Characterization of a series viscous actuator for use in rehabilitative robotics

In this thesis, a series viscous actuator, composed of a viscous rotary damper connected to the output of a geared electric motor, is proposed as a novel solution to the high actuator impedances encountered when using such a motor. High impedances can be undesirable when interacting with the environment or animal subjects as unexpected forces may damage already-compromised joints. A state space model for the series viscous actuator was derived and verified by measurements upon a physical system. Physical design considerations for implementing a series viscous actuator, such as the appropriate gearing ratio and damper selection, are discussed and supported using the derived model.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Wiltsie, Nicholas Eric

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Neville Hogan.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/60209

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/60209