@inproceedings{SchorrBoehmZentneretal., author = {Schorr, Philipp and B{\"o}hm, Valter and Zentner, Lena and Zimmermann, Klaus}, title = {Dynamical Investigation of Crawling Motion System based on a Multistable Tensegrity Structure}, series = {Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics : Porto, Portugal, 29.07.2018 - 31.07.2018}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics : Porto, Portugal, 29.07.2018 - 31.07.2018}, publisher = {SCITEPRESS}, isbn = {978-989-758-321-6}, doi = {10.5220/0006852701220130}, pages = {122 -- 130}, abstract = {The basic idea of this article is the utilization of the multistable character of a compliant tensegrity structure to control the direction of motion of a crawling motion system. A crawling motion system basing on a two-dimensional tensegrity structure with multiple stable equilibrium states is considered. This system is in contact with a horizontal plane due to gravity. For a selected harmonic actuation of the system small oscillations around the given equilibrium state of the tensegrity structure occur and the corresponding uniaxial motion of the system is evaluated. A change of the equilibrium state of the tensegrity structure yields to novel configuration of the entire system. Moreover, the motion behavior of the novel configuration is totally different although the actuation strategy is not varied. In particular, the direction of motion changes. Therefore, this approach enables a uniaxial bidirectional crawling motion with a controllable direction of motion using only one actuat or with a selected excitation frequency.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BoehmSchorrSchaleetal., author = {B{\"o}hm, Valter and Schorr, Philipp and Schale, Florian and Kaufhold, Tobias and Zentner, Lena and Zimmermann, Klaus}, title = {Worm-Like Mobile Robot Based on a Tensegrity Structure}, series = {2021 IEEE 4th International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft): 2.04.2021 - 16.04.2021, New Haven, CT, USA}, booktitle = {2021 IEEE 4th International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft): 2.04.2021 - 16.04.2021, New Haven, CT, USA}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-7281-7713-7}, doi = {10.1109/robosoft51838.2021.9479193}, pages = {358 -- 363}, abstract = {This work presents a novel concept to develop mobile robots enabling crawling locomotion in tubular environment. Chain-like systems are designed by serial cascading a uniform tensegrity module. Inspired by the movement of worms in nature, an undulating shape change of the system is targeted to generate locomotion. The shape changeability of an exemplary tensegrity module due to internal actuation is examined in simulations and experiments. A prototype consisting of these tensegrity modules is manufactured and the locomotion principle is verified in experiments. Comparing to existing prototypes this approach enables an enhanced compliance due to the modular assembly of tensegrity structures.}, language = {en} } @article{SchorrBoehmZentneretal., author = {Schorr, Philipp and B{\"o}hm, Valter and Zentner, Lena and Zimmermann, Klaus}, title = {Motion characteristics of a vibration driven mobile tensegrity structure with multiple stable equilibrium states}, series = {Journal of Sound and Vibration}, volume = {437}, journal = {Journal of Sound and Vibration}, number = {December}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.jsv.2018.09.019}, pages = {198 -- 208}, abstract = {A novel type of a vibration driven motion system based on a compliant tensegrity structure with multiple stable equilibrium states is considered. These equilibrium configurations correspond to different prestress states with different dynamical properties. Therefore, the motion characteristics can be varied by changing the equilibrium state. For the application in the fields of mobile robotics, these discrete adjustable dynamics are advantageous. The vibration modes of the structure as well as the corresponding motion characteristics of the system can be adapted to the given environmental conditions in order to ensure a reliable motion. In this paper, dynamical investigations of an exemplary two-dimensional multistable tensegrity structure are considered. For the chosen parameter values the structure features two relevant equilibrium configurations. The resulting motion system is in contact to a horizontal plane due to gravity and the actuation is realized by the harmonic variation of the length of a single tensioned member. The motion of the system is simulated for various actuation frequencies with the different equilibrium states as an initial configuration. A uniaxial or a planar movement occurs depending on the selection of the actuated member within the tensegrity structure. The steady state motion is evaluated regarding motion characteristics like the steady state velocity. Moreover, the influences on the motion behavior caused by the different equilibrium states as an initial condition are emphasized. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchaefferHerrmannBoehm, author = {Schaeffer, Leon and Herrmann, David and B{\"o}hm, Valter}, title = {Concept of a wrist Hand Orthosis based on a prestressed compliant structure}, series = {Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Applications (ICBEA), Hangzhou, China, 21-23 April 2023}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Applications (ICBEA), Hangzhou, China, 21-23 April 2023}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/ICBEA58866.2023.00024}, pages = {98 -- 103}, abstract = {In the treatment of hand injuries in the context of orthopedic care, movable wrist hand orthoses are used in numerous instances. Early motion therapy is in most cases advantageous for adequate, rapid and successful long-term healing of the hand. Conventional dynamic wrist hand orthoses can only be used for movement therapy to a limited extent since they represent the wrist as a simple rotating joint and neglect the complexity of the hand movement possibilities. In this paper, a preliminary concept for dynamic wrist hand orthoses based on prestressed compliant structures is presented. The distinctive feature of this concept lies in the enabling of multiaxial motion capabilities of the human hand without applying conventional joints. According to the concept the wrist region is surrounded by a prestressed compliant structure. Besides the derivation and description of the concept, a first three-dimensional computer-aided design is shown. Additionally, the necessary steps in the development of such a novel dynamic wrist orthosis are discussed.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchorrEbnetZimmermannetal., author = {Schorr, Philipp and Ebnet, Markus and Zimmermann, Klaus and B{\"o}hm, Valter}, title = {Dynamic Investigation of a Rolling Locomotion System Based on a Tensegrity Structure with Spatially Curved Compressed Members}, series = {Perspectives in Dynamical Systems I Applications : DSTA Ł{\´o}d{\'{z}} Poland December 6 - 9 2021. - (Springer Proceedings in Mathematics \& Statistics ; Bd. 453)}, booktitle = {Perspectives in Dynamical Systems I Applications : DSTA Ł{\´o}d{\'{z}} Poland December 6 - 9 2021. - (Springer Proceedings in Mathematics \& Statistics ; Bd. 453)}, editor = {Awrejcewicz, Jan}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-56491-8}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-56492-5_32}, pages = {437 -- 449}, abstract = {In this paper a compliant tensegrity structure based on spatially curved compressed members is presented. Due to an internal variation of the prestress state the shape of the structure can be controlled. In particular, a modification of a cylindrical outer shape to a conical form is achieved. Regarding to the applications in mobile robotics this approach enables a steerable two-dimensional rolling locomotion system. Beside the consideration of the underlying non-holonomic constraints a simplified mechanical model an the corresponding equations of motion are derived for a predefined actuation principle. Various numerical simulations are evaluated focusing on the corresponding locomotion behavior. Based on these results a reliable actuation strategy to navigate in two dimensions is proposed.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HerrmannSchaefferLehmannetal., author = {Herrmann, David and Schaeffer, Leon and Lehmann, Lukas and Busch, Tobias and B{\"o}hm, Valter}, title = {Preliminary Theoretical Considerations on 2D Multistable Tensegrity Structures Based on Equilateral Triangles}, series = {New trends in mechanism and machine science: Proceedings of EuCoMeS 2024}, booktitle = {New trends in mechanism and machine science: Proceedings of EuCoMeS 2024}, editor = {Rosati, Giulio and Gasparetto, Alessandro and Ceccarelli, Marco}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {978-3-031-67294-1}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-67295-8_21}, pages = {183 -- 191}, language = {en} } @article{ChavezVegaBoehmBeckeretal., author = {Chavez Vega, Jhohan Harvey and B{\"o}hm, Valter and Becker, Tatiana I. and Gast, Simon and Zeidis, Igor and Zimmermann, Klaus}, title = {Actuators based on a controlled particle-matrix interaction in magnetic hybrid materials for applications in locomotion and manipulation systems}, series = {Physical Sciences Reviews}, volume = {7}, journal = {Physical Sciences Reviews}, number = {11}, publisher = {de Gruyter}, doi = {10.1515/psr-2019-0087}, pages = {1263 -- 1290}, abstract = {The paper deals with the investigation of magneto-sensitive elastomers (MSE) and their application in technical actuator systems. MSE consist of an elastic matrix containing suspended magnetically soft and/or hard particles. Additionally, they can also contain silicone oil, graphite particles, thermoplastic components, etc., in various concentrations in order to tune specific properties such as viscosity, conductivity and thermoelasticity, respectively. The focuses of investigations are the beneficial properties of MSE in prototypes for locomotion and manipulation purposes that possess an integrated sensor function. The research follows the principle of a model-based design, i.e. the working steps are ideation, mathematical modelling, material characterization as well as building first functional models (prototypes). The developed apedal (without legs) and non-wheeled locomotion systems use the interplay between material deformations and the mechanical motion in connection with the issues of control and stability. Non-linear friction phenomena lead to a monotonous forward motion of the systems. The aim of this study is the design of such mechanical structures, which reduce the control costs. The investigations deal with the movement and control of 'intelligent' mechanisms, for which the magnetically field-controlled particle-matrix interactions provide an appropriate approach. The presented grippers enclose partially gripped objects, which is an advantage for handling sensitive objects. Form-fit grippers with adaptable contour at the contact area enable a uniform pressure distribution on the surface of gripped objects. Furthermore, with the possibility of active shape adaptation, objects with significantly differing geometries can be gripped. To realise the desired active shape adaptation, the effect of field-induced plasticity of MSE is used. The first developed prototypes mainly confirm the functional principles as such without direct application. For this, besides the ability of locomotion and manipulation itself, further technological possibilities have to be added to the systems. The first steps are therefore being taken towards integrated MSE based adaptive sensor systems.}, language = {en} } @article{ChavezVegaSchorrKaufholdetal., author = {Chavez Vega, Jhohan Harvey and Schorr, Philipp and Kaufhold, Tobias and Zentner, Lena and Zimmermann, Klaus and B{\"o}hm, Valter}, title = {Influence of Elastomeric Tensioned Members on the Characteristics of Compliant Tensegrity Structures in Soft Robotic Applications}, series = {Procedia Manufacturing}, volume = {52}, journal = {Procedia Manufacturing}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {2351-9789}, doi = {10.1016/j.promfg.2020.11.048}, pages = {289 -- 294}, abstract = {The use of mechanically prestressed compliant structures in soft robotics is a recently discussed topic. Tensegrity structures, consisting of a set of rigid disconnected compressed members connected to a continuous net of prestressed elastic tensioned members build one specific class of these structures. Robots based on these structures have manifold shape changing abilities and can adapt their mechanical properties reversibly by changing of their prestress state according to specific tasks. In the paper selected aspects on the potential use of elastomer materials in these structures are discussed with the help of theoretical analysis. Therefore, a selected basic tensegrity structure with elastomer members is investigated focusing on the stiffness and shape changing ability in dependence of the nonlinear hyperelastic behavior of the used elastomer materials. The considered structure is compared with a conventional tensegrity structure with linear elastic tensioned members. Finally, selected criterions for the advantageous use of elastomer materials in compliant tensegrity robots are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{SchorrChavezVegaZentneretal., author = {Schorr, Philipp and Chavez Vega, Jhohan Harvey and Zentner, Lena and B{\"o}hm, Valter}, title = {Reconfiguration of planar quadrilateral linkages utilizing the tensegrity principle}, series = {Mechanism and machine theory}, journal = {Mechanism and machine theory}, number = {156}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2020.104172}, abstract = {The development of reconfigurable planar four-bar linkages by applying the tensegrity principle is considered. Conventional quadrilateral linkages enable two operation modes differing in the kinematic behavior. However, a change between these states is not possible due to the geometric constraints. To enable a reconfiguration between the different modes one-sided limited nonholonomic constraints are introduced in this work. This issue is realized by applying ropes that cannot resist compression. However, to guarantee an appropriate load case in operation a prestress within the mechanism is required. Hence, the linkage is extended to a tensegrity-based mechanism. The structural dynamics are derived using the LAGRANGE formalism and the structural behavior is evaluated using numerical simulations. Furthermore, a prototype of an exemplary tensegrity-based mechanism is manufactured and experiments regarding the mechanical properties, in particular the reconfiguration, are performed. The results suggest the potential benefit of applying the tensegrity principle within conventional planar four-bar linkages.}, language = {en} } @article{ChavezVegaZiolkowskiSchorretal., author = {Chavez Vega, Jhohan Harvey and Ziolkowski, Marek and Schorr, Philipp and Spiess, Lothar and B{\"o}hm, Valter and Zimmermann, Klaus}, title = {A method to approach constant isotropic permeabilities and demagnetization factors of magneto-rheological elastomers}, series = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {527}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, publisher = {Elsevier}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2021.167742}, abstract = {The use of non-conventional materials is nowadays of much interest in scientific community. Magneto-rheological elastomers are hybrid materials, which in presence of magnetic fields state a change in their mechanical properties. They are composed by an elastomeric matrix with embedded magnetic particles. One of the most attractive features of these materials is that as soon as the magnetic field is removed from the material, the original mechanical properties are completely recovered, with negligible differences in comparison to the original state. This paper focuses on the study of magnetic characteristics of these smart materials, such as relative permeability and demagnetizing factors, for samples with different volume concentration of ferromagnetic particles.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BoehmSchorrFeldmeieretal., author = {B{\"o}hm, Valter and Schorr, Philipp and Feldmeier, T. and Chavez Vega, Jhohan Harvey and Henning, S. and Zimmermann, Klaus and Zentner, Lena}, title = {An Approach to Robotic End Effectors Based on Multistable Tensegrity Structures}, series = {New Trends in Mechanism and Machine Science: 8th European Conference on Mechanism Science (EuCoMeS), 2020}, booktitle = {New Trends in Mechanism and Machine Science: 8th European Conference on Mechanism Science (EuCoMeS), 2020}, publisher = {Springer}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-55061-5_53}, pages = {470 -- 478}, abstract = {In this paper compliant multistable tensegrity structures with discrete variable stiffness are investigated. The different stiffness states result from the different prestress states of these structures corresponding to the equilibrium configurations. Three planar tensegrity mechanisms with two stable equilibrium configurations are considered exemplarily. The overall stiffness of these structures is characterized by investigations with regard to their geometric nonlinear static behavior. Dynamical analyses show the possibility of the change between the equilibrium configurations and enable the derivation of suitable actuation strategies.}, language = {en} }