Automated Creation of Topological Structure Models of Parallel Mechanisms for Kinematic Performance Evaluation

Considering the diversity of topological structures of parallel mechanisms (PMs), this paper presents an approach for the automated generation of topological structure models based on CAD technology. In this method, joints and links are treated as fundamental elements in the skeleton model of a mechanical system, leading to the development of a library of fundamental components readily available to compose a variety of limbs and PMs. A connection graph and its data structure are then developed for describing, in a hierarchical manner, the assembly information among the fundamental components. Equipped with the knowledge and information mentioned above, the limbs and PMs can finally be assembled automatically by identifying and imposing the geometrical constraints that have been already embedded in the models. The merit of this method lies in that 3D schematic diagrams (termed topological structure models) of various limbs and PMs can be created in an illustrative manner by properly selecting a set of fundamental components and then setting their connections, leading to the digitalized and visible topological structure models that are readily for kinematic performance evaluation. Combined with the CAD-CAE integration technology for the mechanical structure design and static/dynamic performance evaluation, a digital design and simulation framework can be formulated for the rapid design of parallel robotic equipment.