Morphing Mechanisms Part 2: Using Repetitive Control to Morph Cam Follower Motion

This research utilizes the repetitive control approach in morphing a high-speed cam mechanism so that its output displacement tracks the desired output trajectory. The main objective is to reduce the output tracking error, which is the difference between the actual and desired output displacements of the output mass. A 3-degree of freedom mathematical model is used to analyze and represent the cam follower system. The output tracking error in cam follower systems is generally caused by errors in cam profile manufacturing, variation in the speed of the driving motor and the dynamics of the cam follower system. Theoretical and experimental results show that the output tracking error is greatly reduced after repetitive control has been applied to the system. As a result, the actual output displacement tracks the desired output displacement very closely.