Type Synthesis of Two-Degrees-of-Freedom Rotational Parallel Mechanism with Two Continuous Rotational Axes

The two-rotational-degrees-of-freedom（2R） parallel mechanism（PM） with two continuous rotational axes（CRAs） has a simple kinematic model.It is therefore easy to implement trajectory planning,parameter calibration,and motion control,which allows for a variety of application prospects.However,no systematic analysis on structural constraints of the 2R-PM with two CRAs has been performed,and there are only a few types of 2R-PM with two CRAs.Thus,a theory regarding the type synthesis of the 2R-PM with two CRAs is systematically established.First,combining the theories of reciprocal screw and space geometry,the spatial arrangement relationships of the constraint forces applied to the moving platform by the branches are explored,which give the 2R-PM two CRAs.The different distributions of the constraint forces in each branch are also studied.On the basis of the obtained structural constraints of branches,and considering the geometric relationships of constraint forces in each branch,the appropriate kinematic chains are constructed.Through the reasonable configuration of branch kinematic chains corresponding to every structural constraint,a series of new 2R-PMs with two CRAs are finally obtained.

Type synthesis of 2-DoF rotational parallel mechanisms actuating the inter-satellite link antenna

This paper focuses on the type synthesis of two degree-of-freedom(2-DoF) rotational parallel mechanisms(RPMs) that would be applied as mechanisms actuating the inter-satellite link antenna. Based upon Lie group theory, two steps are necessary to synthesize 2-DoF RPMs except describing the continuous desired motions of the moving platform. They are respectively generation of required open-loop limbs between the fixed base and the moving platform and definition of assembly principles for these limbs. Firstly, all available displacement subgroups or submanifolds are obtained readily according to that the continuous motion of the moving platform is the intersection of those of all open-loop limbs. These subgroups or submanifolds are used to generate all the topology structures of limbs. By describing the characteristics of the displacement subgroups and submanifolds intuitively through employing simple geometrical symbols, their intersection and union operations can be carried out easily. Based on this, the assembly principles of two types are defined to synthesize all 2-DoF RPMs using obtained limbs. Finally, two novel categories of 2-DoF RPMs are provided by introducing a circular track and an articulated rotating platform,respectively. This work can lay the foundations for analysis and optimal design of 2-DoF RPMs that actuate the inter-satellite link antenna.