Parallel mechanism
First Claim
1. A parallel mechanism for manipulating an object in space comprising:
- a platform for supporting an object to be manipulated;
a plurality of links each having a first end movably connected to the platform and a second end spaced from the platform with the platform being kinematically restrained by the links;
a plurality of first rotatable joints each rotatably connecting the first end of one of the links to the platform and a plurality of second rotatable joints each connected to the second end of one of the links, each of the first joints having a center of rotation located on a first circle with a first axis and each of the second joints having a center of rotation, the mechanism having a reference position in which the center of rotation of each of the second joints is located on a second circle coaxial with and spaced from the first circle, a line connecting the centers of rotation of the first and second joints of each link crossing a line connecting the centers of rotation of the first and second joints of another of the links when the mechanism is in the reference position and viewed along the first axis;
a plurality of linear motors each associated with one of the links and having a movable portion capable of translating the first end of one of the links to move the platform;
a rotatable support member rotatably supported by the platform; and
a drive member for rotating the rotatable support member spaced from the platform and drivingly connected to the rotatable support member.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A parallel mechanism is capable of positioning and orienting an end platform with up to six or more degrees of freedom. In preferred embodiments, the mechanism includes six links having a first and second ends. The first end is connected to an end platform for supporting a tool, while the second end is connected to an actuator capable of translating the second end. A rotational drive mechanism may be provided for rotating an object mounted on the end platform at varying orientations of the end platform independently of movement of the end platform as a whole. The links may be curved in order to avoid interference between adjoining links, thereby permitting an increased range of motion and improved dexterity of the mechanism.
355 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A parallel mechanism for manipulating an object in space comprising:
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a platform for supporting an object to be manipulated;
a plurality of links each having a first end movably connected to the platform and a second end spaced from the platform with the platform being kinematically restrained by the links;
a plurality of first rotatable joints each rotatably connecting the first end of one of the links to the platform and a plurality of second rotatable joints each connected to the second end of one of the links, each of the first joints having a center of rotation located on a first circle with a first axis and each of the second joints having a center of rotation, the mechanism having a reference position in which the center of rotation of each of the second joints is located on a second circle coaxial with and spaced from the first circle, a line connecting the centers of rotation of the first and second joints of each link crossing a line connecting the centers of rotation of the first and second joints of another of the links when the mechanism is in the reference position and viewed along the first axis;
a plurality of linear motors each associated with one of the links and having a movable portion capable of translating the first end of one of the links to move the platform;
a rotatable support member rotatably supported by the platform; and
a drive member for rotating the rotatable support member spaced from the platform and drivingly connected to the rotatable support member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A parallel mechanism for manipulating an object in space comprising:
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a platform for supporting an object to be manipulated;
a plurality of links each having a first end rotatably connected to the platform and a second end spaced from the platform, the platform being kinematically restrained by the links, at least one of the links being a nonlinear link having a portion not coinciding with a straight line between the first and second ends of the link;
a plurality of linear motors each associated with one of the links for translating the first ends of the links to move the platform;
a rotatable support member rotatably supported by the platform; and
a drive member for rotating the rotatable support member spaced from the platform and drivingly connected to the rotatable support member. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A parallel mechanism for manipulating an object in space comprising:
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first through sixth links each having a first end and a second end;
a platform kinematically restrained by the links for supporting an object to be manipulated;
a plurality of first rotatable joints each rotatably connecting the first end of one of the links to the platform and a plurality of second rotatable joints each connected to the second end of one of the links, each of the first and second joints having a center of rotation where two axes of rotation of the joint intersect; and
an actuator associated with each link for translating the first ends of the links to move the platform, the centers of rotation of the first joints being spaced at substantially equal angular intervals about a first axis, and the centers of rotation of the second joints being spaced at substantially equal angular intervals about a second axis wherein the mechanism has a reference position in which the centers of rotation of the first joints lie in a first plane and the centers of rotation of the second joints lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the centers of rotation of the first joints are located on two concentric and coplanar circles. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A parallel mechanism for manipulating an object in space comprising:
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first through sixth links each having a first end and a second end;
a platform kinematically restrained by the links for supporting an object to be manipulated;
a plurality of first rotatable joints each rotatably connecting the first end of one of the links to the platform and a plurality of second rotatable joints each connected to the second end of one of the links, each of the first and second joints having a center of rotation where two axes of rotation of the joint intersect; and
an actuator associated with each link for translating the first ends of the links to move the platform, the centers of rotation of the first joints being spaced at substantially equal angular intervals about a first axis, and the centers of rotation of the second joints being spaced at substantially equal angular intervals about a second axis, wherein the mechanism has a reference position in which the centers of rotation of the first joints lie in a first plane and the centers of rotation of the second joints lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the centers of rotation of the second joints are located on two concentric and coplanar circles when the mechanism is in the reference position. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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Specification