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Published on: August 2, 2016
Development of novel hybrid flexure-based microgrippers for precision micro-object manipulation
Mohd Nashrul Mohd Zubir1, Bijan Shirinzadeh, Yanling Tian
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics Research Laboratory, Monash University, 3800 Clayton, Victoria, Australia. nashrul.zubir@eng.monash.edu.au
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|July 2, 2009
Summary
This study presents a novel microgripper design using flexure-based hinges for precise micro-object manipulation. The compliant mechanism achieves high amplification and a 100-micrometer stroke, validated through experimental and computational analysis.
Area of Science:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Conventional microgrippers often suffer from nonlinearities due to rigid hinges.
- Achieving high precision and fidelity in micro-object manipulation remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microgripper with enhanced precision and fidelity.
- To investigate a novel hybrid compliant structure for microgripper mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pseudorigid body model and finite element analysis for expedited prototyping.
- Fabricated the microgripper using wire electrodischarge machining from aluminum alloy (Al 7075T6).
- Integrated cantilever beam and flexural hinge configurations into a hybrid compliant structure.
Main Results:
- The developed microgripper exhibits high compliance, aligning well with computational predictions.
- Demonstrated a high amplification characteristic.
- Achieved a maximum operational stroke of 100 micrometers.
Conclusions:
- The novel hybrid compliant structure effectively harnesses advantages while mitigating limitations of individual configurations.
- The flexure-based design eliminates nonlinearities associated with conventional rigid hinges.
- The microgripper offers high performance for precise micro-manipulation tasks.
