Kinematic Synthesis of Planar, Shape-Changing Rigid-Body Mechanisms With Prismatic Joints

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Zhao ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler ◽  
Andrew P. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Weighted Least Squares ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Basic Block ◽  
Closed Curves ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Prismatic Joints

This paper presents a procedure to synthesize planar rigid-body mechanisms, containing both prismatic and revolute joints, capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of morphing curves in different positions. With the introduction of prismatic joints, the existing mechanization process needs to be revisited via a building-block approach. The basic block is the Assur group of class II, and the auxiliary block is a fourbar mechanism, crank slider or binary link. To approximate shape changes defined by both open and closed curves, a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) mechanism is generated by assembling these building blocks. In the case of a large number of morphing curves, a weighted least squares approach is applied to determine center point locations for revolute joints and sliding paths for prismatic joints in individual building blocks. Then, the building blocks are located in an assembly position to regenerate the morphing chain using a numerical optimization method. Because of the additional constraints associated with prismatic joints compared to revolute joints, the size of the solution space is reduced, so random searches of the design space to find solution mechanisms are ineffective. A genetic algorithm is employed here instead to find a group of viable designs within reasonable computational limits. The procedure is demonstrated with synthesis examples of two 1-DOF mechanisms, one approximating five open-curve profiles and the other four closed-curve profiles.

Design of Planar, Shape-Changing Rigid-Body Mechanisms for Morphing Aircraft Wings

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Zhao ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler ◽  
Andrew P. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Closed Curve ◽  
Morphing Aircraft ◽  
Aircraft Wings ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Prismatic Joints ◽  
Fixed End

This paper presents a procedure to synthesize planar rigid-body mechanisms, containing both prismatic and revolute joints, capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of morphing curves in different positions. The existing mechanization process is extended specifically to enable the design of morphing aircraft wings. A portion of the closed-curve morphing chain that has minimal displacement is identified as the structural ground after the segmentation process. Because of the revolute joints placed at the endpoints of the ground section, the moving links of the fixed-end morphing chain need to be repositioned relative to each of the desired wing shapes so as to minimize the error in approximating them. With the introduction of prismatic joints, a building-block approach is employed to mechanize the fixed-end morphing chain. The blocks are located in an assembly position to generate a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) mechanism. Because of the additional constraints associated with prismatic joints compared to revolute joints, the size of the solution space is reduced, so random searches of the design space to find solution mechanisms are ineffective. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is employed instead to find a group of viable designs that tradeoff minimizing matching error with maximizing mechanical advantage. The procedure is demonstrated with a synthesis example of a 1-DOF mechanism approximating eight closed-curve wing profiles.

scholarly journals Kinematic Synthesis of Planar, Shape-Changing Rigid Body Mechanisms for Design Profiles With Significant Differences in Arc Length

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamsul A. Shamsudin ◽  
Andrew P. Murray ◽  
David H. Myszka ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Rigid Bodies ◽  
Arc Length ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Planar Mechanisms ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Prismatic Joints ◽  
Plane Shape ◽  
A Chain

This paper presents a kinematic procedure to synthesize planar mechanisms capable of approximating a shape change defined by a general set of curves. These “morphing curves”, referred to as design profiles, differ from each other by a combination of displacement in the plane, shape variation, and notable differences in arc length. Where previous rigid-body shape-change work focused on mechanisms composed of rigid links and revolute joints to approximate curves of roughly equal arc length, this work introduces prismatic joints into the mechanisms in order to produce the different desired arc lengths. A method is presented to inspect and compare the profiles so that the regions are best suited for prismatic joints can be identified. The result of this methodology is the creation of a chain of rigid bodies connected by revolute and prismatic joints that can approximate a set of design profiles.

Singularity Traces of Planar Linkages That Include Prismatic and Revolute Joints

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh M. Almestiri ◽  
David H. Myszka ◽  
Andrew P. Murray ◽  
Charles W. Wampler
Keyword(s):  
Shape Change ◽  
Rigid Bodies ◽  
Closed Curves ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Prismatic Joints ◽  
Kinematic Position ◽  
Motion Characteristics ◽  
Forward Kinematic ◽  
Planar Linkages ◽  
General Method

This paper presents a general method to construct a singularity trace for single degree-of-freedom, closed-loop linkages that include prismatic, in addition to, revolute joints. The singularity trace has been introduced in the literature as a plot that reveals the gross motion characteristics of a linkage relative to a designated input joint and design parameter. Previously, singularity traces were restricted to mechanisms composed of only rigid bodies and revolute joints. The motion characteristics identified on the plot include changes in the number of solutions to the forward kinematic position analysis (geometric inversions), singularities, and changes in the number of branches. To illustrate the adaptation of the general method to include prismatic joints, basic slider-crank and inverted slider-crank linkages are explored. Singularity traces are then constructed for more complex Assur IV/3 linkages containing multiple prismatic joints. These Assur linkages are of interest as they form an architecture that is commonly used for mechanisms capable of approximating a shape change defined by a general set of closed curves.

Synthesis of Planar, Shape-Changing Rigid-Body Mechanisms

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian M. Korte ◽  
Andrew P. Murray ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Piecewise Linear ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Open Chain ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Planar Shape ◽  
Rigid Body Displacement ◽  
Planar Linkages

This paper presents a procedure to synthesize planar linkages, composed of rigid links and revolute joints, capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of curves. These “morphing curves” differ from each other by a combination of rigid-body displacement and shape change. Rigid link geometry is determined through analysis of piecewise linear curves to achieve shape-change approximation, and increasing the number of links improves the approximation. A mechanism is determined through connecting the rigid links into a single chain and adding dyads to eliminate degrees of freedom. The procedure is applied to two open-chain examples.

Synthesis of Planar, Shape-Changing Rigid Body Mechanisms Approximating Closed Curves

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin A. Persinger ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler ◽  
Andrew P. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Optimization ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Closed Curves ◽  
Single Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Planar Shape ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Planar Linkages ◽  
Arc Lengths ◽  
Synthesis Approach

This paper presents a procedure to synthesize planar linkages, composed of rigid links and revolute joints, that are capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of closed curves possessing similar arc lengths. The synthesis approach is more rigorous and more broadly applicable to dramatic changes between larger numbers of shapes than existing techniques that employ graphical methods. Link geometry is determined through an existing procedure, and those links are then joined together in a chain using numerical optimization to minimize the error in approximating the shape change. Binary links are added to this chain via a search of the design space such that actuated links can be driven monotonically to exact the shape change. The focus is single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) mechanisms that approximate closed curves, but the methodology is similarly applicable to generating mechanisms approximating sets of open curves and multi-DOF systems. The procedure is applied to synthesize an example mechanism that changes between circular, elliptical, and teardrop shapes as inspired by an aerodynamic flow field modification application.

scholarly journals Multibody-Based Topology Synthesis Method for Large Stroke Flexure Hinges

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Naves ◽  
D. M. Brouwer ◽  
R. G. K. M. Aarts
Keyword(s):  
Shape Optimization ◽  
Synthesis Method ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Optimal Layout ◽  
Flexure Hinges ◽  
Derivative Free ◽  
Block Approach

Large stroke flexure mechanisms inherently lose stiffness in supporting directions when deflected due to load components in compliant bending and torsion directions. To maximize performance over the entire range of motion, a topology optimization suited for large stroke mechanisms is required. In this paper a new multibody-based topology synthesis method is presented for optimizing large stroke flexure hinges. This topology synthesis consists of a layout variation strategy based on a building block approach combined with a shape optimization to obtain the optimal design tuned for a specific application. A derivative free shape optimization method is used to optimize high complexity flexure mechanisms in a broad solution space. To obtain the optimal layout, three predefined “building blocks” are proposed which are consecutively combined to find the best layout with respect to a specific design criteria. More specifically, this new method is used to optimize a flexure hinge aimed at maximizing the first disturbing eigenfrequency. The optimized topology shows an increase in frequency of a factor ten with respect to the customary three flexure cross hinge, which represents a huge improvement in performance. The numerically predicted natural frequencies and mode shapes have been verified experimentally.

Kinematic Synthesis of Planar, Shape-Changing Rigid-Body Mechanisms

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew P. Murray ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler ◽  
Brian M. Korte
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Piecewise Linear ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Planar Mechanisms ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Planar Shape ◽  
Rigid Body Displacement ◽  
Shape Changes

This paper presents a kinematic procedure to synthesize planar mechanisms, composed of rigid links and revolute joints, capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of curves. These “morphing curves”, referred to as design profiles, differ from each other by a combination of rigid-body displacement and shape change. Design profiles are converted to piecewise linear curves, referred to as target profiles, that can be readily manipulated. In the segmentation phase, the geometry of rigid links that approximate the shapes of corresponding segments from each target profile is determined. In the mechanization phase, these rigid links are joined together at their end points with revolute joints to form a single chain. Dyads are then added to reduce the number of degrees of freedom (DOF’s) to any desired value, typically 1. The approach can be applied to any number of design profiles that can be approximated with any number of rigid links, which can then be used to construct a mechanism with any number of DOF’s. Naturally, greater difficulty is encountered for larger numbers of design profiles and/or links and for more dramatic changes in shape. The procedure is demonstrated with examples of single-DOF mechanisms approximating shape changes between two and three design profiles.

Synthesis of Planar Rigid-Body Mechanisms Approximating Shape Changes Defined by Closed Curves

2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin A. Persinger ◽  
James P. Schmiedeler ◽  
Andrew P. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Optimization ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Closed Curves ◽  
Single Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Planar Linkages ◽  
Arc Lengths ◽  
Synthesis Approach ◽  
Shape Changes

This paper presents a procedure to synthesize planar linkages, composed of rigid links and revolute joints, that are capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of closed curves possessing similar arc lengths. The synthesis approach is more rigorous and more broadly applicable to dramatic changes between larger numbers of shapes than existing techniques that employ graphical methods. It specifically addresses the challenges of approximating closed curves, but the methodology is equally applicable to open curves. Link geometry is determined through an existing procedure, and those links are then joined together in a chain using numerical optimization to minimize the error in approximating the shape change. Binary links are added to this chain via a search of the design space, forming a single-degree-of-freedom mechanism in which an actuated link can be driven monotonically to exact the shape change. The procedure is applied to synthesize an example mechanism that changes between circular, elliptical, and teardrop shapes as inspired by an aerodynamic flow field modification application.

The Synthesis of Planar Parallel Manipulators with a Genetic Algorithm

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 533-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Boudreau ◽  
C. M. Gosselin
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Parallel Manipulators ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Natural Evolution ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Prismatic Joints ◽  
Genetic Algorithm Approach ◽  
Three Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Planar Parallel Manipulators

This paper presents a genetic algorithm approach for the synthesis of planar three-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulators. A genetic algorithm is an optimization method inspired by natural evolution. As in nature, the fittest members of a population are given better chances of reproducing and transmitting part of their genetic heritage to the next generation. This leads to stronger and stronger generations which evolve towards the solution of the problem. For the applications studied here, the individuals in the population consist of the architectural parameters of the manipulators. The algorithm optimizes these parameters to obtain a workspace as close as possible to a prescribed working area. For each individual of the population, the geometric description of the workspace can be obtained. The algorithm then determines the intersection between the prescribed workspace and the actual workspace, and minimizes the area of the regions that do not intersect. The method is applied to two planar three-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulators, one with prismatic joints and one with revolute joints.

The Synthesis of Planar Parallel Manipulators With a Genetic Algorithm

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Boudreau ◽  
Clément M. Gosselin
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Parallel Manipulators ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Natural Evolution ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Prismatic Joints ◽  
Genetic Algorithm Approach ◽  
Three Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Planar Parallel Manipulators

Abstract This paper presents a genetic algorithm approach for the synthesis of planar three-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulators. A genetic algorithm is an optimization method inspired by natural evolution. As in nature, the fittest members of a population are given better chances of reproducing and transmitting part of their genetic heritage to the next generation. This leads to stronger and stronger generations which evolve towards the solution of the problem. For the applications studied here, the individuals in the population consist of the thirteen architectural parameters of the manipulators. The algorithm optimizes these parameters to obtain a workspace as close as possible to a prescribed working area. For each individual of the population, the geometric description of the workspace can be obtained. The algorithm then determines the intersection between the prescribed workspace and the actual workspace, and minimizes the area of the regions that do not intersect. The method is applied to two planar three-degree-of-freedom parallel manipulators, one with prismatic joints and one with revolute joints.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document