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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2024

Yehao Wen, Chang Chen, Zhengnan Lyu, Yuandong Liang and Zhongyu Zhang

This study aims to introduce a novel bidirectional soft actuator as an enhancement to conventional pneumatic network actuators. This improvement involves integrating air chambers…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a novel bidirectional soft actuator as an enhancement to conventional pneumatic network actuators. This improvement involves integrating air chambers positioned at specific angles to improve stability, adaptability and grasping efficiency in various environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach incorporates air chambers positioned at a 45° angle relative to the horizontal direction at the actuator's terminus, along with additional chambers at a 90° angle. Mathematical models are developed for longitudinal and transverse bending, as well as for obliquely connected cavities, based on the assumption of piecewise constant curvature. Analyses are conducted on output forces, bending characteristics and end contact areas for both transverse and longitudinal ends.

Findings

The proposed soft actuator surpasses traditional pneumatic network actuators in gripping area due to the inclusion of a diagonal air cavity and a transverse pneumatic network structure at the terminus. As a result, it provides torsion and gripping force in both directions. Testing on a dedicated platform with two variants of grippers demonstrates superior gripping force capability and performance in complex environments.

Practical implications

Through the design of multiangle chambers, the soft actuator exhibits diverse driving angles and morphological variations, offering innovative design perspectives for industrial grasping.

Social implications

The design of multiangle chambers facilitates personalized configurations of soft actuators by researchers, enabling tailored angles for specific interaction environments to achieve desired functionalities. This approach offers novel insights into soft actuator design, addressing more prevalent industrial grasping challenges.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel soft actuator design that significantly enhances gripping capabilities in comparison to conventional pneumatic network actuators. The incorporation of specific air chamber configurations and mathematical modeling provides valuable insights for the development of adaptable and efficient robotic grippers for industrial and household applications.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Chang Chen, Yuandong Liang, Jiten Sun, Chen Lin and Yehao Wen

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a variable distance pneumatic gripper with embedded flexible sensors, which can effectively grasp fragile and flexible objects.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a variable distance pneumatic gripper with embedded flexible sensors, which can effectively grasp fragile and flexible objects.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the motion principle of the three-jaw chuck and the pneumatic “fast pneumatic network” (FPN), a variable distance pneumatic holder embedded with a flexible sensor is designed. A structural design plan and preparation process of a soft driver is proposed, using carbon nanotubes as filler in a polyurethane (PU) sponge. A flexible bending sensor based on carbon nanotube materials was produced. A static model of the soft driver cavity was established, and a bending simulation was performed. Based on the designed variable distance soft pneumatic gripper, a real-time monitoring and control system was developed. Combined with the developed pneumatic control system, gripping experiments on objects of different shapes and easily deformable and fragile objects were conducted.

Findings

In this paper, a variable-distance pneumatic gripper embedded with a flexible sensor was designed, and a control system for real-time monitoring and multi-terminal input was developed. Combined with the developed pneumatic control system, a measure was carried out to measure the relationship between the bending angle, output force and air pressure of the soft driver. Flexible bending sensor performance test. The gripper diameter and gripping weight were tested, and the maximum gripping diameter was determined to be 182 mm, the maximum gripping weight was approximately 900 g and the average measurement error of the bending sensor was 5.91%. Objects of different shapes and easily deformable and fragile objects were tested.

Originality/value

Based on the motion principle of the three-jaw chuck and the pneumatic FPN, a variable distance pneumatic gripper with embedded flexible sensors is proposed by using the method of layered and step-by-step preparation. The authors studied the gripper structure design, simulation analysis, prototype preparation, control system construction and experimental testing. The results show that the designed flexible pneumatic gripper with variable distance can grasp common objects.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2016

Yuandong Xu

The empirical studies have indicated that the information uncertainty is one of the reasons leading to the momentum effect in the stock market. Based on this conclusion, the…

Abstract

Purpose

The empirical studies have indicated that the information uncertainty is one of the reasons leading to the momentum effect in the stock market. Based on this conclusion, the concept of “information uncertainty” is deepened into the concept hierarchy of “information ambiguity,” the purpose of this paper is to explain the momentum effect in the China’s stock market from information ambiguity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the information ambiguity, the paper puts forward two hypotheses, portfolio analysis and cross-sectional regression analysis method were used to empirically test these hypothesis based on the weekly data.

Findings

The empirical results support the two hypotheses.

Originality/value

Finally, the paper discusses the importance from ambiguity to understand financial anomalies, such as momentum effect.

Details

China Finance Review International, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2005

Dongxue Zhang

To obtain an understanding of the disposition of Chinese agriculture.

2456

Abstract

Purpose

To obtain an understanding of the disposition of Chinese agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying econometric methods to make a narrow assessment on several productive factors in Chinese agriculture covering most of the era of Reforms and openness, a picture portraying the traits of Chinese rural society is provided. The author delves deep into the foundations of econometric as well as western society to draw comparisons between Occidental and oriental society.

Findings

Unlike the widely held view that implicitly identifies the basis of studies in Chinese economical development with that in western nations, the presented idea illuminates the intrinsic “upper‐hand” disposition of Chinese rural society, which has so far practically made China tread a path different from that in western society.

Research limitations/implications

Since the paper deals with the whole picture of Chinese agriculture, it presumably may cause partial loss of accuracy in econometric calculations.

Practical implications

It provides a fresh yet in‐depth idea for western researchers.

Originality/value

The paper breaks fresh ground in Chinese study and economic theory for researchers who are confused with the intricacy of the Chinese agricultural economy.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

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