The main contribution of this paper is the development and demonstration of a novel methodology that can be followed to develop a simulation twin of a railway track switch system to test the functionality in a digital...The main contribution of this paper is the development and demonstration of a novel methodology that can be followed to develop a simulation twin of a railway track switch system to test the functionality in a digital environment.This is important because,globally,railway track switches are used to allow trains to change routes;they are a key part of all railway networks.However,because track switches are single points of failure and safety-critical,their inability to operate correctly can cause significant delays and concomitant costs.In order to better understand the dynamic behaviour of switches during operation,this paper has developed a full simulation twin of a complete track switch system.The approach fuses finite element for the rail bending and motion,with physics-based models of the electromechanical actuator system and the control system.Hence,it provides researchers and engineers the opportunity to explore and understand the design space around the dynamic operation of new switches and switch machines before they are built.This is useful for looking at the modification or monitoring of existing switches,and it becomes even more important when new switch concepts are being considered and evaluated.The simulation is capable of running in real time or faster meaning designs can be iterated and checked interactively.The paper describes the modelling approach,demonstrates the methodology by developing the system model for a novel“REPOINT”switch system,and evaluates the system level performance against the dynamic performance requirements for the switch.In the context of that case study,it is found that the proposed new actuation system as designed can meet(and exceed)the system performance requirements,and that the fault tolerance built into the actuation ensures continued operation after a single actuator failure.展开更多
Although it is common to eliminate the singularity of parallel mechanism by adding the branched chain with actuation redundancy, there is no theory and method for the configuration synthesis of the branched chain with...Although it is common to eliminate the singularity of parallel mechanism by adding the branched chain with actuation redundancy, there is no theory and method for the configuration synthesis of the branched chain with actuation redundancy in parallel mechanism. Branched chains with actuation redundancy are synthesized for eliminating interior singularity of 3-translational and 1-rotational(3T1R) parallel mechanisms. Guided by the discriminance method of hybrid screw group according to Grassmann line geometry, all the possibilities are listed for the occurrence of interior singularities in 3T1R parallel mechanism. Based on the linear relevance of screw system and the principles of eliminating parallel mechanism singularity with actuation redundancy, different types of branched chains with actuation redundancy are synthesized systematically to indicate the layout and the number of the branched chainsinterior with actuation redundancy. A general method is proposed for the configuration synthesis of the branched chains with actuation redundancy of the redundant parallel mechanism, and it builds a solid foundation for the subsequent performance optimization of the redundant actuation parallel mechanism.展开更多
The singularity problem brings troubles to the design and application for the parallel mechanism.Currently,redun-dant actuation is one of the useful methods to solve this singularity problem.However,faced to the numer...The singularity problem brings troubles to the design and application for the parallel mechanism.Currently,redun-dant actuation is one of the useful methods to solve this singularity problem.However,faced to the numerous joints in a parallel mechanism,how to make a quantitative criterion of seeking the most efficient joints added actuators for letting the mechanism passes through singularity is a necessarily open issue.This paper focuses on a 2R1T 3-UPU(U for universal joint and P for prismatic joint)parallel mechanism(PM)with two rotational and one translational(2R1T)degrees of freedom(DOFs)and the ability of multiple remote centers of motion(M-RCM).The singularity analysis based on the indexes of motion/force transmissibility and constraint shows that this PM has transmission singular-ity,constraint singularity,mixed singularity and limb singularity.To solve these singular problems,the quantifiable redundancy transmission index(RTI)and the redundancy constraint index(RCI)are proposed for optimum seeking of redundant actuators for this PM.Then the appropriate redundant actuators are selected and the working scheme for redundant actuators near the corresponding singular configuration are given to help the PM passes through the singularity.This research proposes a quantitative criterion to optimum seeking of redundant actuators for the parallel mechanism to solve its singularity.展开更多
Friction stir welding(FSW)has been widely applied in many fields as an alternative to traditional fusion welding.Although serial robots can provide the orientation capability required to weld along curved surfaces,the...Friction stir welding(FSW)has been widely applied in many fields as an alternative to traditional fusion welding.Although serial robots can provide the orientation capability required to weld along curved surfaces,they cannot adequately support the huge axial downward forces that FSW generates.Available parallel mechanism architectures,particularly redundantly actuated architectures for FSW,are still very limited.In this paper,a redundantly actuated 2 UPR-2 RPU parallel robot for FSW is proposed,where U denotes a universal joint,R denotes a revolute joint and P denotes a prismatic pair.First,its semi-symmetric structure is described.Next,inverse kinematics analysis involving an analytical representation of rotational axes is implemented.Velocity analysis is also conducted,which leads to the formation of a Jacobian matrix.Sensitivity performance is evaluated utilizing level set and convex optimization methods,where the local sensitivity indices are unit consistent,coordinate free,and of definite physical significance.Furthermore,global and hierarchical sensitivity indices are proposed for the design process.Finally,dimension synthesis is conducted based on the sensitivity indices and the optimal link parameters of the parallel robot are obtained.In summary,this paper proposes a dimensional synthesis method for a redundantly actuated parallel robot for FSW based on sensitivity indices.展开更多
A servo press is a new type of mechanical press that is driven by programmable motors and offers superior performance such as low noise, excellent efficiency and high precision for metal forming operations. Similar to...A servo press is a new type of mechanical press that is driven by programmable motors and offers superior performance such as low noise, excellent efficiency and high precision for metal forming operations. Similar to multi-link mechanical presses, a servo mechanical press tends to grow in size as the tonnage increases that calls for larger, heavy duty servo motors, which could be expensive and may not even be available. In this paper, a new concept of servo mechanical press with redundant actuation is proposed firstly using two servo motors driving one input shaft, i.e. one-point-two-motor mode that makes it possible to produce a larger press with available servomotors. Then the punching mechanism design is detailed. The performance indices are set up including mechanical advantage reciprocal and link force ratios. A bounded feasible solution space is constructed for dimensional synthesis based on non-dimensional link lengths and assembly conditions. The performance atlases are depicted over the bounded feasible solution space that lead to a visual solution of the punching mechanism with global optimization. Finally, case studies are given to illustrate the design method with visual global optimization, and a prototype with 200 t punching force is being developed in our laboratory to demonstrate efficacy of the new concept for servo mechanical press. The presented research provides a feasible solution to the development of heavy-duty servo mechanical presses and finds potential applications in the development of other types of heavy equipments with electric drive.展开更多
Redundant actuator is the key component of Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system in which exists the inherent force fighting among different redundant channels at colligation point, This paper establishes the mathematical model ...Redundant actuator is the key component of Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system in which exists the inherent force fighting among different redundant channels at colligation point, This paper establishes the mathematical model of quad redundant actuator (QRA), investigates the force equalization algorithm and carries out the performance degradation simulation and reliability analysis under the first failure and the second failure. The results indicate that the optimal equalization algorithm can solve the force fighting effectively, and the QRA can operate at degradation performance continuously under the first failure and the second failure. With the dynamic fault tree analysis, this paper calculates the reliability based on the performance of QRA and proves that the redundant actuator has very high reliability and safety.展开更多
Aircraft digital flexible assembly fixture and technologies are widely used in developed countries, while the traditional jig-based assembly mode is still used in China. The application study of aircraft digital flexi...Aircraft digital flexible assembly fixture and technologies are widely used in developed countries, while the traditional jig-based assembly mode is still used in China. The application study of aircraft digital flexible assembly system is just beginning in our country recently. To meet the requirements of automated posture alignment and join in digital assembly system for large aircraft components, a novel fitting fixture called 3-axis actuator is developed. On the basis of the actuators, three kinds of posture alignment system for large aircraft components are proposed, including the non-redundant system, the redundant actuating system, and the redundant leg system, and their constitutions and properties are introduced. Through deriving the feeding transmission stiffness model of single actuator and analyzing the inverse kinematics of these systems, the relationship between the external force and the changes of position and orientation of large aircraft component is obtained, and then the postural alignment stiffness models are established. With the method mentioned above, the postural alignment stiffness of three systems is computed by using the algebraic formulate, and the results show that redundant properties can increase system's postural alignment stiffness. As an example, a optimized layout of the assembly system for a given model of aircraft is developed, the results of application show that the layout has many advantages, such as high accuracy, stiffness, stability, reliability, efficiency and flexible, which can satisfy the requirement of aircraft digital assembly system well. The proposed study of postural alignment stiffness for different systems can supply the theoretic support for the optimization layout design of aircraft digital assembly system, and contribute to evaluate the system working performance of systems.展开更多
The current type synthesis of the redundant actuated parallel mechanisms is adding active-actuated kinematic branches on the basis of the traditional parallel mechanisms,or using screw theory to perform multiple getti...The current type synthesis of the redundant actuated parallel mechanisms is adding active-actuated kinematic branches on the basis of the traditional parallel mechanisms,or using screw theory to perform multiple getting intersection and union to complete type synthesis.The number of redundant parallel mechanisms obtained by these two methods is limited.In this paper,based on Grassmann line geometry and Atlas method,a novel and effective method for type synthesis of redundant actuated parallel mechanisms(PMs)with closed-loop units is proposed.Firstly,the degree of freedom(DOF)and constraint line graph of the moving platform are determined successively,and redundant lines are added in constraint line graph to obtain the redundant constraint line graph and their equivalent line graph,and a branch constraint allocation scheme is formulated based on the allocation criteria.Secondly,a scheme is selected and redundant lines are added in the branch chains DOF graph to construct the redundant actuated branch chains with closed-loop units.Finally,the branch chains that meet the requirements of branch chains configuration criteria and F&C(degree of freedom&constraint)line graph are assembled.In this paper,two types of 2 rotational and 1 translational(2R1T)redundant actuated parallel mechanisms and one type of 2 translational and 1 rotational(2T1R)redundant actuated parallel mechanisms with few branches and closed-loop units were taken as examples,and 238,92 and 15 new configurations were synthesized.All the mechanisms contain closed-loop units,and the mechanisms and the actuators both have good symmetry.Therefore,all the mechanisms have excellent comprehensive performance,in which the two rotational DOFs of the moving platform of 2R1T redundant actuated parallel mechanism can be independently controlled.The instantaneous analysis shows that all mechanisms are not instantaneous,which proves the feasibility and practicability of the method.展开更多
基金This research was supported by the European Union’s‘Shift2Rail’through No.826255 for the project IN2TRACK2:Research into enhanced track and switch and crossing system 2
文摘The main contribution of this paper is the development and demonstration of a novel methodology that can be followed to develop a simulation twin of a railway track switch system to test the functionality in a digital environment.This is important because,globally,railway track switches are used to allow trains to change routes;they are a key part of all railway networks.However,because track switches are single points of failure and safety-critical,their inability to operate correctly can cause significant delays and concomitant costs.In order to better understand the dynamic behaviour of switches during operation,this paper has developed a full simulation twin of a complete track switch system.The approach fuses finite element for the rail bending and motion,with physics-based models of the electromechanical actuator system and the control system.Hence,it provides researchers and engineers the opportunity to explore and understand the design space around the dynamic operation of new switches and switch machines before they are built.This is useful for looking at the modification or monitoring of existing switches,and it becomes even more important when new switch concepts are being considered and evaluated.The simulation is capable of running in real time or faster meaning designs can be iterated and checked interactively.The paper describes the modelling approach,demonstrates the methodology by developing the system model for a novel“REPOINT”switch system,and evaluates the system level performance against the dynamic performance requirements for the switch.In the context of that case study,it is found that the proposed new actuation system as designed can meet(and exceed)the system performance requirements,and that the fault tolerance built into the actuation ensures continued operation after a single actuator failure.
基金Supported by Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education,China(Grant No.20131333110008)
文摘Although it is common to eliminate the singularity of parallel mechanism by adding the branched chain with actuation redundancy, there is no theory and method for the configuration synthesis of the branched chain with actuation redundancy in parallel mechanism. Branched chains with actuation redundancy are synthesized for eliminating interior singularity of 3-translational and 1-rotational(3T1R) parallel mechanisms. Guided by the discriminance method of hybrid screw group according to Grassmann line geometry, all the possibilities are listed for the occurrence of interior singularities in 3T1R parallel mechanism. Based on the linear relevance of screw system and the principles of eliminating parallel mechanism singularity with actuation redundancy, different types of branched chains with actuation redundancy are synthesized systematically to indicate the layout and the number of the branched chainsinterior with actuation redundancy. A general method is proposed for the configuration synthesis of the branched chains with actuation redundancy of the redundant parallel mechanism, and it builds a solid foundation for the subsequent performance optimization of the redundant actuation parallel mechanism.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51775474)Hebei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.E2020203197).
文摘The singularity problem brings troubles to the design and application for the parallel mechanism.Currently,redun-dant actuation is one of the useful methods to solve this singularity problem.However,faced to the numerous joints in a parallel mechanism,how to make a quantitative criterion of seeking the most efficient joints added actuators for letting the mechanism passes through singularity is a necessarily open issue.This paper focuses on a 2R1T 3-UPU(U for universal joint and P for prismatic joint)parallel mechanism(PM)with two rotational and one translational(2R1T)degrees of freedom(DOFs)and the ability of multiple remote centers of motion(M-RCM).The singularity analysis based on the indexes of motion/force transmissibility and constraint shows that this PM has transmission singular-ity,constraint singularity,mixed singularity and limb singularity.To solve these singular problems,the quantifiable redundancy transmission index(RTI)and the redundancy constraint index(RCI)are proposed for optimum seeking of redundant actuators for this PM.Then the appropriate redundant actuators are selected and the working scheme for redundant actuators near the corresponding singular configuration are given to help the PM passes through the singularity.This research proposes a quantitative criterion to optimum seeking of redundant actuators for the parallel mechanism to solve its singularity.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U1713202,51525504).
文摘Friction stir welding(FSW)has been widely applied in many fields as an alternative to traditional fusion welding.Although serial robots can provide the orientation capability required to weld along curved surfaces,they cannot adequately support the huge axial downward forces that FSW generates.Available parallel mechanism architectures,particularly redundantly actuated architectures for FSW,are still very limited.In this paper,a redundantly actuated 2 UPR-2 RPU parallel robot for FSW is proposed,where U denotes a universal joint,R denotes a revolute joint and P denotes a prismatic pair.First,its semi-symmetric structure is described.Next,inverse kinematics analysis involving an analytical representation of rotational axes is implemented.Velocity analysis is also conducted,which leads to the formation of a Jacobian matrix.Sensitivity performance is evaluated utilizing level set and convex optimization methods,where the local sensitivity indices are unit consistent,coordinate free,and of definite physical significance.Furthermore,global and hierarchical sensitivity indices are proposed for the design process.Finally,dimension synthesis is conducted based on the sensitivity indices and the optimal link parameters of the parallel robot are obtained.In summary,this paper proposes a dimensional synthesis method for a redundantly actuated parallel robot for FSW based on sensitivity indices.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50875161, No. 50405017)National Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Program, Grant No. 2006AA04Z118)
文摘A servo press is a new type of mechanical press that is driven by programmable motors and offers superior performance such as low noise, excellent efficiency and high precision for metal forming operations. Similar to multi-link mechanical presses, a servo mechanical press tends to grow in size as the tonnage increases that calls for larger, heavy duty servo motors, which could be expensive and may not even be available. In this paper, a new concept of servo mechanical press with redundant actuation is proposed firstly using two servo motors driving one input shaft, i.e. one-point-two-motor mode that makes it possible to produce a larger press with available servomotors. Then the punching mechanism design is detailed. The performance indices are set up including mechanical advantage reciprocal and link force ratios. A bounded feasible solution space is constructed for dimensional synthesis based on non-dimensional link lengths and assembly conditions. The performance atlases are depicted over the bounded feasible solution space that lead to a visual solution of the punching mechanism with global optimization. Finally, case studies are given to illustrate the design method with visual global optimization, and a prototype with 200 t punching force is being developed in our laboratory to demonstrate efficacy of the new concept for servo mechanical press. The presented research provides a feasible solution to the development of heavy-duty servo mechanical presses and finds potential applications in the development of other types of heavy equipments with electric drive.
文摘Redundant actuator is the key component of Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system in which exists the inherent force fighting among different redundant channels at colligation point, This paper establishes the mathematical model of quad redundant actuator (QRA), investigates the force equalization algorithm and carries out the performance degradation simulation and reliability analysis under the first failure and the second failure. The results indicate that the optimal equalization algorithm can solve the force fighting effectively, and the QRA can operate at degradation performance continuously under the first failure and the second failure. With the dynamic fault tree analysis, this paper calculates the reliability based on the performance of QRA and proves that the redundant actuator has very high reliability and safety.
文摘Aircraft digital flexible assembly fixture and technologies are widely used in developed countries, while the traditional jig-based assembly mode is still used in China. The application study of aircraft digital flexible assembly system is just beginning in our country recently. To meet the requirements of automated posture alignment and join in digital assembly system for large aircraft components, a novel fitting fixture called 3-axis actuator is developed. On the basis of the actuators, three kinds of posture alignment system for large aircraft components are proposed, including the non-redundant system, the redundant actuating system, and the redundant leg system, and their constitutions and properties are introduced. Through deriving the feeding transmission stiffness model of single actuator and analyzing the inverse kinematics of these systems, the relationship between the external force and the changes of position and orientation of large aircraft component is obtained, and then the postural alignment stiffness models are established. With the method mentioned above, the postural alignment stiffness of three systems is computed by using the algebraic formulate, and the results show that redundant properties can increase system's postural alignment stiffness. As an example, a optimized layout of the assembly system for a given model of aircraft is developed, the results of application show that the layout has many advantages, such as high accuracy, stiffness, stability, reliability, efficiency and flexible, which can satisfy the requirement of aircraft digital assembly system well. The proposed study of postural alignment stiffness for different systems can supply the theoretic support for the optimization layout design of aircraft digital assembly system, and contribute to evaluate the system working performance of systems.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51875499).
文摘The current type synthesis of the redundant actuated parallel mechanisms is adding active-actuated kinematic branches on the basis of the traditional parallel mechanisms,or using screw theory to perform multiple getting intersection and union to complete type synthesis.The number of redundant parallel mechanisms obtained by these two methods is limited.In this paper,based on Grassmann line geometry and Atlas method,a novel and effective method for type synthesis of redundant actuated parallel mechanisms(PMs)with closed-loop units is proposed.Firstly,the degree of freedom(DOF)and constraint line graph of the moving platform are determined successively,and redundant lines are added in constraint line graph to obtain the redundant constraint line graph and their equivalent line graph,and a branch constraint allocation scheme is formulated based on the allocation criteria.Secondly,a scheme is selected and redundant lines are added in the branch chains DOF graph to construct the redundant actuated branch chains with closed-loop units.Finally,the branch chains that meet the requirements of branch chains configuration criteria and F&C(degree of freedom&constraint)line graph are assembled.In this paper,two types of 2 rotational and 1 translational(2R1T)redundant actuated parallel mechanisms and one type of 2 translational and 1 rotational(2T1R)redundant actuated parallel mechanisms with few branches and closed-loop units were taken as examples,and 238,92 and 15 new configurations were synthesized.All the mechanisms contain closed-loop units,and the mechanisms and the actuators both have good symmetry.Therefore,all the mechanisms have excellent comprehensive performance,in which the two rotational DOFs of the moving platform of 2R1T redundant actuated parallel mechanism can be independently controlled.The instantaneous analysis shows that all mechanisms are not instantaneous,which proves the feasibility and practicability of the method.