A new prismatic series elastic actuator with compact size and high performance

Abstract

This paper discusses design and control of a prismatic series elastic actuator with high mechanical power output in a small and lightweight form factor. We introduce a design that pushes the performance boundary of electric series elastic actuators by using high motor voltage coupled with an efficient drivetrain to enable large continuous actuator force while retaining speed. Compact size is achieved through the use of a novel piston-style ball screw support mechanism and a concentrically placed compliant element. We develop controllers for force and position tracking based on combinations of PID, model-based, and disturbance observer control structures. Finally, we demonstrate our actuator's performance with a series of experiments designed to operate the actuator at the limits of its mechanical and control capability. © 2012 IEEE.