Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Design and Fabrication of an Elastomeric Unit for Soft Modular Robots in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Published on: November 14, 2015
Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of Flexible-Joint Robots with Clearance
Jing Wang1, Shisheng Zhou1,2, Jimei Wu1,2
1School of Mechanical and Precision Instrument Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China.
Abstract:
The coupling effects of flexible joints and clearance on the dynamics of a robotic system were investigated. A numerical analysis was undertaken to reveal the coupling effects between flexible joints and clearance. The nonlinear spring-damping model and Coulomb model were applied to characterize the contact characteristics of the clearance, and a model for the flexible joint was formulated using the equivalent spring theory. An accurate robot model was established based on the clearance and joint flexibility characterization. The dynamic equation of a robot was obtained according to the Newton-Euler method. A comparative analysis was performed to assess the impacts of both the joint action of clearance and flexible joints and varying joint clearance values on the performance of the robot. The results showed that the coupling effects of flexible joints and clearance had a negative impact on the system dynamic performance. The amplitudes of the dynamic responses caused by the clearance are weakened by the flexible joint, but it leads to the lag of the system response. This study served as the theoretical foundation for exploring precise control techniques in robotics research.
Related Concept Videos
Method of Joints: Problem Solving II
Virtual Work for a System of Connected Rigid Bodies
Next,...
Three-Dimensional Force System:Problem Solving
To solve a three-dimensional force system, first resolve each force into its respective scalar components. Do this using...
Method of Joints: Problem Solving I
Free-body Diagrams: Problem Solving
For example, consider a block with a mass of 10 kg released on an inclined plane at an angle of 30° to the horizontal, where...
One-Degree-of-Freedom System
A one-degree-of-freedom system is defined by an independent variable that determines its state and behavior. One example of a one-degree-of-freedom system is a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a...

