scholarly journals Displacement Analysis and Design of a (2–RRU)–URR Parallel Mechanism Performing 2R1T Output Motion for Thumb Rehabilitation

Robotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Woo-hyeok Choi ◽  
Yukio Takeda

The thumb assists other fingers, and any damage in its functionality prevents the human hand from performing dexterous functions. In this paper, the kinematic design of the (2–RRU)–URR parallel mechanism as the application of the thumb rehabilitation device is proposed. This mechanism is an over-constrained mechanism capable of achieving the required mobility with fewer joints. Three degrees of freedom exist—two rotational and one translational mobility—that are related to each thumb movement: adduction–abduction and flexion–extension. Considering the narrow space of the hand, actuators are designed to divide its placement into the surface of the palm. To avoid the collisions between the device and the hand, an offset was adopted. The displacement analysis problem is solved by dividing it into two parts: the planar motion generator (PMG) and orientation generator (OG), according to each functional motion, and the corresponding equations and procedures are presented. To clarify the basic characteristics of this mechanism, the reachable workspace of the PMG and rotational ability and sensitivity of the OG is demonstrated numerically. Because a large input torque difference is dangerous in the rehabilitation mechanism, the effective workspace is determined according to the magnitude of the input torque differences and compared with the measured thumb movements.

Author(s):  
DU Hui ◽  
GAO Feng ◽  
PAN Yang

A novel 3-UP3R parallel mechanism with six degree of freedoms is proposed in this paper. One most important advantage of this mechanism is that the three translational and three rotational motions are partially decoupled: the end-effector position is only determined by three inputs, while the rotational angles are relative to all six inputs. The design methodology via GF set theory is brought out, using which the limb type can be determined. The mobility of the end-effector is analyzed. After that, the kinematic and velocity models are formulated. Then, workspace is studied, and since the robot is partially decoupled, the reachable workspace is also the dexterous workspace. In the end, both local and global performances are discussed using conditioning indexes. The experiment of real prototype shows that this mechanism works well and may be applied in many fields.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 501-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Immaculada Llop-Harillo ◽  
Antonio Pérez-González ◽  
Javier Andrés-Esperanza

AbstractAnthropomorphic hands have received increasing research interest in the fields of robotics and prosthetics. But it is not yet clear how to evaluate their anthropomorphism. Similarity in the kinematic chain is essential to achieve both functionality and cosmesis. A few previous works have addressed the definition of anthropomorphism indexes, although they have some limitations in its definition. In this study, three different anthropomorphism indexes have been defined to compare the kinematic chain of artificial hands with that of the human hand. These indexes are based on the comparison of: (1) the parameters of the kinematic chain (dimensions, type of joints, orientations and ranges of motion), (2) the reachable workspace, and (3) common grasping postures. Five artificial hands with different degrees of anthropomorphism have been compared using the three Anthropomorphism Indexes of the Kinematic Chain (AIKC). The results show a high correlation between the first and third AIKC for the hands compared. The second AIKC presents much lower values than the other two, although they are higher for hands that combine abduction/adduction and flexion/extension movements in the kinematic chain of each finger. These indexes can be useful during the initial stage of designing artificial hands or evaluating their anthropomorphism.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Li ◽  
Y. M. Li ◽  
X. H. Zhao ◽  
W. M. Ge

Abstract. In this paper, a modified 3-DOF (degrees of freedom) translational parallel mechanism (TPM) three-CRU (C, R, and U represent the cylindrical, revolute, and universal joints, respectively) structure is proposed. The architecture of the TPM is comprised of a moving platform attached to a base through three CRU jointed serial linkages. The prismatic motions of the cylindrical joints are considered to be actively actuated. Kinematics and performance of the TPM are studied systematically. Firstly, the structural characteristics of the mechanism are described, and then some comparisons are made with the existing 3-CRU parallel mechanisms. Although these two 3-CRU parallel mechanisms are both composed of the same CRU limbs, the types of freedoms are completely different due to the different arrangements of limbs. The DOFs of this TPM are analyzed by means of screw theory. Secondly, both the inverse and forward displacements are derived in closed form, and then these two problems are calculated directly in explicit form. Thereafter, the Jacobian matrix of the mechanism is derived, the performances of the mechanism are evaluated based on the conditioning index, and the performance of a 3-CRU TPM changing with the actuator layout angle is investigated. Thirdly, the workspace of the mechanism is obtained based on the forward position analysis, and the reachable workspace volume is derived when the actuator layout angle is changed. Finally, some conclusions are given and the potential applications of the mechanism are pointed out.


Author(s):  
Qinchuan Li ◽  
Weifeng Wu ◽  
Ji’nan Xiang ◽  
Hongjun Li ◽  
Chuanyu Wu

Friction stir welding (FSW) has been widely applied in a number of fields instead of traditional fusion welding. However, a huge axial downward force is required to maintain a steady welding process. Moreover, the task of welding along a curved surface requires an orientation ability, which traditional FSW machines cannot provide. To overcome this limitation, we propose a 5-axis hybrid robot for FSW. This hybrid robot comprises a 2-SPR-RPS parallel mechanism (with one translational degree of freedom and two rotational degrees of freedom) and two gantries. First, mobility of the parallel mechanism in the initial and general configuration is analyzed using screw theory and continuous rotational axes are identified. Second, forward and inverse position solutions to the hybrid robot are studied, and the Jacobian matrix of the parallel mechanism is obtained. By analyzing the motion/force transmissibility, the architectural parameters of the parallel mechanism are optimized. Finally, the reachable workspace of the end effector is obtained considering the constraints of actuation links, joint angles, and singular configuration.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingfeng Sang ◽  
Hongbo Wang ◽  
Shuaishuai Wang ◽  
Na Chen ◽  
Yuehua Wen

For the high carrying capacity of the human-carrying walking chair robot, in this paper, 2-UPS+UP parallel mechanism is selected as the leg mechanism; then kinematics, workspace, control, and experiment of the leg mechanism are researched in detail. Firstly, design of the whole mechanism is described and degrees of freedom of the leg mechanism are analyzed. Second, the forward position, inverse position, and velocity of leg mechanism are studied. Third, based on the kinematics analysis and the structural constraints, the reachable workspace of 2-UPS+UP parallel mechanism is solved, and then the optimal motion workspace is searched in the reachable workspace by choosing the condition number as the evaluation index. Fourth, according to the theory analysis of the parallel leg mechanism, its control system is designed and the compound position control strategy is studied. Finally, in optimal motion workspace, the compound position control strategy is verified by using circular track with the radius 100 mm; the experiment results show that the leg mechanism moves smoothly and does not tremble obviously. Theory analysis and experiment research of the single leg mechanism provide a theoretical foundation for the control of the quadruped human-carrying walking chair robot.


2005 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 729-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangmin Li ◽  
Qingsong Xu

A new three degrees of freedom (3-DOF) translational parallel manipulator (TPM) with fixed actuators called a 3-PRC TPM is proposed in this paper. The mobility of the manipulator is analyzed via screw theory. The inverse kinematics, forward kinematics, and velocity analysis are performed and the singular and isotropic configurations are identified afterward. Moreover, the mechanism design to eliminate all singularities and generate an isotropic manipulator has been presented. With the variation on architectural parameters, the reachable workspace of the manipulator is generated and compared. Especially, it is illustrated that the manipulator in principle possesses a uniform workspace with a constant hexagon shape cross section. Furthermore, the dexterity characteristics are investigated in the local and global sense, respectively, and some considerations for real machine design have been proposed as well.


Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (13) ◽  
pp. 1468
Author(s):  
Luis Nagua ◽  
Carlos Relaño ◽  
Concepción A. Monje ◽  
Carlos Balaguer

A soft joint has been designed and modeled to perform as a robotic joint with 2 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) (inclination and orientation). The joint actuation is based on a Cable-Driven Parallel Mechanism (CDPM). To study its performance in more detail, a test platform has been developed using components that can be manufactured in a 3D printer using a flexible polymer. The mathematical model of the kinematics of the soft joint is developed, which includes a blocking mechanism and the morphology workspace. The model is validated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) (CAD software). Experimental tests are performed to validate the inverse kinematic model and to show the potential use of the prototype in robotic platforms such as manipulators and humanoid robots.


2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822110060
Author(s):  
Jun-Xin Chen ◽  
Yun-He Li ◽  
Jian Wen ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Bin-Sheng Yu ◽  
...  

Study Design: A biomechanical study. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cruciform and square incisions of annulus fibrosus (AF) on the mechanical stability of bovine intervertebral disc (IVD) in multiple degrees of freedom. Methods: Eight bovine caudal IVD motion segments (bone-disc-bone) were obtained from the local abattoir. Cruciform and square incisions were made at the right side of the specimen’s annulus using a surgical scalpel. Biomechanical testing of three-dimensional 6 degrees of freedom was then performed on the bovine caudal motion segments using the mechanical testing and simulation (MTS) machine. Force, displacement, torque and angle were recorded synchronously by the MTS system. P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Cruciform and square incisions of the AF reduced both axial compressive and torsional stiffness of the IVD and were significantly lower than those of the intact specimens ( P < .01). Left-side axial torsional stiffness of the cruciform incision was significantly higher than a square incision ( P < .01). Neither incision methods impacted flexional-extensional stiffness or lateral-bending stiffness. Conclusions: The cruciform and square incisions of the AF obviously reduced axial compression and axial rotation, but they did not change the flexion-extension and lateral-bending stiffness of the bovine caudal IVD. This mechanical study will be meaningful for the development of new approaches to AF repair and the rehabilitation of the patients after receiving discectomy.


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.


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Larisa Dunai ◽  
Martin Novak ◽  
Carmen García Espert

The present paper describes the development of a prosthetic hand based on human hand anatomy. The hand phalanges are printed with 3D printing with Polylactic Acid material. One of the main contributions is the investigation on the prosthetic hand joins; the proposed design enables one to create personalized joins that provide the prosthetic hand a high level of movement by increasing the degrees of freedom of the fingers. Moreover, the driven wire tendons show a progressive grasping movement, being the friction of the tendons with the phalanges very low. Another important point is the use of force sensitive resistors (FSR) for simulating the hand touch pressure. These are used for the grasping stop simulating touch pressure of the fingers. Surface Electromyogram (EMG) sensors allow the user to control the prosthetic hand-grasping start. Their use may provide the prosthetic hand the possibility of the classification of the hand movements. The practical results included in the paper prove the importance of the soft joins for the object manipulation and to get adapted to the object surface. Finally, the force sensitive sensors allow the prosthesis to actuate more naturally by adding conditions and classifications to the Electromyogram sensor.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document