Type Synthesis of 4-DOF Parallel Kinematic Mechanisms Based on Grassmann Line Geometry and Atlas Method

Many methods are proposed to deal with the type synthesis of parallel kinematic mechanisms（PKMs）, but most of them are less intuitive to some extent. Thus, to propose a concise and intuitive type synthesis method for engineering application is a very challenging issue, which should be further studied in the field. Grassmann line geometry, which can investigate the dimensions of spatial line-clusters in a concise way, is taken as the mathematic foundation. Atlas method is introduced to visually describe the degrees of freedom（DOFs） and constraints of a mechanism, and the dual rule is brought in to realize the mutual conversion of the freedom-space and constraint-space. Consequently, a systematic method based on Grassmann line geometry and Atlas method is generated and the entire type synthesis process is presented. Three type 4-DOF PKMs, i.e., 1T3R, 2T2R and 3T1R（T： translational DOF; R： rotational DOF）, are classified according to the different combinations of the translational DOFs and rotational DOFs. The type synthesis of 4-DOF PKMs is carried out and the possible configurations are thoroughly investigated. Some new PKMs with useful functions are generated during this procedure. The type synthesis method based on Grassmann line geometry and Atlas method is intuitive and concise, and can reduce the complexity of the PKMs＇ type synthesis. Moreover, this method can provide theoretical guidance for other PKMs＇ type synthesis and engineering application. A novel type synthesis method is proposed, which solves the existing methods＇ problems in terms of complicated, not intuitive and unsuitable for practical application.

CAD/CAM ALGORITHM OF RULED SURFACE BASED ON LINE GEOMETRY

A new concept of design and manufacturing of ruled surface based on line geometry is proposed. Some practical algorithm for CAD system is derived. Some problems in design and manufacturing of ruled surface can be solved by using the algorithm.

AFFINE SPINOR DECOMPOSITION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL AFFINE GEOMETRY

Spin group and screw algebra,as extensions of quaternions and vector algebra,respectively,have important applications in geometry,physics and engineering.In threedimensional projective geometry,when acting on lines,each projective transformation can be decomposed into at most three harmonic projective reflections with respect to projective lines,or equivalently,each projective spinor can be decomposed into at most three orthogonal Minkowski bispinors,each inducing a harmonic projective line reflection.In this paper,we establish the corresponding result for three-dimensional affine geometry:with each affine transformation is found a minimal decomposition into general affine reflections,where the number of general affine reflections is at most three;equivalently,each affine spinor can be decomposed into at most three affine Minkowski bispinors,each inducing a general affine line reflection.

Sectional Dimensions Identification of Metal Profile by Image Processing

In steel plants, estimation of the production system characteristic is highly critical to adjust the system parameters for best efficiency. Although the system parameters may be tuned very well, due to the machine and human factors involved in the production line some deficiencies may occur in product. It is important to detect such problems as early as possible. Surface defects and dimensional deviations are the most important quality problems. In this study, it is aimed to develop an approach to measure the dimensions of metal profiles by obtaining images of them. This will be of use in detecting the deviations in dimensions. A platform was introduced to simulate the real-time environment and images were taken from the metal profile using 4 laser light sources. The shape of the material is generated by combining the images taken from different cameras. Real dimensions were obtained by using image processing and mathematical conversion operations on the images. The results obtained with small deviations from the real values showed that this method can be applied in a real-time production line.

Reciprocal Screw Theory Based Singularity Analysis of a Novel 3-DOF Parallel Manipulator

Singularity analysis is an essential issue for the development and application of parallel manipulators.Most of the existing researches focus on the singularity of parallel manipulators are carried out based on the study of Jacobian matrices.A 3-DOF parallel manipulator with symmetrical structure is presented.The novel parallel manipulator employs only revolute joints and consists of four closed-loop subchains connecting to both base and platform via revolute joints.The closed-loop subchain in each chain-leg is a spherical 6R linkage.The motion characteristics of the output link in the spherical 6R linkage with symmetrical structure are analyzed based on the interrelationships between screw systems.The constraints that are exerted on the platform by each chain-leg are investigated applying the concept of generalized kinematic pair in terms of equivalent screw system.Considering the geometric characteristics of the parallel manipulator,the singularity criteria of the parallel manipulator corresponding to different configurations are revealed based on the dependency of screw system and line geometry.The existing conditions of certain configuration that a singularity must occur are determined.This paper presents a new way of singularity analysis based on disposition of constraint forces on the geometrically identified constraint plane and the proposed approach is capable of avoiding the complexity in solving the Jacobian matrices.