Motion planning for redundant prismatic-jointed manipulators in the free-floating mode

This paper investigates the motion planning of redundant free-floating manipulators with seven prismatic joints. On the earth, prismatic-jointed manipulators could only position their end-effectors in a desired way. However, in space, the end-effectors of free-floating manipulators can achieve both the desired orientation and desired position due to the dynamical coupling between manipulator and satellite movement, which is formally expressed by linear and angular momentum conservation laws. In this study, a tractable algorithm particle swarm optimization combined with differential evolution （PSODE） is provided to deal with the motion planning of redundant free-floating prismatic-jointed manipulators, which could avoid the pseudo inverse of the Jacobian matrix. The polynomial functions, as argument in sine functions are used to specify the joint paths. The co- efficients of the polynomials are optimized to achieve the desired end-effector orientation and position, and simulta- neously minimize the unit-mass-kinetic energy using the redundancy. Relevant simulations prove that this method pro- vides satisfactory smooth paths for redundant free-floating prismatic-jointed manipulators. This study could help to recognize the advantages of redundant prismatic-jointed space manipulators.

Characteristics of Statically Indeterminate Symmetric Flexure Structures

Statically indeterminate symmetric(SIS)flexure structures are symmetric structures with“clamped-clamped”boundary conditions.The static indeterminacy and topological symmetry significantly attenuate the parasitic motions associated with statically determinate flexure structures.Hence,SIS flexure structures feature decoupled linear and angular motions,improved motion accuracy,high stiffness,and high stability.Although SIS flexure structures have been more frequently utilized as prismatic joints,they can also be utilized as revolute joints.This study systematically investigates the characteristics of SIS flexure structures.Based on the unified compliance models of a single flexure hinge,analytical compliance models of two fundamental types of SIS flexure structures are established.In 1-degree-of-freedom or planar applications,multiple SIS-based structures can also be integrated into various configurations to transmit linear or angular motions.Corresponding stiffness models are also established.The characteristics and possible applications of the SIS flexure structures are computationally investigated through case studies.Ultimately,several SIS prototypes are manufactured,and the modeling accuracy of the established stiffness models is experimentally verified.