Design of a Rat Robotic Forelimb
摘要
This paper presents the design of robotic rat forelimbs, scaled to 2.5 times the size of a female Sprague-Dawley rat. Based on a previous rat hindlimb model, significant enhancements were implemented to facilitate manufacturing, robustness, improve overall performance, and enhance biological accuracy. The two front legs are each equipped with five motors to enable sagittal rotations of the scapula, elbow, and wrist joints, along with scapula abduction and adduction. The leg segment dimensions are based on a scanned rat bones model, but the shapes are modified for 3D printing and assembly. Parts are printed using micro carbon fiber filled nylon, strengthened by various amounts of continuously inlaid carbon fiber. Revolute joints are driven by motors, and a pulley-belt transmission system is incorporated to move wrist and elbow motors higher up in order to reduce the inertia of the leg. Furthermore, the foot structure comprises two segments that are passively controlled by two torsion springs to enhance flexibility and facilitate a more naturalistic movement. Additionally, a new electrical board is integrated to enhance operational smoothness and align with the control scheme.