The Variable Graph of Metamorphic Mechanisms or Variable Topology Mechanisms

Abstract

New concepts such as the variable graph, the invariant subgraph, the variable subgraph and the cell-variator etc. of Metamorphic Mechanisms or Variable Topology Mechanisms are put forward and defined for the first time in this paper. Three new theorems on composition of the variable graph and one new theorem on the equivalent transformation of the incidence relation cell-variator are found out and their validity is strictly proved. The classifications of the cell-variators and the diagram representations of three kinds of cell-variators are studied. The diagram representation and adjacent matrix representation of the variable graph are given. The variable graph provides useful new tool for the topological structural analysis and synthesis of metamorphic mechanisms or variable topology mechanisms. It has great scientific value and engineering practicality.