The Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM) is a highly non-linear form of actuation that is characterized by a decrease in the actuating length when pressurized. Its non-linear nature and time-varying parameters cause difficulties in modelling their characteristics and designing controllers for high-performance positioning systems. In this article, the control problem of a PAM is considered. A constrained linear and PieceWise Affine (PWA) system model approximation is utilized and a controller composed of: a) a feedforward term regulating control input at specific setpoints, and b) a Constrained Finite Time Optimal Controller (CFTOC) handling any deviations from the system’s equilibrium points is synthesized. Simulation studies are used to investigate the efficacy of the suggested controller.
Godkänd; 2012; 20120527 (geonik)