A study on the effect of structure parameters on the dynamic characteristics of a PRRRP parallel manipulator

This paper studies the effect of structure parameters on the dynamic characteristics of a planar PRRRP parallel manipulator. The stiffness model is derived by considering the effect of joint. Based on the stiffness matrix, the vibration equation of this parallel manipulator is investigated to study the dynamic characteristics. The natural frequency is computed, and the effect of Y and Z coordinate on the natural frequency is discussed. Moreover, the sensitivity model of the dynamic characteristic to critical structure parameters is proposed. The thickness of column and leg, the radial stiffness of bearing, and the lumped mass on the end-effector are determined based on the natural frequency and sensitivity index. The results are useful to the structure design of parallel manipulators.     

A New Parameter Design Method of a 6-DOF Parallel Motion Simulator for a Given Workspace

This paper introduces a new 9-DOF motion simulator that consists of a 3-DOF parallel manipulator and a 6-DOF parallel manipulator. For the 6-DOF manipulator, a new ‘3–3’-PSS parallel mechanism and a new parameter design method for a given workspace are presented. With the kinematic study of this parallel mechanism and the method of Lagrange multipliers, we have found several key points that represent the worst performance of the manipulator within the given workspace. When a position workspace is given, by checking the manipulator's performances at these key points, one can quickly find out whether the manipulator with certain parameters meets the requirements within this workspace. Furthermore, several figures that can find the appropriate parameters are plotted. This key point method can make the design of parameters much quicker and easier for manipulators.     

Kinematic design of 3-URU pure rotational parallel mechanism to perform precise motion within a large workspace

We present an optimum design of lower-dof parallel mechanism, a 3-URU pure rotational parallel mechanism that reflects issues of workspace and the position error of the center of rotation of the platform. The uncompensatable error determined by position error of center of rotation was used as an evaluation index for the design. The uncompensatable error index, an index used in the optimum design, was proposed taking into account four sources of errors, representing errors between adjacent joints. Based on the application of the mechanism and the error index, the effect of the redundant platform orientation parameter was numerically investigated and the design flow of the mechanism was proposed. We made a kinematic design of a mechanism with a large workspace subject to minimization of platform’s position error of the center of rotation. A prototype of mechanism with a large inclination angle of the platform up to 1.3 rad was shown, and its characteristics are also discussed.     

3-PRS并联机器人惯量耦合特性研究

惯量是影响机器人动态性能的主要因素,并联机器人因其多支链耦合的结构特点,关节空间各驱动轴出现惯量耦合的动力学特性,在高速、高加速度运动时易引起控制超调、振动等现象,破坏机器人的动态性能,因此研究并联机器人惯量耦合特性具有重要意义. 以3-PRS 并联机器人为例,通过虚功原理求得惯量矩阵,提出惯量耦合指标,该耦合指标表征了并联机器人在工作空间不同位姿时各驱动轴的耦合惯量大小,并给出了该耦合指标在机器人工作空间内的分布规律. 进一步在一台3-PRS 并联机器人样机上进行了实验验证,结果表明耦合惯量会改变驱动轴负载,负载的改变将最终影响动态性能. 同时各驱动轴的负载变化量随着惯量耦合指标的变大而变大,与理论分析有较好的一致性. 研究成果可帮助评价并联机器人的动力学耦合特性,并可用于并联机器人的结构参数优化及伺服参数调试以提高机器人的动态性能.      

Robust multi-objective optimization of parallel manipulators

Meccanica - This paper presents a novel robust optimal design for parallel manipulators to optimize the performance indices subject to the unavoidable effect of the uncertainties. The robust...     

Dynamic load-carrying capacity of a novel redundantly actuated parallel conveyor

Conveyors are important equipment in the painting shop. Conveyors with cantilever beams have low load-carrying capacity and can carry small cars. To solve this problem, this paper presents a novel conveyor that uses redundantly actuated parallel manipulators. A method is proposed to obtain the maximum dynamic load-carrying capacity of the conveyor by optimizing the internal forces of the redundantly actuated parallel manipulators. To improve the dynamic load-carrying capacity, approaches using counterweights are utilized and compared. Furthermore, the maximum dynamic load-carrying capacity of the redundant parallel manipulator is compared with that of its nonredundant counterpart.     

Mobility and spatiality of parallel robots revisited via theory of linear transformations

Parallel robots are extensively used for various applications including manipulation, machining, guiding, testing and control. The mechanical architecture of parallel robots is based on parallel mechanisms in which a mobile platform is connected to a reference element by at least two legs. Mobility and spatiality are the main structural and kinematic parameters of a parallel robot. These two parameters are defined via the theory of linear transformation and can be easily determined by inspection using the definitions, properties and theorems introduced in this paper. An analytical method to compute these parameters is also presented just for verification and for a better understanding of their meanings. The new formalism presented in this paper is based on spatiality of an elementary open kinematic chain and relative spatiality between two elements of a closed kinematic chain. As far as we are aware, this paper demonstrates for the first time a new formula for calculation of general (full-cycle) mobility of parallel robots that overcomes the drawbacks of Chebychev–Grübler–Kutzbach's mobility criterion largely used for mobility calculation of multi-loop mechanisms. This new formula is easily applicable to parallel robotic manipulators with elementary or complex legs and mobility calculation does not involve the setting up of instantaneous constraint systems associated to the parallel mechanism.     

Identification,design and kinematic analysis of an earthmoving mechanism

Earthmoving mechanisms in motor graders are critical components for earthwork, compaction and re-handling, and yet they have not received much attention by mechanical engineering research in recent times. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis, from mechanism identification and innovative design to kinematic analysis, is presented. First, the mechanism analysis and synthesis method based on multibody system dynamics is carried out through the analysis of the system topology and connectivity. We conclude that the earthmoving multibody system is a spatial hybrid mechanism, which consists of a spatial parallel mechanism and a spatial serial mechanism. Second, a number of new spatial parallel mechanisms, which are advantageous with respect to the original one under certain conditions, are generated. The kinematic characteristics of the parallel mechanism family are investigated in terms of constraint equations formulated in natural coordinates. Third and last, kinematic simulations and optimization processes are carried out to evaluate the advantages of the presented spatial parallel mechanisms. Simulation results show that these mechanisms can provide better kinematic performance.     

地震作用下高层钢结构MTMD控制参数取值及优化设计研究

本文对地震作用下结构－MTMD系统的动力特性及优化设计进行了探讨,通过数值分析研究了MTMD系统各设计参数间的关系,给出了MTMD系统最优参数取建设,提出了MTMD系统优化设计及结构－MTMD系统优化设计方法,最后,算例说明了本文方法的应用及MTMD对结构地震反应控制的有效性。     

On the Characterization of the Dynamic Performances of Planar Manipulators

The characterization of the dynamic performances of a manipulator is important both to compare different manipulators and to improve the dynamic performances of a manipulator during the design stage. In a previous paper the concepts of swiftness and of dynamic isotropy were used to characterize some dynamic performances of 3-dof manipulators. This paper analyzes the usefulness of these concepts for three-dof planar manipulators and shows that the concept of swiftness is still significant, whereas the concept of dynamic isotropy has no practical interest. Moreover, it introduces three new dynamic properties that are useful in the design of a 3-dof planar manipulator. Finally, it proposes some indices that measure both the swiftness and the three new dynamic properties and shows how to use them, both for evaluating the dynamic performances of a given 3-dof planar manipulator and for improving the dynamic performances during its design.     

机器人通过奇点的运动学逆问题的数值解法

机器人在完成其规划动作时,常可能要通过其运动链的奇点,这时求解其运动学逆问题的通用算法遇到本质的困难,本文给出了一种算法,它可以成功地克服这个困难。文中还给出了计算实例。     

对称结构动力学设计中的广义逆特征值问题

将对称结构动力学设计问题归结为一类含设计参数的广义逆特征值问题,以结构的动态特性指标作为设计准则来设计结构,通过建立等效的非互性方程组,利用ｎｅｗｔｏｎ法求解其设计参数,使得到的结构具有满足设计要求的动态特性。数值全题表明本文方法有很好的效能。     

Structural synthesis of fully-isotropic translational parallel robots via theory of linear transformations

The paper presents a new structural synthesis approach of fully-isotropic translational parallel robotic manipulators (TPMs) based on the theory of linear transformations. A TPM is a 3-DOF (degree of freedom) parallel mechanism whose output link, called platform, can achieve three independent orthogonal translational motions with respect to the fixed base. The manipulators presented in this paper have three legs connecting the moving platform and the base (fixed platform). Only one kinematic pair per leg is actuated by a linear motor situated on the fixed base. A one-to-one correspondence exists between the actuated joint space and the operational space of the moving platform. The Jacobian matrix of fully-isotropic TPMs presented in this paper is the identity 3×3 diagonal matrix throughout the entire workspace. The synthesis method proposed in this paper allows us to obtain all structural solutions of fully-isotropic TPMs in a systematic manner. Overconstrained/isostatic solutions with elementary/complex and identical/different legs are obtained. Fully-isotropic TPMs have the advantage of simple command and important energy-saving due to the fact that, for a unidirectional translation, only one motor works as in a serial translational manipulator.     

Comparison of 3-RPR planar parallel manipulators with?regard to their kinetostatic performance and sensitivity to geometric uncertainties

This paper deals with the sensitivity analysis of 3-RPR planar parallel manipulators. First, the manipulators under study as well as their degeneracy conditions are presented. Then, an optimization problem is formulated in order to obtain their maximal regular dexterous workspace. Moreover, the sensitivity coefficients of the pose of the manipulator moving platform to variations in the geometric parameters and in the actuated variables are expressed algebraically. Two aggregate sensitivity indices are determined, one related to the orientation of the manipulator moving platform and another one related to its position. Then, we compare two non-degenerate and two degenerate 3-RPR planar parallel manipulators with regard to their dexterity, workspace size and sensitivity. Finally, two actuating modes are compared with regard to their sensitivity.     

A self-optimizing inverse analysis method for estimation of cyclic elasto-plasticity model parameters

In this paper, a novel inverse analysis methodology call a Self-Optimizing Inverse Method (Self-OPTIM) has been presented, which inversely estimates cyclic elasto-plastic constitutive model parameters using global forces and displacement on the same partial boundaries and full-(or partial-) field displacement data. A novelty of the methodology is that it automatically self-estimates material parameters by updating “full-field” reference stresses and strains through two parallel nonlinear finite element simulations. Although a well-known classical cyclic plasticity model is chosen in this paper, it must be emphasized that the proposed Self-OPTIM method is a model-independent method, which means that any advanced model can be naturally integrated with the proposed methodology. Thus, using numerically generated test data of low-carbon steel specimens (AISI 1010), the proposed Self-OPTIM method has been verified showing its successful performance to estimate nonlinear isotropic and kinematic hardening parameters, yield stress, Young’s modulus and Poisson ratio. The effects of experimental noises from CCD camera and measurement errors of the boundary forces are also investigated for the Self-OPTIM method.     

Problems in the control of redundantly actuated parallel manipulators caused by geometric imperfections

Redundant actuation is considered as a way to improve the properties of parallel manipulators as it increases and homogenizes the kinematic dexterity and the stiffness, and eventually eliminates singularities. It further allows for a purposeful distribution of control forces, taking into account secondary tasks, such as optimal force distribution, stiffness control, and backlash avoiding control. The actual model-based control builds upon an exact model of the manipulator. In this paper the effect of kinematic uncertainties on the applicability of established model-based control schemes is analyzed. It is shown that kinematic model uncertainties lead to parasitic perturbation forces that cannot be compensated by the controls. To tackle this problem amended versions of the augmented PD and computed torque control schemes are proposed.     

Trajectory optimization of a walking mechanism having revolute joints with clearance using ANFIS approach

Clearance as a real joint characteristic leads to deviation from desired trajectory in articulated mechanisms. This phenomenon makes the kinematic and dynamic performances of the mechanism worse. In this study, kinematic analysis of a Jansen’s mechanism used in a walking machine is performed. The model mechanism having two revolute joints with clearance is investigated for the trajectory analysis of the output link. It is clear that the mechanism’s trajectory is very sensitive to the clearance joint characteristics even if the clearance size is small. The adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is used to model the characteristics of joints with clearance. By using the suitable design variables and constraints, minimization of the trajectory errors arising from clearance is considered as an optimization problem. Optimization techniques are used to solve this problem for adjusting the optimum values of design variables. The obtained link dimensions show the success of the proposed modeling and optimization approach.     

Three-dimensional energy channeling in the unit-cell model coupled to a spherical rotator II: unidirectional energy channeling

In order to realize the dynamic response analysis and the chaos identification of flexible spatial parallel mechanism, the nonlinear elastic dynamics model of 4-UPS-UPU flexible parallel mechanism is established under the ideal situation, and the dynamic response, phase diagrams, Poincare map and largest Lyapunov exponent of the spatial parallel mechanism are investigated. Based on the finite element method, the driving limbs of spatial parallel mechanism are divided into elements. The kinetic energy equation and potential energy equation of units are built. Then the nonlinear elastic dynamics model of 4-UPS-UPU parallel mechanism is acquired by Lagrange equation. The dynamic response of kinematic error for 4-UPS-UPU flexible parallel mechanism is analyzed. In addition, the chaos phenomenon contained in the mechanism is identified by phase diagrams, Poincare map and largest Lyapunov exponent, respectively. Subsequently, the relationship between the basic parameters of parallel mechanism and largest Lyapunov exponent is discussed. The results indicate that there exists chaotic phenomena in the 4-UPS-UPU flexible parallel mechanism, and the basic parameters, including the material of driving limbs, diameter of driving limbs, mass of moving platform and the distribution radius of hinges of moving platform all have great effect on chaotic motion of 4-UPS-UPU flexible parallel mechanism. The researches can provide important theoretical for the further nonlinear dynamics behaviors research and optimal design of 4-UPS-UPU flexible spatial parallel mechanism.     

The Kinematics and the Full Minimal Dynamic Model of a 6-DOF Parallel Robot Manipulator

In this paper we present a particular architecture of parallel robots which has six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) with only three limbs. The particular properties of the geometric and kinematic models with respect to that of a classical parallel robot are presented. We show that inverse problems have an analytical solution. However, to solve the direct problems, an efficient numerical procedure which needs to inverse only a 3 × 3 passive Jacobian matrix is proposed. In a second step, dynamic equations are derived using the Lagrangian formalism where the joint variables are passive and active joint coordinates. Based on the geometrical properties of the robot, the equations of motion are derived in terms of only nine coordinates related by three kinematic constraints instead of 18 joint coordinates. The computational cost of the dynamic model obtained is reduced by using a minimum set of base inertial parameters.     

Complete kinematics of a serial–parallel manipulator formed by two Tricept parallel manipulators connected in serials

Complete kinematic is an essential and a challenging work for series–parallel manipulators (S–PMs). This paper studied the complete kinematic of a 2(3-SPS+UP) series–parallel manipulator. First, a S–PM formed by two well-known Tricept parallel manipulators (PMs) connected in serial is presented. Second, the forward and inverse displacements are studied using sylvester dialytic elimination method. Third, the forward and inverse Jacobian matrices are established based on integrating the constraint and coupling information of the single PMs into the S–PM. Fourth, simple and compact formulae for the forward and inverse acceleration are derived using vector approach. Finally, the workspace of this S–PM is constructed using CAD variation geometry approach. The results show that the 2(3-SPS+UP) S-PM has multiple forward and inverse position solutions. The existence and uniqueness of the forward, inverse Jacobian matrices and the acceleration formula are shown from their explicit form. The workspace analysis shows that this S–PM has large workspace. The research works provided a theoretical basis for the novel 2(3-SPS+UP) S–PM, as well as a feasible approach for establishing the complete kinematics for S–PMs.