Modeling of a Cable-Based Revolute Joint Using Biphasic Media Variable Stiffness Actuation

In recent times, safe interactions between humans and robots are required for innumerable tasks and environments. This safety can be achieved using compliance design and control of mechanisms. Cable-driven mechanisms are used when applications need to have light structures, meaning that their actuators must be relocated to ground and forces are transferred along tensioned cables. This paper presents a compliant cable-driven revolute joint using biphasic media variable stiffness actuators. Actuator's stiffness is controlled by changing pressure of control fluid into distribution lines. The used control fluid is biphasic, composed of separated gas and liquid fractions with predefined ratio. The mathematical model of the actuator is presented along with its position and stiffness model-based control, then, equations relating to the dynamics of the mechanism are provided with a joint stiffness and orientation controller. Results from simulations are discussed.