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Open-loop Force Control of A Three-finger Gripper Through PWM Modulated Pneumatic Digital Valves
Giorgio Figliolini* and Massimo Sorli**
*(DiMSAT) Dip. di Meccanica, Strutture, Ambiente e Territorio Università di Cassino, Via G. Di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy
**Dipartimento di Meccanica Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
Received:February 7, 2000Accepted:April 11, 2000Published:August 20, 2000
Keywords:Open-loop force control, Grippers, Pneumatic digital valves, Pulse-Width-Modulation, No-linearity compensation
Abstract
This paper proposes an open-loop force control system for a three-finger gripper using small digital solenoid valves modulated using PWM (Pulse-Width-Modulation) technique. These valves are good candidates for this robotic application because of their small dimensions, low weight and cost, simple structure and easy operation by means of on/off signals. A linear model for pressure control in the pneumatic actuator's thrust chamber was developed and tested experimentally. A large dead-band was introduced in the PWM driver in order to investigate a suitable method for its correction. Good results were obtained by correcting the static characteristic curve of the three-way equivalent valve that controls the flow rate exchanged with the pneumatic cylinder thrust chamber. These results can be applied to similar solutions with larger digital valves. Gripping mechanism efficiency and the effects of friction forces were taken into account in developing the force control.
Cite this article as:G. Figliolini and M. Sorli, “Open-loop Force Control of A Three-finger Gripper Through PWM Modulated Pneumatic Digital Valves,” J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.12 No.4, pp. 480-493, 2000.Data files:
Copyright© 2000 by Fuji Technology Press Ltd. and Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. All right reserved.
