Evaluation of Force/Torque Transmission Quality for Parallel Manipulators

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Chen ◽  
Chao Chen ◽  
Xin-Jun Liu

Performance evaluation is one of the most important issues in the analysis and design of parallel manipulators. The internal forces and torques in parallel manipulators contribute to manipulating the end-effectors and resisting the external loads. In this work, we propose a transmission index to evaluate the force and torque transmission quality of parallel manipulators. The index is normalized and used to analyze the exactly constrained parallel manipulators, based on the transmission matrix spanned by transmission wrench screws (TWSs). Furthermore, the index is applied to parallel manipulators with different degrees of freedom (DOF) in order to illustrate and validate the proposed approach and index. Finally, a typical parallel manipulator is selected to address the comparison analysis between different indices, which demonstrates that the proposed index, possessing respective merits, could be complementary to other existing indices.

Author(s):  
Jürgen Schönherr

Abstract The condition of the Jacobian characterizes the transmission quality of manipulators and is used in this paper for the determination of the dimensions of manipulators having best mobility for a defined workspace. Typical planar and spatial manipulators of parallel structure and having 3 or 6 degrees of freedom are used to demonstrate the method of design used. Manipulators having identical degrees of freedom and workspaces and different structures, including those having fixed or variable leg lengths, are compared with respect to their mobility. The computing program developed for the purpose of optimum design performs the kinematic optimization of machines and manipulators of any structure.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinchuan Li ◽  
Ningbin Zhang ◽  
Feibo Wang

Redundantly actuated parallel manipulators (PMs) receive growing interest due to their reduced singularity and enlarged workspace. This paper proposes new indices for optimal design and analysis of redundantly actuated PMs by evaluating their motion/force transmissibility. First, we proposed a method to extract a multi-DOF (degrees-of-freedom) redundantly actuated PM into several subsidiary one-DOF PMs with two or more actuators by locking some actuators in an ergodic manner. Then, a new index of output transmission performance is proposed by investigating the mean value of the instantaneous power produced by the multiple actuation wrenches and one twist of the moving platform of one-DOF PMs. A local transmission index (LTI) is defined as the minimum value of the index of output and input transmission performance. A global transmission index (GTI) is then established based on the LTI. The proposed LTI and GTI are coordinate-free and have clear physical interpretation. Finally, the validity and universality of the new indices are demonstrated by optimization and analysis of redundantly actuated lower-mobility PMs with extra articulated six-DOF or limited-DOF limbs.


Robotica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 2056-2075 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ganesh ◽  
Banke Bihari ◽  
Vijay Singh Rathore ◽  
Dhiraj Kumar ◽  
Chandan Kumar ◽  
...  

SUMMARYOptimization is an important step in the design and development of a planar parallel manipulator. For optimization processes, workspace analysis is a crucial and preliminary objective. Generally, the workspace analysis for such manipulators is carried out using a non-dimensional approach. For planar parallel manipulators of two degrees of freedom (2-DOF), a non-dimensional workspace analysis is very advantageous. However, it becomes very difficult in the case of 3-DOF and higher DOF manipulators because of the complex shape of the workspace. In this study, the workspace shape is classified as a function of the geometric parameters, and the closed-form area expressions are derived for a constant orientation workspace of a three revolute–revolute–revolute (3-RRR) planar manipulator. The approach is also shown to be feasible for different orientations of a mobile platform. An optimization procedure for the design of planar 3-RRR manipulators is proposed for a prescribed workspace area. It is observed that the closed-form area expression for all the possible shapes of the workspace provides a larger solution space, which is further optimized considering singularity, mass of the manipulator, and a force transmission index.


Author(s):  
R. Jha ◽  
D. Chablat ◽  
F. Rouillier ◽  
G. Moroz

Trajectory planning is a critical step while programming the parallel manipulators in a robotic cell. The main problem arises when there exists a singular configuration between the two poses of the end-effectors while discretizing the path with a classical approach. This paper presents an algebraic method to check the feasibility of any given trajectories in the workspace. The solutions of the polynomial equations associated with the trajectories are projected in the joint space using Gröbner based elimination methods and the remaining equations are expressed in a parametric form where the articular variables are functions of time t unlike any numerical or discretization method. These formal computations allow to write the Jacobian of the manipulator as a function of time and to check if its determinant can vanish between two poses. Another benefit of this approach is to use a largest workspace with a more complex shape than a cube, cylinder or sphere. For the Orthoglide, a three degrees of freedom parallel robot, three different trajectories are used to illustrate this method.


Author(s):  
Saioa Herrero ◽  
Charles Pinto ◽  
Oscar Altuzarra ◽  
Constantino Roldan-Paraponiaris

Parallel manipulators, compared to serial manipulators, have some interesting properties, such as high stiffness, low inertia, high velocity, good accuracy and large payload capacity. Thus, parallel manipulators, especially the ones with one translation and two rotations as outputs (1T2R), are being increasingly studied. The 3PRS mechanism is a very typical example of this category, but it has accuracy problems caused by the parasitic motion, and low orientation capability. To overcome these problems, new mechanisms are being studied, such as the 2PRU-1PRS manipulator. As the 3PRS manipulator, the degrees of freedom of the 2PRU-1PRS are one translation along the Z-axis and two rotations about the X- and Y-axes. The advantages are that the parasitic motion appears only in one direction instead of in three and that the orientation capability is higher. In this paper we present the design of a 2PRU-1PRS mechanism suitable for vibration tests. In order to do this, we develop a code with an intuitive GUI (graphical user interface) that, for given variable limits, solves the inverse kinematic and dynamic problem for all the variable combinations and obtains the combination that consumes less power for an harmonic trajectory. Taking the simulations results into account, we propose a design that fulfils all the requirements for vibration tests in the three axes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingmin Xu ◽  
Qinchuan Li ◽  
Ningbin Zhang ◽  
Qiaohong Chen

Parallel manipulators (PMs) with redundant actuation are attracting increasing research interest because they have demonstrated improved stiffness and fewer singularities. This paper proposes a new redundantly actuated parallel manipulator that has three degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) and four limbs. The proposed manipulator is a 2UPR-2PRU parallel manipulator (where P represents an actuated prismatic joint, R represents a revolute joint, and U represents a universal joint) that is actuated using four prismatic joints; two of these joints are mounted on the base to reduce the movable mass. Mobility analysis shows that the moving platform has two rotational DOFs and one translational DOF. First, the inverse displacement solution, velocity, and singularity analyses are discussed. Next, the local transmission index (LTI) and the good transmission workspace are used to evaluate the motion/force transmissibility of the 2UPR-2PRU parallel manipulator. Finally, the parameter-finiteness normalization method (PFNM) is used to produce an optimal design that considers the good transmission workspace. It is thus shown that the motion/force transmission of the proposed manipulator is improved by optimizing the link parameters.


Author(s):  
Yudong Qiu ◽  
Daniel Smith ◽  
Chaya Stern ◽  
mudong feng ◽  
Lee-Ping Wang

<div>The parameterization of torsional / dihedral angle potential energy terms is a crucial part of developing molecular mechanics force fields.</div><div>Quantum mechanical (QM) methods are often used to provide samples of the potential energy surface (PES) for fitting the empirical parameters in these force field terms.</div><div>To ensure that the sampled molecular configurations are thermodynamically feasible, constrained QM geometry optimizations are typically carried out, which relax the orthogonal degrees of freedom while fixing the target torsion angle(s) on a grid of values.</div><div>However, the quality of results and computational cost are affected by various factors on a non-trivial PES, such as dependence on the chosen scan direction and the lack of efficient approaches to integrate results started from multiple initial guesses.</div><div>In this paper we propose a systematic and versatile workflow called \textit{TorsionDrive} to generate energy-minimized structures on a grid of torsion constraints by means of a recursive wavefront propagation algorithm, which resolves the deficiencies of conventional scanning approaches and generates higher quality QM data for force field development.</div><div>The capabilities of our method are presented for multi-dimensional scans and multiple initial guess structures, and an integration with the MolSSI QCArchive distributed computing ecosystem is described.</div><div>The method is implemented in an open-source software package that is compatible with many QM software packages and energy minimization codes.</div>


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R Dawson ◽  
Farbod Fahimi ◽  
Jason P Carey

The objective of above-elbow myoelectric prostheses is to reestablish the functionality of missing limbs and increase the quality of life of amputees. By using electromyography (EMG) electrodes attached to the surface of the skin, amputees are able to control motors in myoelectric prostheses by voluntarily contracting the muscles of their residual limb. This work describes the development of an inexpensive myoelectric training tool (MTT) designed to help upper limb amputees learn how to use myoelectric technology in advance of receiving their actual myoelectric prosthesis. The training tool consists of a physical and simulated robotic arm, signal acquisition hardware, controller software, and a graphical user interface. The MTT improves over earlier training systems by allowing a targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) patient to control up to two degrees of freedom simultaneously. The training tool has also been designed to function as a research prototype for novel myoelectric controllers. A preliminary experiment was performed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the MTT as a learning tool and to identify any issues with the system. Five able-bodied participants performed a motor-learning task using the EMG controlled robotic arm with the goal of moving five balls from one box to another as quickly as possible. The results indicate that the subjects improved their skill in myoelectric control over the course of the trials. A usability survey was administered to the subjects after their trials. Results from the survey showed that the shoulder degree of freedom was the most difficult to control.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Obaid ◽  
Qianwei Zhang ◽  
Scott J. Adams ◽  
Reza Fotouhi ◽  
Haron Obaid

Abstract Background Telesonography systems have been developed to overcome barriers to accessing diagnostic ultrasound for patients in rural and remote communities. However, most previous telesonography systems have been designed for performing only abdominal and obstetrical exams. In this paper, we describe the development and assessment of a musculoskeletal (MSK) telesonography system. Methods We developed a 4-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robot to manipulate an ultrasound probe. The robot was remotely controlled by a radiologist operating a joystick at the master site. The telesonography system was used to scan participants’ forearms, and all participants were conventionally scanned for comparison. Participants and radiologists were surveyed regarding their experience. Images from both scanning methods were independently assessed by an MSK radiologist. Results All ten ultrasound exams were successfully performed using our developed MSK telesonography system, with no significant delay in movement. The duration (mean ± standard deviation) of telerobotic and conventional exams was 4.6 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 0.5 min, respectively (p = 0.039). An MSK radiologist rated quality of real-time ultrasound images transmitted over an internet connection as “very good” for all telesonography exams, and participants rated communication with the radiologist as “very good” or “good” for all exams. Visualisation of anatomic structures was similar between telerobotic and conventional methods, with no statistically significant differences. Conclusions The MSK telesonography system developed in this study is feasible for performing soft tissue ultrasound exams. The advancement of this system may allow MSK ultrasound exams to be performed over long distances, increasing access to ultrasound for patients in rural and remote communities.


Author(s):  
Manfred Ehresmann ◽  
Georg Herdrich ◽  
Stefanos Fasoulas

AbstractIn this paper, a generic full-system estimation software tool is introduced and applied to a data set of actual flight missions to derive a heuristic for system composition for mass and power ratios of considered sub-systems. The capability of evolutionary algorithms to analyse and effectively design spacecraft (sub-)systems is shown. After deriving top-level estimates for each spacecraft sub-system based on heuristic heritage data, a detailed component-based system analysis follows. Various degrees of freedom exist for a hardware-based sub-system design; these are to be resolved via an evolutionary algorithm to determine an optimal system configuration. A propulsion system implementation for a small satellite test case will serve as a reference example of the implemented algorithm application. The propulsion system includes thruster, power processing unit, tank, propellant and general power supply system masses and power consumptions. Relevant performance parameters such as desired thrust, effective exhaust velocity, utilised propellant, and the propulsion type are considered as degrees of freedom. An evolutionary algorithm is applied to the propulsion system scaling model to demonstrate that such evolutionary algorithms are capable of bypassing complex multidimensional design optimisation problems. An evolutionary algorithm is an algorithm that uses a heuristic to change input parameters and a defined selection criterion (e.g., mass fraction of the system) on an optimisation function to refine solutions successively. With sufficient generations and, thereby, iterations of design points, local optima are determined. Using mitigation methods and a sufficient number of seed points, a global optimal system configurations can be found.


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