Synthesis of Branched Chains with Actuation Redundancy for Eliminating Interior Singularities of 3T1R Parallel Mechanisms

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.

Stability Analysis for a Planar Parallel Manipulator with the Capability of Self-Coordinating the Load Distribution

Redundantly actuated parallel manipulators have the advantage of enhancing load-carrying capability over their non-redundant ones, however they also cause the problem of uneven load distribution and need a high requirement for the control system. This paper presents a 2-RPR/RP planar redundantly actuated parallel manipulator which can self-coordinate the distribution of external loads. This capability is realized by an appropriate design of the moving platform to make the manipulator stable at equilibrium position. The stability is proved by the theorem of direct Lyapunov method in classical mechanics. The numerical simulations are conducted to validate the stable capability by means of the observation of potential energies and phase planes. This paper offers an alternative way to design a redundantly actuated manipulator with the capability of self-coordinating the load distribution to actuations, such that parts of the controlling work are assigned to the manipulator itself by its own structure and only a little work remains to the control system.

Experimental Characterization of a Binary Actuated Parallel Manipulator

This paper describes the BAPAMAN（Binary Actuated Parallel MANipulator） series of parallel manipulators that has been conceived at Laboratory of Robotics and Mechatronics（LARM）. Basic common characteristics of BAPAMAN series are described. In particular, it is outlined the use of a reduced number of active degrees of freedom, the use of design solutions with flexural joints and Shape Memory Alloy（SMA） actuators for achieving miniaturization, cost reduction and easy operation features. Given the peculiarities of BAPAMAN architecture, specific experimental tests have been proposed and carried out with the aim to validate the proposed design and to evaluate the practical operation performance and the characteristics of a built prototype, in particular, in terms of operation and workspace characteristics.

A Parallel Actuated Pantograph Leg for High-speed Locomotion

High-speed running is one of the most important topics in the field of legged robots which requires strict constraints on structural design and control. To solve the problems of high acceleration, high energy consumption, high pace frequency and ground impact during high-speed movement, this paper presents a parallel actuated pantograph leg with an approximately decoupled configuration. The articulated leg features in light weight, high load capacity, high mechanical efficiency and structural stability. The similarity features of force and position between the control point and the foot are analyzed. The key design parameters, K1 and K2, which concern the dynamic performances, are carefully optimized by comprehensive evaluation of the leg inertia and mass within the maximum foot trajectory, A control strategy that incorporates virtual Spring Loaded Inverted Pendulum （SLIP） model and active force is also proposed to test the design. The strategy can implement highly flexible impedance without mechanical springs, which substantially simplifies the design and satisfies the variable stiffness requirements during high-speed running. The rationality of the structure and the effectiveness of the control law are validated by simulation and experiments.

Type Synthesis and Dynamics Performance Evaluation of a Class of 5-DOF Redundantly Actuated Parallel Mechanisms

This paper presents a five degree of freedom(5-DOF)redundantly actuated parallel mechanism(PM)for the parallel machining head of a machine tool.A 5-DOF single kinematic chain is evolved into a secondary kinematic chain based on Lie group theory and a configuration evolution method.The evolutional chain and four 6-DOF kinematic chain SPS(S represents spherical joint and P represents prismatic joint)or UPS(U represents universal joint)can be combined into four classes of 5-DOF redundantly actuated parallel mechanisms.That SPS-(2UPR)R(R represents revolute joint)redundantly actuated parallel mechanism is selected and is applied to the parallel machining head of the machine tool.All formulas of the 4SPS-(2UPR)R mechanism are deduced.The dynamic model of the mechanism is shown to be correct by Matlab and automatic dynamic analysis of mechanical systems(ADAMS)under no-load conditions.The dynamic performance evaluation indexes including energy transmission efficiency and acceleration performance evaluation are analyzed.The results show that the 4SPS-(2UPR)R mechanism can be applied to a parallel machining head and have good dynamic performance.