Accurate analysis models are critical for effectively utilizing elastomeric joints in miniature compliant mechanisms. This paper presents work toward the characterization and modeling of miniature elastomeric hinges. Characterization was carried out in the form of several experimental bending tests and tension tests on representative hinges in five different configurations. The modeling portion is achieved using a planar pseudo rigid body (PRB) analytical model for these hinges. A simplified planar 3-spring PRB analytical model was developed, consisting of a torsional spring, an axial spring, and another torsional spring in series. These analytical models enable the efficient exploration of large design spaces. The analytical model has been verified to within an accuracy of 3% error in pure bending, and 7% in pure tension, when compared to finite element analysis (FEA) models. Using this analytical model, a complete mechanism—a robotic leg consisting of four rigid links and four compliant hinges—has been analyzed and compared to a corresponding FEA model and a fabricated mechanism.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
November 2013
Research-Article
Characterization and Modeling of Elastomeric Joints in Miniature Compliant Mechanisms
Dana E. Vogtmann,
Dana E. Vogtmann
Graduate Research Assistant
Search for other works by this author on:
Satyandra K. Gupta,
Satyandra K. Gupta
Professor
Fellow ASME
Fellow ASME
Search for other works by this author on:
Sarah Bergbreiter
Sarah Bergbreiter
1
Assistant Professor
Mem. ASME
e-mail: sarahb@umd.edu
Institute for Systems Research,
University of Maryland,
Mem. ASME
e-mail: sarahb@umd.edu
Department of Mechanical Engineering
,Institute for Systems Research,
University of Maryland,
College Park, MD 20742
1Corresponding author.
Search for other works by this author on:
Dana E. Vogtmann
Graduate Research Assistant
Satyandra K. Gupta
Professor
Fellow ASME
Fellow ASME
Sarah Bergbreiter
Assistant Professor
Mem. ASME
e-mail: sarahb@umd.edu
Institute for Systems Research,
University of Maryland,
Mem. ASME
e-mail: sarahb@umd.edu
Department of Mechanical Engineering
,Institute for Systems Research,
University of Maryland,
College Park, MD 20742
1Corresponding author.
Contributed by the Mechanisms and Robotics Committee of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF MECHANISMS AND ROBOTICS. Manuscript received December 7, 2012; final manuscript received August 6, 2013; published online October 10, 2013. Assoc. Editor: Anupam Saxena.
J. Mechanisms Robotics. Nov 2013, 5(4): 041017 (12 pages)
Published Online: October 10, 2013
Article history
Received:
December 7, 2012
Revision Received:
August 6, 2013
Citation
Vogtmann, D. E., Gupta, S. K., and Bergbreiter, S. (October 10, 2013). "Characterization and Modeling of Elastomeric Joints in Miniature Compliant Mechanisms." ASME. J. Mechanisms Robotics. November 2013; 5(4): 041017. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4025298
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Investigation on a Class of 2D Profile Amplified Stroke Dielectric Elastomer Actuators
J. Mechanisms Robotics (March 2025)
Gait Generation of a 10-Degree-of-Freedom Humanoid Robot on Deformable Terrain Based on Spherical Inverted Pendulum Model
J. Mechanisms Robotics (February 2025)
Related Articles
Systematic Synthesis of Large Displacement Contact-Aided Monolithic Compliant Mechanisms
J. Mech. Des (January,2012)
An Experimental Study and Model Determination of the Mechanical Stiffness of Paper Folds
J. Mech. Des (April,2016)
The Stiffness Model of Leaf-Type Isosceles-Trapezoidal Flexural Pivots
J. Mech. Des (August,2008)
Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model for the Flexural Beam With an Inflection Point in Compliant Mechanisms
J. Mechanisms Robotics (June,2017)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Fatigue Analysis in the Connecting Rod of MF285 Tractor by Finite Element Method
International Conference on Advanced Computer Theory and Engineering, 4th (ICACTE 2011)
A 3D Cohesive Modelling Approach for Hydrogen Embrittlement in Welded Joints of X70 Pipeline Steel
International Hydrogen Conference (IHC 2012): Hydrogen-Materials Interactions
Sealant Stresses in Tension and Shear
Buildings Sealants: Materials, Properties, and Performance