Case Study - Cost Reduction of Actuator for Robot through Design and Sourcing - Value Engineering and Design Verification

 

The University of Texas Series Elastic Actuator (UT-SEA), is a high-performance SEA, for its high power density, compact design, high efficiency and high speed properties. 

The researchers developed a low SEA and named it StoneAge-SEA (SA-SEA.) They used value engineering principle of using standard components and off-shelf available functions components instead of custom built components. They did all the design calculations necessary to satisfy performance as per specification.

Value Analysis Technique 9. Utilize Vendors’ Available Functional Products

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGOT_8TFQi8

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They started with a target of 50% cost reduction. But achieved still higher cost reduction.

Original Cost $5100  

Target $2550 

Achieved $1750

Components used in the The SA-SEA 

(a) Tamagawa Seiki Co., LTD TS4603 motor;

(b) 60:26 pulley system; 

(c) TBI Motion BSHR01205-3.5 ball-screw mechanism; 

(d) Tohatsu Springs TL50-060; 

(e) Tamagawa Seiki Co., LTD TS5667N120 17-bit absolute encoder; 

(f) Misumi BGSTZ6-90 miniature ball bearing guides; 

(g) Force sensing mechanism;

(h) Side bracket for easy assembly and rotational stiffness; 

(i) Misumi B7006-DB angular ball bearings.

Source:

Re-Engineering a High Performance Electrical Series

Elastic Actuator for Low-Cost Industrial Applications

Actuators 2017, 6, 5; doi:10.3390/act6010005

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/            312643139_Re-Engineering_a_High_Performance_Electrical_Series_Elastic_Actuator_for_Low-Cost_Industrial_Applications

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