Backlash Compensation for Rack and Pinion Feed Drives based on Acceleration Measurement of the Machine Table

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Alexander Verl
• Subject Area: Production Automation and Assembly Technology
• Term: from 2015 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 271104968

In this proposed research project, a new method for compensating the backlash in production ma-chines with rack and pinion feed drives is developed. The objective is to improve the positioning accuracy and the control quality of the feed drive by generating a compensation signal based on the measured acceleration of the machine sled. The measurement of the state variable is realized using cost-efficient MEMS-accelerometers, as widely used in smartphones and other hand-held devices. The additional sensor system can be integrated directly in the drive, which allows for a simple technical implementation. The measured acceleration signal can further be used for the compensation of disturbance forces, providing the possibility to further improve the operating be-havior.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Dr.-Ing. Armin Lechler