• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2016, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (1): 26-33.doi: 10.3901/JME.2016.01.026

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Design and Research of Rack-based Variable Stiffness Actuator

WANG Wei,  LIU Lidong,  WEI Lai,  LIU Fei,  YUN Chao   

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University, Beijing 100191
  • Received:2015-02-03 Revised:2015-09-04 Online:2016-01-05 Published:2016-01-05

Abstract: Joint actuator plays an important role in improving the robot adaptability in unstructured environment and reducing energy consumption. According to the task, the rack-based variable stiffness actuator can adjust the joint stiffness in real time. The working principle of the rack-based variable stiffness actuator is elaborated and the mechanical design is presented. Through simulation and experiments, the validity of the rack-based variable stiffness actuator is proved. The rack-based variable stiffness actuator can effectively reduce the overall volume of the actuator and has a large adjustment range with short adjustment time.

Key words: flexible rack, joint actuator, robot, variable stiffness

CLC Number: