Force Analysis of Spatial Single Closed-Loop Overconstrained Mechanisms

Abstract

Taking the Bennett and Schatz mechanisms as examples, force analyses of spatial single closed-loop (SSCL) overconstrained mechanisms are demonstrated aiming to obtain the driving forces/torques and joint reactions of this kind of mechanisms. Firstly, regarding the SSCL overconstrained mechanisms as parallel mechanisms with two supporting limbs, the constraint wrenches and actuation wrenches imposed on the moving platform by the two limbs are discussed, and the mobility of each mechanism is analyzed based on the screw theory. Then, the compliance matrices of the limbs’ constraint wrenches are derived, which contribute to solve the statically indeterminate force problem of the mechanisms. Next, by combining the force and moment equilibrium equation of the moving platform with the deformation compatibility equation of the corresponding mechanism, the magnitudes of all constraint wrenches and actuation wrenches are solved. Furthermore, the driving forces/torques and joint reactions are derived. Finally, the numerical and simulation results of the two mechanisms are presented.