, and robotic arms have shown the ability to reduce the energy consumption and motor requirements, such as peak torque and peak power. Because of those abilities, they are increasingly used in robotics. In this paper, we categorize existing CEA designs, identify trends in those designs, and provide a method to analyze their functionality. Based on a literature survey, current CEA designs are placed in nine categories, depending on their morphology. The main trend is that CEA designs are becoming more complex, meaning that the number of clutches and springs increases. We show with the introduced mathematical analysis that the functionality can be analyzed with a constraint matrix, a stiffness matrix, and multiplication of a clutch-dependent diagonal matrix with an oriented incidence matrix. This method eases the analysis of the functionality of CEAs. Furthermore, it can lead to new CEA designs in which the number of resulting stiffnesses grows exponentially with the number of springs and clutches.

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