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.

NEW CRITERION OF DEGREE OF FREEDOM FOR PLANE MECHANISM

A new criterion of degree of freedom for planar mechanism was presented. Compared with Gruebler's equation, this criterion possesses some characteristics. On one hand, this equation needs no modifying to the complex hinges, degrees of local freedom, and the case of mechanism with all sliding pairs. On the other hand, synthesing the concepts of substitution higher pair for kinematically equivalent lower pair, DOF determination and evolution. which benefits the students in learning. Hence, the authors suggest the formula be recommended, since its briefness, easiness to grasp.

Kinematics Analysis of Mechanisms Based on Virtual Assembly

Currently, virtual assembly technology has attracted increasing attention due to considerations of solving assembly problems in virtual environment before actual assembly in manufactory. Previous studies on kinematic analysis of mechanism only aim at analyzing motion law of single mechanism, but can not simulate the multi-mechanisms motion process at the same time, let alone simulating the automatic assembly process of products in a whole assembly workshop. In order to simulate the assembly process of products in an assembly workshop and provide effective data for analyzing mechanical performance after finishing assembly simulation in virtual environment, this study investigates the kinematics analysis of mechanisms based on virtual assembly. Firstly, in view of the same function of the kinematic pairs and the assembly constraints on restricting the motion of components （subassembly or part）, the method of identifying kinematic pairs automatically based on assembly constraints is presented. The information of kinematic pairs can be obtained through calculating the constraint degree of the assembly constraints. Secondly, the incidence matrix eliminating element method is proposed in order to search the information and establish the models of mechanisms automatically after finishing assembly simulation in virtual environment. Both methods have important significance for reducing the workload of pretreatment and promoting the level of automation of kinematics analysis. Finally, the method of kinematics analysis of mechanisms is presented. Based on Descartes coordinates, three types of kinematics equations are formed. The parameters, like displacement, velocity, and acceleration, can be obtained by solving these equations. All these data are important to analyze mechanical performance. All the methods are implemented and validated in the prototype system virtual assembly process planning（VAPP）. The mechanism models are established and simulated in the VAPP system, and the result curves are shown accurately. The proposed kinematics analysis of mechanisms based on virtual assembly provides an effective method for simulating product assembly process automatically and analyzing mechanical performance after finishing assembly simulation.