New Dynamic Modeling of Flexible-Link Robots

Abstract

This paper shows that the conventional Lagrangian modeling of flexible-link robots does not fully incorporate the bending mechanism of flexible links. The conventional link deflection model allows free link elongation in addition to link deflection; the link elongation increases as link deflection increases. The link elongation, however, causes certain degrees of modeling inaccuracy in association with the rotational motion of the links. Therefore, this paper proposes a new link deflection model, compatible with the bending mechanism of flexible links. Then a new nonlinear dynamic model is derived based on the new link deflection model, fixing the modeling inaccuracy of the conventional dynamic model.