A novel flexure-based microgripper with double amplification mechanisms for micro/nano manipulation

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Robotics

Background:

• Micro/nano manipulation requires precise tools like microgrippers.
• Piezoelectric actuators often have limited displacement, hindering microgripper performance.
• Existing microgrippers struggle to balance large displacement with high resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, model, and test a novel flexure-based microgripper.
• To achieve large jaw displacement and high resolution for micro/nano manipulation.
• To overcome the limitations of piezoelectric actuators in microgrippers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a series arrangement of Scott-Russell and leverage mechanisms for double amplification.
• Employed the pseudo-rigid body model approach for mechanical performance analysis.
• Conducted finite element analysis (FEA) for performance evaluation and model validation.

Main Results:

• Developed a prototype microgripper capable of handling various micro-objects.
• Achieved a maximum jaw displacement of 134 μm.
• Obtained a high amplification ratio of 15.5.

Conclusions:

• The novel flexure-based microgripper effectively addresses the need for large displacement and high resolution in micro/nano manipulation.
• The integrated double amplification mechanism successfully overcomes piezoelectric actuator limitations.
• The design is validated through modeling and experimental testing, paving the way for optimized microgripper designs.