A Finite and Instantaneous Screw Based Approach for Topology Design and Kinematic Analysis of 5-Axis Parallel Kinematic Machines

Unifying the models for topology design and kinematic analysis has long been a desire for the research of parallel kinematic machines(PKMs). This requires that analytical description, formulation and operation for both finite and instantaneous motions are performed by the same mathematical tool. Based upon finite and instantaneous screw theory, a unified and systematic approach for topology design and kinematic analysis of PKMs is proposed in this paper. Using the derivative mapping between finite and instantaneous screws built in the authors’ previous work, the finite and instantaneous motions of PKMs are analytically described by the simple and non?redundant screws in quasi?vector and vector forms. And topological and parametric models of PKMs are algebraically formulated and related. These related topological and parametric models are ready to do type synthesis and kinematic analysis of PKMs under the unified framework of screw theory. In order to show the validity of the proposed approach, a kind of two?translational and three?rotational(2T3R)5?axis PKMs is taken as example. Numerous new structures of the 2T3R PKMs are synthe?sized as the results of topology design, and their Jacobian matrix is obtained easily for parameter optimization and performance evaluation. Some of the synthesized PKMs have outstanding capabilities in terms of large workspaces and flexible orientations, and have great potential for industrial applications of machining and manufacture. Among them, METROM PKM is a typical example which has attracted a lot of attention from global companies and already been developed as commercial products. The approach is a general and unified approach that can be used in the innovative design of different kinds of PKMs.

Comparison of Parallel Kinematic Machines with Three Translational Degrees of Freedom and Linear Actuation

The development of new robot structures, in particular of parallel kinematic machines（PKM）, is widely systematized by different structure synthesis methods. Recent research increasingly focuses on PKM with less than six degrees of freedom（DOF）. However, an overall comparison and evaluation of these structures is missing. In order to compare symmetrical PKM with three translational DOF, different evaluation criteria are used. Workspace, maximum actuation forces and velocities, power, actuator stiffness, accuracy and transmission behavior are taken into account to investigate strengths and weaknesses of the PKMs. A selection scheme based on possible configurations of translational PKM including different frame configurations is presented. Moreover, an optimization method based on a genetic algorithm is described to determine the geometric parameters of the selected PKM for an exemplary load case and a prescribed workspace. The values of the mentioned criteria are determined for all considered PKM with respect to certain boundary conditions. The distribution and spreading of these values within the prescribed workspace is presented by using box plots for each criterion. Thereby, the performance characteristics of the different structures can be compared directly. The results show that there is no ＂best＂ PKM. Further inquiries such as dynamic or stiffness analysis are necessary to extend the comparison and to finally select a PKM.

Compliance Modeling and Analysis of a 3-RPS Parallel Kinematic Machine Module

The compliance modeling and rigidity performance evaluation for the lower mobility parallel manipulators are still to be remained as two overwhelming challenges in the stage of conceptual design due to their geometric complexities. By using the screw theory, this paper explores the compliance modeling and eigencompliance evaluation of a newly patented 1T2R spindle head whose topological architecture is a 3-RPS parallel mechanism. The kinematic definitions and inverse position analysis are briefly addressed in the first place to provide necessary information for compliance modeling. By considering the 3-RPS parallel kinematic machine（PKM） as a typical compliant parallel device, whose three limb assemblages have bending, extending and torsional deflections, an analytical compliance model for the spindle head is established with screw theory and the analytical stiffness matrix of the platform is formulated. Based on the eigenscrew decomposition, the eigencompliance and corresponding eigenscrews are analyzed and the platform＇s compliance properties are physically interpreted as the suspension of six screw springs. The distributions of stiffness constants of the six screw springs throughout the workspace are predicted in a quick manner with a piece-by-piece calculation algorithm. The numerical simulation reveals a strong dependency of platform＇s compliance on its configuration in that they are axially symmetric due to structural features. At the last stage, the effects of some design variables such as structural, configurational and dimensional parameters on system rigidity characteristics are investigated with the purpose of providing useful information for the structural design and performance improvement of the PKM. Compared with previous efforts in compliance analysis of PKMs, the present methodology is more intuitive and universal thus can be easily applied to evaluate the overall rigidity performance of other PKMs with high efficiency.

Kinetostatic Modeling and Analysis of an Exechon Parallel Kinematic Machine(PKM) Module

As a newly invented parallel kinematic machine（PKM）, Exechon has found its potential application in machining and assembling industries due to high rigidity and high dynamics. To guarantee the overall performance, the loading conditions and deflections of the key components must be revealed to provide basic mechanic data for component design. For this purpose, a kinetostatic model is proposed with substructure synthesis technique. The Exechon is divided into a platform subsystem, a fixed base subsystem and three limb subsystems according to its structure. By modeling the limb assemblage as a spatial beam constrained by two sets of lumped virtual springs representing the compliances of revolute joint, universal joint and spherical joint, the equilibrium equations of limb subsystems are derived with finite element method（FEM）. The equilibrium equations of the platform are derived with Newton＇s 2nd law. By introducing deformation compatibility conditions between the platform and limb, the governing equilibrium equations of the system are derived to formulate an analytical expression for system＇s deflections. The platform＇s elastic displacements and joint reactions caused by the gravity are investigated to show a strong position-dependency and axis-symmetry due to its kinematic and structure features. The proposed kinetostatic model is a trade-off between the accuracy of FEM and concision of analytical method, thus can predict the kinetostatics throughout the workspace in a quick and succinct manner. The proposed modeling methodology and kinetostatic analysis can be further expanded to other PKMs with necessary modifications, providing useful information for kinematic calibration as well as component strength calculations.

KINEMATIC DESIGN OF A RECONFIGURABLE MINIATURE PARALLEL KINEMATIC MACHINE

The kinematic design of a reconfigurable miniature parallel kinematic machineis dealt with. It shows that the reconfigurability may be realized by packaging a tripod-basedparallel mechanism with fixed length struts into a compact and rigid frame with which the differentconfigurations can be formed. Utilizing a dual parameter model, the influences of the geometricalparameters on the dexterous performance and the workspace/machine volume ratio are investigated. Anovel global performance index for the dimensional synthesis is proposed and optimized, resulting ina set of dimensionless geometrical parameters.

Running Accuracy Analysis of a 3-RRR Parallel Kinematic Machine Considering the Deformations of the Links

Parallel kinematic machines have drawn considerable attention and have been widely used in some special fields.However,high precision is still one of the challenges when they are used for advanced machine tools.One of the main reasons is that the kinematic chains of parallel kinematic machines are composed of elongated links that can easily suffer deformations,especially at high speeds and under heavy loads.A 3-RRR parallel kinematic machine is taken as a study object for investigating its accuracy with the consideration of the deformations of its links during the motion process.Based on the dynamic model constructed by the Newton-Euler method,all the inertia loads and constraint forces of the links are computed and their deformations are derived.Then the kinematic errors of the machine are derived with the consideration of the deformations of the links.Through further derivation,the accuracy of the machine is given in a simple explicit expression,which will be helpful to increase the calculating speed.The accuracy of this machine when following a selected circle path is simulated.The influences of magnitude of the maximum acceleration and external loads on the running accuracy of the machine are investigated.The results show that the external loads will deteriorate the accuracy of the machine tremendously when their direction coincides with the direction of the worst stiffness of the machine.The proposed method provides a solution for predicting the running accuracy of the parallel kinematic machines and can also be used in their design optimization as well as selection of suitable running parameters.

Homing Strategy for a 4RRR Parallel Kinematic Machine

Returning home is the most important process of a parallel kinematic machine （PKM） with incremental encoders.Currently,most corresponding articles focus on the accuracy of homing process,and there lacks the investigation of the operation＇s safety.For a 4RRR PKM,all servoaxes would be independently driven to their zero positions at the same time based on the traditional homing mode,and that can bring serious interfere of the kinematic chains.This paper systemically investigates this 4RRR PKM＇s safety of homing process.A homing strategy usually contains three parts which are the home switches＇ locations,the platform＇s initial moving space,and each links＇ homing direction,and all of them can influence the safety of homing operation.For the purpose of evaluating and describing the safety of the homing strategy,some important parameters are introduced as follows：Safely homing ratio （SHR） is used to evaluate the probability of a machine＇s successfully returning home from an initial moving space;Synchronal rotational angle （SRA） is the four links＇ largest synchronal rotational angle with given directions from a given pose.Whether a machine can safely return home from a given pose can be judged by comparing the SRA with all four home switches＇ mounting angles.By meshing the initial moving space and checking the safeties of returning home from all the initial poses on the nodes,the SHR of this initial moving space can be calculate.For the sake of convenience,the platform＇s initial moving space should be as large as possible,and in this 4RRR PKM,a square zone in the center of the workspace with a giving initial rotation range is selected as the platform＇s initial moving space.The forward direction is selected as each link＇s homing direction according to custom,and the platform＇s initial rotational angle is selected as larger than 0° based on this 4RRR PKM＇s kinematic characteristics.The platform＇s initial moving space can be defined only by the side length of the initial moving square.By setting a probable searching step and calculating the SHR of the initial moving square,an optimal procedure of searching for the largest side length of the platform＇s initial moving square is proposed.The homing strategy proposed is based on a systemic research on the safety of homing process for PKM,and the two new indexes SHR and SRA can clearly describe the safety of homing operation.The homing operation based on this strategy is fast and safe,and the method can also be used in other PKMs with the situation of serious components＇ interference.

Calibration of a Parallel Kinematic Machine Tool

A calibration method is presented to enhance the static accuracy of a parallel kinematic machine tool by using a coordinate measuring machine and a laser tracker. According to the established calibration model and the calibration experiment, the factual 42 kinematic parameters of BKX-I parallel kinematic machine toot are obtained. By circular tests the comparison is made between the calibrated and the uncalihrated parameters and shows that there is 80 % improvement in accuracy of this machine tool.

Research on postprocessing of seven-axis linkage parallel kinematics machine with complicated surfaces

Because of restriction of workspace of parallel kinematics Machine (PKM), 6 DOF PKM can’t finish machining of workpiece with complicated surfaces under only once locating. It is necessary to fit workpiece beyond twice and to lead to low machining precision. Therefore the seven-axis linkage PKM is implemented by fixing a turntable on the worktable of the six-axis linkage PKM. However, the turntable angle decomposing problem from the CL file should be well considered. If the traditional decomposing methods are adopted, the nutation angle usually goes beyond the workspace of the machine. Therefore, according to the relation of the machine coordinate system and the workpiece coordinate system, the turntable angle decomposition algorithmic of the consistent coordinate system and the turntable angle decomposition algorithmic of the non-consistent coordinate system are developed to resolve the problem mentioned above. The turntable angle decomposition of the non-consistent coordinate system processes the decomposition which is based on the consistent coordinate system again. It calculates the initial angle of the locating workpiece, and the decomposed angle of the turntable at the machine coordinate system results in the nutation angle not going beyond workspace of the machine, thereby the decomposition process can be simplified.

Calibration of parallel kinematics machine using generalized distance error model

This paper focus on the accuracy enhancement of parallel kinematics machine through kinematics calibration. In the calibration processing, well-structured identification Jacobian matrix construction and end-effector position and orientation measurement are two main difficulties. In this paper, the identification Jacobian matrix is constructed easily by numerical calculation utilizing the unit virtual velocity method. The generalized distance errors model is presented for avoiding measuring the position and orientation directly which is difficult to be measured. At last, a measurement tool is given for acquiring the data points in the calibration processing. Experimental studies confirmed the effectiveness of method. It is also shown in the paper that the proposed approach can be applied to other typed parallel manipulators.

A numerical error analysis method and its application on a 4RRR parallel kinematic machine

To guarantee the accuracy of error analysis and evaluate the manufacturing tolerance s influence,anumerical error analysis method for parallel kinematic machines (PKMs) is presented in this paper.Quasi-Newton method and genetic algorithm are introduced for the forward kinematic solution.Based onthe inverse and forward kinematic solutions,the end-effector s error calculation procedure is developed.To solve the accuracy problem caused by the length and angular parameters' different units,a normalizationmethod is proposed based on the manufacturing tolerance.Comparison between the error analysis resultscalculated by the traditional method and the numerical method for a 4RRR PKM shows that,this numericalerror analysis method is more accurate,simpler,and can evaluate the machine s real error basedon the manufacturing tolerance.

Separation of Comprehensive Geometrical Errors of a 3-DOF Parallel Manipulator Based on Jacobian Matrix and Its Sensitivity Analysis with Monte-Carlo Method

Parallel kinematic machines （PKMs） have the advantages of a compact structure,high stiffness,a low moving inertia,and a high load/weight ratio.PKMs have been intensively studied since the 1980s,and are still attracting much attention.Compared with extensive researches focus on their type/dimensional synthesis,kinematic/dynamic analyses,the error modeling and separation issues in PKMs are not studied adequately,which is one of the most important obstacles in its commercial applications widely.Taking a 3-PRS parallel manipulator as an example,this paper presents a separation method of source errors for 3-DOF parallel manipulator into the compensable and non-compensable errors effectively.The kinematic analysis of 3-PRS parallel manipulator leads to its six-dimension Jacobian matrix,which can be mapped into the Jacobian matrix of actuations and constraints,and then the compensable and non-compensable errors can be separated accordingly.The compensable errors can be compensated by the kinematic calibration,while the non-compensable errors may be adjusted by the manufacturing and assembling process.Followed by the influence of the latter,i.e.,the non-compensable errors,on the pose error of the moving platform through the sensitivity analysis with the aid of the Monte-Carlo method,meanwhile,the configurations of the manipulator are sought as the pose errors of the moving platform approaching their maximum.The compensable and non-compensable errors in limited-DOF parallel manipulators can be separated effectively by means of the Jacobian matrix of actuations and constraints,providing designers with an informative guideline to taking proper measures for enhancing the pose accuracy via component tolerancing and/or kinematic calibration,which can lay the foundation for the error distinguishment and compensation.

Kineto-static analysis of a novel high-speed parallel manipulator with rigid-flexible coupled links

A novel high-speed parallel kinematic machine （PKM） named Delta-S parallel manipulator is proposed, which consists of a fixed base connected to a moving platform through three limbs with identical topology. Each limb is composed of one driving ann and one follower arm, herein, the latter includes two strings and one middle rod, all located in a same plane. Compared with similar manipulators with uniform parameters, the novel and unique topology as well as the addition of two strings of Delta-S manipulator can remove the clearance of the spherical joints, reduce the inertial load of components further, improve the positioning accuracy and dynamic performance, and so on. In order to formulate the kineto-static model of Delta-S manipulator, the kineto-static analyses and models of the driving arm, the generalized follower and the moving platform can be carried out by the D＇ALEMBERT principle. For the sake of obtaining the force analytic results of strings, the deformation compatibility condition of strings and the middle rod are determined. Furthermore, in virtue of the assumption of small deformation and the linear superposition principle, the minimal pre-tightening force of the strings is calculated. The main results include that the loads of the strings and the middle rod must be larger than ＂zero＂ and the pre-tightening force over the workspace must be larger than the minimal pre-tightening force at any time within the workspace, which lay the foundation for the dynamic analysis and the prototype manufacture of the Delta-S manipulator.

Robust decoupling control of a parallel kinematic machine using the time-delay estimation technique

This paper proposes a robust decoupling control scheme using a time-delay estimation technique for a parallel kinematic machine to enhance its trajectory tracking performance.The dynamic model of a parallel kinematic machine(PKM)is a multivariable nonlinear strongly coupled system that is always affected by uncertainties and external disturbances.The proposed controller employs the time-delay estimation(TDE)technique to estimate the dynamic model of a PKM with uncertainties and disturbances,thus obtaining a simple model structure.The TDE technique involves estimating the unknown system dynamics by intentionally using a time-delayed signal,which will inevitably lead to estimation errors.Hence,the proposed controller effectively reduces the unfavourable TDE error by combining fast and robust integral terminal sliding mode control with TDE(TDE-ITSMC).In turn,the TDE technique can reduce the upper bound on the switching gain in the sliding mode control(SMC)scheme,which reduces damage to the robot.Finally,comparative experimental studies with other controllers confirm that TDEITSMC offers excellent trajectory tracking accuracy and is a practical robust control scheme for PKMs.

WORKPIECE LOCATING AND POST PROCESSING SYSTEMS ON 6-DOF CNC MILLING MACHINE

A conventional non-computerized numerical control （CNC） machine is updated by mounting a six degree-of-free （DOF） parallel mechanism on it, thus obtaining a new CNC one. The structure of this CNC milling machine is introduced, and the workpiece locating system and the post processing system of the cutter location （CL） data file are analyzed. The new machine has advantages of low costs, simple structure, good rigidity, and high precision. It is easy to be transformed and used to process the workpiece with a complex surface.

Dynamic Modeling and Eigenvalue Evaluation of a 3-DOF PKM Module

Due to the structural complexity, the dynamic modeling and quick performance evaluation for the parallel kinematic machines （PKMs） are still to be remained as two challenges in the stage of conceptual design. By using the finite element method and substructure synthesis, this paper mainly deals with the dynamic modeling and eigenvalue evaluation of a novel 3-DOF spindle head named the A3 head. The topological architecture behind the proposed A3 head is a 3-RPS parallel mechanism, which possesses one translational and two rotational capabilities. The mechanical features of the A3 head are briefly addressed in the first place followed by inverse position analysis. In the dynamic modeling, the platform is treated as a rigid body, the RPS limbs as the continuous uniform beams and the joints as lumped virtual springs. With the combination of substructure synthesis and finite element method, an analytical approach is then proposed to formulate the governing equations of motion of system using the compatibility conditions at interface between the limbs and the platform. Consequently, by solving the eigenvalue problem of the governing equations of motion, the distribution of lower natural frequencies of the A3 head throughout the entire workspace can be predicted in a quick manner. Modal analysis for the A3 head reveals that the distributions of lower natural frequencies are strongly related to the mechanism configuration and are axially symmetric due to system kinematic and structural features. The sensitivity analysis of the system indicates that the dimensional parameters of the 3-RPS mechanism have a slight effect on system lower natural frequencies while the joint compliances affect the distributions of lower natural frequencies significantly. The proposed dynamic modeling method can also be applied to other PKMs and can effectively evaluate the PKM＇s dynamic performance throughout the entire workspace.

Error analysis and optimization of a 3-degree of freedom translational Parallel Kinematic Machine

In this paper, error modeling and analysis of a typical 3-degree of freedom translational Parallel Kine- matic Machine is presented. This mechanism provides translational motion along the Cartesian X-, Y- and Z- axes. It consists of three limbs each having an arm and forearm with prismatic-revolute-revolute-revolute joints. The moving or tool platform maintains same orientation in the entire workspace due to its joint arrangement. From inverse kinematics, the joint angles for a given position of tool platform necessary for the error modeling and analysis are obtained. Error modeling is done based on the differentiation of the inverse kinematic equations. Variation of pose errors along X, Y and Z directions for a set of dimensions of the parallel kinematic machine is presented. A non-dimensional performance index, namely, global error transformation index is used to study the influence of dimensions and its corresponding global maximum pose error is reported. An attempt is made to find the optimal dimensions of the Parallel Kinematic Machine using Genetic Algorithms in MATLAB. The methodology presented and the results obtained are useful for predicting the performance capability of the Parallel Kinematic Machine under study.

Nonlinearity for a parallel kinematic machine tool and its application to interpolation accuracy analysis

This paper is concerned with the kinematic nonlinearity measure of parallel kinematic machine tool (PKM), which depends upon differential geometry curvalure. The nonlinearity can be described by the curve of the solution locus and the equal interval input of joints mapping into inequable interval output of the end-effectors. Such curing and inequation can be measured by BW curvature. So the curvature can measure the nonlinearity of PKM indirectly. Then the distribution of BW curvature in the local area and the whole workspace are also discussed. An example of application to the interpolation accuracy analysis of PKM is given to illustrate the effectiveness of this approach.

Analysis of Petri net model and task planning heuristic algorithms for product reconfiguration

Reconfiguration planning is recognized as an important factor for reducing the cost of manufacturing reconfigurable products, and the associated main task is to generate a set of optimal or near-optimal reconfiguration sequences using some effect algorithms. A method is developed to generate a Petri net as the reconfiguration tree to represent two-state-transit of product, which solved the representation problem of reconfiguring interfaces replacement. Relating with this method, two heuristic algorithms are proposed to generate task sequences which considering economics to search reconfiguration paths effectively. At last, an objective evaluation is applied to compare these two heuristic algorithms to other ones. The developed reconfiguration task planning heuristic algorithms can generate better strategies and plans for reconfiguration. The research finds are exemplified with struts reconfiguration of reconfigurable parallel kinematics machine （RPKM）.

Parallel Mechanisms with Two or Three Degrees of Freedom

Parallel manipulators for the machine tool industry have been studied extensively for various industrial applications. However, limited useful workspace areas, the poor mobility, and design difficulties of more complex parallel manipulators have led to more interest in parallel manipulators with less than six degrees of freedom (DoFs). Several parallel mechanisms with various numbers and types of degrees of freedom are described in this paper, which can be used in parallel kinematics machines, motion simulators, and industrial robots.