Simulation Study of Balancing Arm Arrangement for Controlling Base Disturbances in Long Reach Manipulators

Abstract

The dynamics of the Long Reach Manipulators create disturbances in its supporting base structure. This causes positional and attitude inaccuracies of the end-effector, thwarting the accomplishment of the desired mission task. Hence the base disturbance problem has been a subject of research since long time bringing solutions from varied domains. This paper analyzes the balance link concept for compensating the disturbances. The LRM system is modelled as a two-link serial chain with payload, and the balance arm, as a single link with tip mass that is dynamically varied by controlling the quantity of the hydraulic fluid in the bellows-like reservoir at the tip. The supporting base is modelled as a half car. Simultaneous constraint matrices are set up for the arrangement, and dynamic simulation is performed using SIMULINK. The pitch and bounce motions of the base are studied along with the torque error during compensation. The simulation plots are obtained for two conditions of compensating arm¾with fixed tip mass and with varying tip mass. The results confirm the suitability of the suggested compensating arrangement in controlling base disturbances.