生体模倣関節設計の新概念を提案(Professor Guo Weizhong’s Team Proposes New Concept for Biomimetic Joint Design)

2025-09-10 上海交通大学(SJTU)

上海交通大学機械工学部・重大装備設計与控制工程研究所の郭偉中(Guo Weizhong)教授の研究チームは、生体関節の複雑な運動様式を正確に再現する革新的なバイオミメティック関節設計法を体系的に提案した。特に膝関節の「可変瞬間回転中心(VICR)」運動を生体モデルとし、骨・靱帯・筋肉をそれぞれ「共役高次対+制約+駆動運動連鎖」に対応させる新しいモデリング枠組みを構築。これに基づき、ジョイント機構の合成法や性能評価法を開発し、従来の1自由度関節では困難だった複雑運動を可能にする新型VICR関節を提案した。この関節は「多接触点+1自由度」を特徴とし、構造的なコンパクトさと高い可動性を両立する。さらに、ねじ理論を応用した制約性能評価や接触閉合の基準を体系化し、設計段階での安定性確保を実現。研究チームは3種類の四節リンク型VICR関節を設計・試作し、理論解析と実験で有効性を検証した。成果は国際誌 Mechanism and Machine Theory に発表され、今後、外骨格や義肢など人間と機械の協調を要する分野に応用が期待される。

生体模倣関節設計の新概念を提案(Professor Guo Weizhong’s Team Proposes New Concept for Biomimetic Joint Design)

<関連情報>

1自由度高いペアにおける複雑な運動の解き方:可変瞬間回転中心(VICR)関節のための概念、拘束、および形状閉包 Unlocking complex motion in one DoF higher pairs: Concept, constraint, and form closure for varying instantaneous center of rotation (VICR) joints

Gaohan Zhu, Shixuan Chu, Changjie Zhao, Weizhong Guo, Yinghui Li
Mechanism and Machine Theory  Available: online 18 July 2025
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106154

Highlights

  • Concept and classification of planar 1-DoF higher pairs are presented.
  • VICR joints are defined as 1-DoF higher pairs enabling varying ICR motion.
  • Constraint characteristics of VICR joints are analyzed based on screw theory.
  • Generalized pressure angle is utilized for evaluating constraint performance.
  • Form closure criteria for ensuring persistent element contact are proposed.

Abstract

This paper investigates one degree of freedom (DoF) higher pairs enabling the complex motion with a varying instantaneous center of rotation (VICR), referred to as VICR joints. Firstly, the conceptual framework and classification for 1-DoF higher pairs with multi-point contact are proposed, introducing the innovative concept of VICR joints that incorporate one DoF to achieve complex motion. A profile synthesis method is further introduced for the geometric design of joint elements. Then, the constraint characteristics of VICR joints are analyzed, and the constraint performance evaluation index based on the generalized pressure angle is proposed, further revealing the geometric nature of constraint performance. Subsequently, the form closure criteria of VICR joints are derived by combining the directionality of constraint forces and restricted motion, ensuring persistent element contact solely through geometric profiles of joint elements. Finally, case studies are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed concepts and methods. This research complements the design possibilities of planar joints by proposing a novel type of 1-DoF higher pair that enables complex motion, providing an innovative joint solution for modern mechanical systems.

 

生体模倣ロボット関節機構のバイオニック概念と合成手法:ヒト膝関節の運動パターンを正確に再現するために Bionic concept and synthesis methods of the biomimetic robot joint mechanism for accurately reproducing the motion pattern of the human knee joint

Gaohan Zhu, Weizhong Guo, Shixuan Chu
Mechanism and Machine Theory  Available online: 12 November 2024
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105832

Highlights

  • Bionic concept of robot joint mimicking the human knee joint is presented.
  • The joint mechanism can accurately generate the desired motion in the plane.
  • Profile synthesis method for the joint mechanism is provided.
  • Task-oriented structural synthesis methods for the joint mechanism are proposed.

Abstract

The human knee joint (HKJ) exhibits a complex motion pattern characterized by a coupling of rolling and sliding movements as well as a moving instantaneous center of rotation. Reproducing this motion pattern in robot joints holds significant scientific and engineering value. This paper addresses two primary challenges in the bionic design of the biomimetic robot joint (BRJ): the difficulty in accurately reproducing the required motion and the absence of systematic structural synthesis methods for joint mechanisms. Firstly, a bionic concept is proposed to develop novel BRJ mechanisms based on the in-depth analysis and understanding of the HKJ, which realizes accurate reproduction of the HKJ motion pattern by introducing the higher pair. Then, task-oriented synthesis methods are further investigated to find innovative design solutions in a systematic and efficient way, including the profile synthesis of the higher pair and the structural synthesis of the overall mechanism. Finally, a case study of the four-link BRJ mechanism validates the effectiveness of the proposed method, resulting in innovative design schemes with potential applications.

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