Novel Multi-configuration Elastic Actuator with Controllable Energy Flow and Power Modulation for Dynamic Energy Robot Systems

Designing actuators that can modulate power, achieve high energy efficiency, and ensure safe collision remains a challenge, especially for dynamic energy robot systems (DERS) with high-performance requirements. Herein, a novel multi-configuration elastic actuator (MCEA) is proposed based on a controllable planetary differential mechanism (PDM) with one power port from three springs. These springs, positioned between the inner gear ring and the fixed housing shell, are regulated by a single servo motor through a ratchet–pawl mechanism. This setup enables the springs to absorb energy during collisions, reducing impact and subsequently releasing this energy to boost power output. The inner gear ring functions as a controllable one-way rotating element, acting either as an input or output for power. The MCEA's ability to manage power modulation and energy flow is demonstrated through experiments that highlight its potential for safe collision management, energy recycling, and power modulation. Experiment results indicate that the maximum output power of the MCEA in the proposed hybrid elastic actuation (HEA) mode is 8.05 times higher than that in the traditional actuation (TA) mode. A single-legged robot with a four-link mechanism is also built to validate the considerable performance in the application of legged robots, showing considerable adaptability and prospects for DERS.