On the Maximization of Joint Velocities and Generalized Reactions in the Workspace and Singularity Analysis of Parallel Mechanisms

Abstract

SummaryAn approach for calculating the maximum possible absolute values of joint velocities or generalized reactions in a leg of a parallel mechanism has been considered in this paper. The Jacobian analysis and the Screw theory-based methods have been used to acquire the result. These values are calculated for the “worst” directions of the external load or end-effector’s velocity for each leg. The feasibility of using these parameters as the measures of closeness to different types of parallel mechanism singularity is discussed. Further, how this approach is related to the state-of-the-art methods has been illustrated. The key aspect of the discussed approach is that the normalization of vectors or screws is carried out separately for angular and linear components. One possible advantage of such an approach is that it deals only with the kinematic and statics of the mechanism while still providing physically meaningful and practically applicable measures. Case studies of a 3-Degrees Of Freedom translational parallel mechanism and a planar parallel mechanism are presented for illustration and comparison.