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Design and Optimization of a New Compliant Rotary Positioning Stage with Constant Output Torque

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Abstract

This paper presents the design, optimization, and experimental testing of a new compliant rotary positioning stage with constant torque output. The constant-torque rotary stage is devised based on flexure-based zero-stiffness beams. It exhibits a simpler structure than existing works and is easier to fabricate. Based on the principle of zero-stiffness beam, the dominant parameters are determined by introducing an optimization algorithm. The performance of the rotary stage is verified by executing finite element analysis (FEA) simulation study, which predicts that the designed stage caters for the desired objective. A prototype rotary stage is fabricated by 3D printer for rapid prototyping. Experimental studies are carried out to validate the proposed conceptual design. Repeatability test verifies the stability and feasibility of the designed constant-torque rotary stage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China

    Piyu Wang, Sijie Yang & Qingsong Xu

Authors
  1. Piyu Wang
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  2. Sijie Yang
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  3. Qingsong Xu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qingsong Xu.

Additional information

Piyu Wang Piyu Wang received the M.S. degree in electromechanical engineering at the University of Macau, Macao, China, in 2017. His research interests include design and fabrication of constant-force mechanisms.

Sijie Yang Sijie Yang received the M.S. degree in electromechanical engineering at the University of Macau, Macao, China, in 2017. His research interests include design and fabrication of microgrippers.

Qingsong Xu Qingsong Xu received the Ph.D. degrees in electromechanical engineering from the University of Macau, Macao, China, in 2008. He is currently an Associate Professor of electromechanical engineering with the University of Macau, where he directs the Smart and Micro/Nano Systems Laboratory. His current research interests include micro/nano-systems, micro/nanomechatronics, robotics and automation, smart materials and structures, and computational intelligence.

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Wang, P., Yang, S. & Xu, Q. Design and Optimization of a New Compliant Rotary Positioning Stage with Constant Output Torque. Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf. 19, 1843–1850 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-018-0213-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-018-0213-x

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