Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106253
Shun Yao , Jinyi Lv , Zhuoni Liu , Yuqiao Jiang , Jiangming Kan
In this paper, a portable wrist rehabilitation instrument based on the Bricard linkage is presented. The instrument functions through the spatial tumbling of the Bricard linkage. The movement has similarities with wrist kinematics and is designed to guide wrist rehabilitation. First, the mechanical scheme of the instrument is presented. The wrist kinematics is analyzed, which are flexion & extension, ulnar & radial deviation. Second, for the reason that the movements of the Bricard linkage are similar to that of the Schatz linkage, the kinematic of the instrument is analyzed through the Schatz linkage. Third, the energy consumption of the instrument is calculated and a corresponding wrist rehabilitation exercise is choreographed. Finally, a prototype is manufactured, and a series of experiments are carried out. The results validate that the wrists could be guided by the instrument. The wrists could be fully exercised, and the efficiency of the rehabilitation would be evaluated by the energy consumption in the wrist exercise.
{"title":"Design and analysis of a portable wrist rehabilitation instrument based on Bricard linkage","authors":"Shun Yao , Jinyi Lv , Zhuoni Liu , Yuqiao Jiang , Jiangming Kan","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, a portable wrist rehabilitation instrument based on the Bricard linkage is presented. The instrument functions through the spatial tumbling of the Bricard linkage. The movement has similarities with wrist kinematics and is designed to guide wrist rehabilitation. First, the mechanical scheme of the instrument is presented. The wrist kinematics is analyzed, which are flexion & extension, ulnar & radial deviation. Second, for the reason that the movements of the Bricard linkage are similar to that of the Schatz linkage, the kinematic of the instrument is analyzed through the Schatz linkage. Third, the energy consumption of the instrument is calculated and a corresponding wrist rehabilitation exercise is choreographed. Finally, a prototype is manufactured, and a series of experiments are carried out. The results validate that the wrists could be guided by the instrument. The wrists could be fully exercised, and the efficiency of the rehabilitation would be evaluated by the energy consumption in the wrist exercise.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106253"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145270623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106264
Yuan Jiang , Yongsheng Zhao , Yi Luo , Qianqian Gu , Xiaohan Liu , Meng Han , Bo Han
Space capture is a key technology for deep space exploration, serving missions such as orbital debris removal and asteroid sampling. Target objects are typically non-cooperative and operate in environments devoid of gravity and fluid resistance, posing significant challenges to effective capture. Cables, known for their compliance and excellent mechanical properties, have been used in space capture tasks. However, few studies have achieved both reliable control and the use of cables as end-effectors. To address this gap, this paper proposes a novel mechanism—the multiple cable-nets swing capture mechanism (MCNS-CM)—which enables compliant capture of targets by synchronously swinging multiple intersecting cable-nets to narrow the capture space. MCNS-CM employs cables as the end-effector structure, offering low-impact, high-compliance, and self-adaptive contact behavior. The mathematical principles, kinematic and mechanical models of MCNS-CM are presented. Two proof-of-concept prototypes were fabricated, and a series of capture experiments were conducted, demonstrating the feasibility of MCNS-CM in space capture and related applications. This work provides new insights and a theoretical foundation for the advancement of future space capture technologies.
{"title":"Research on a novel multiple cable-nets swing capture mechanism and its space gripper design","authors":"Yuan Jiang , Yongsheng Zhao , Yi Luo , Qianqian Gu , Xiaohan Liu , Meng Han , Bo Han","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Space capture is a key technology for deep space exploration, serving missions such as orbital debris removal and asteroid sampling. Target objects are typically non-cooperative and operate in environments devoid of gravity and fluid resistance, posing significant challenges to effective capture. Cables, known for their compliance and excellent mechanical properties, have been used in space capture tasks. However, few studies have achieved both reliable control and the use of cables as end-effectors. To address this gap, this paper proposes a novel mechanism—the multiple cable-nets swing capture mechanism (MCNS-CM)—which enables compliant capture of targets by synchronously swinging multiple intersecting cable-nets to narrow the capture space. MCNS-CM employs cables as the end-effector structure, offering low-impact, high-compliance, and self-adaptive contact behavior. The mathematical principles, kinematic and mechanical models of MCNS-CM are presented. Two proof-of-concept prototypes were fabricated, and a series of capture experiments were conducted, demonstrating the feasibility of MCNS-CM in space capture and related applications. This work provides new insights and a theoretical foundation for the advancement of future space capture technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106264"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106249
Haolin Zhang, Lizi Deng, Zhao Tang, Jian S. Dai
In this paper, a comprehensive high-order kinematic analysis of a geometrically symmetric 3-RSR parallel mechanism is conducted based on screw algebra. A screw-based modeling framework is first established to represent the pose and evaluate the mobility under zero-torsion characteristics, revealing the mechanism's intrinsic 2R1T motion pattern. The bifurcation configurations of the 3-RSR mechanism under singularity are then identified, deriving five distinct motion modes: decoupled limb-swinging, parallel translation, two interfering rotational modes, and axis rotation. Eleven bifurcated motion branches are subsequently derived through high-order velocity constraints and symmetry extension. In particular, a complete symmetry-based configuration space is constructed for the first time, which enables systematic recognition and classification of multimodal motion. Moreover, the feasibility of connectivity among motion branches is verified through constraint screw evolution. These findings not only deepen the understanding of singularity-induced bifurcations in reconfigurable parallel mechanisms, but also establish the constraint principles that govern configuration transitions of reconfigurable parallel mechanisms under singular configurations.
{"title":"Multi-configuration recognition of a 3-RSR parallel mechanism with zero-torsion characteristics based on screw algebra and high-order kinematics","authors":"Haolin Zhang, Lizi Deng, Zhao Tang, Jian S. Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, a comprehensive high-order kinematic analysis of a geometrically symmetric 3-RSR parallel mechanism is conducted based on screw algebra. A screw-based modeling framework is first established to represent the pose and evaluate the mobility under zero-torsion characteristics, revealing the mechanism's intrinsic 2R1T motion pattern. The bifurcation configurations of the 3-RSR mechanism under singularity are then identified, deriving five distinct motion modes: decoupled limb-swinging, parallel translation, two interfering rotational modes, and axis rotation. Eleven bifurcated motion branches are subsequently derived through high-order velocity constraints and symmetry extension. In particular, a complete symmetry-based configuration space is constructed for the first time, which enables systematic recognition and classification of multimodal motion. Moreover, the feasibility of connectivity among motion branches is verified through constraint screw evolution. These findings not only deepen the understanding of singularity-induced bifurcations in reconfigurable parallel mechanisms, but also establish the constraint principles that govern configuration transitions of reconfigurable parallel mechanisms under singular configurations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106249"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106261
Huiping Shen, Xingyu She, Zhongqiu Du, Pengda Ye, Ju Li
In the work, a new concept of parallel mechanism(PM) with two foldable moving platforms, i.e., foldable PM, is proposed. A 4-DOF 2T1R foldable PM consists of two sub-PMs connected by one shared hybrid limb is designed and analyzed, each sub-PM of which possess 2T1R output motion. Only through control of the actuated joints of the foldable PM, without changing topology of the foldable PM itself, its two sub-moving platforms can reach respective 2T1R motion output. First, topological characteristics of the foldable PM are analyzed, including position and orientation characteristics (POC), degrees of freedom (DOF) etc. Second, symbolic forward and inverse position solutions, workspace and singular analysis are performed. Third, the dynamic equations and actuated force curves are established through the virtual work principle. Fourth, dimensional optimization is conducted with the maximum attitude angle as the objective function. Finally, the conceptual design of the foldable PM used for multi-pose tracking of photovoltaic (PV) modules for efficient energy absorption is elaborated. This work expands the concept, design, and application scope of reconfigurable or multi-mode PMs.
{"title":"Design and analysis of a new parallel mechanism with foldable moving platforms—coupled with its conceptual design in multi-pose tracking of PV modules","authors":"Huiping Shen, Xingyu She, Zhongqiu Du, Pengda Ye, Ju Li","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the work, a new concept of parallel mechanism(PM) with two foldable moving platforms, <em>i.e</em>., foldable PM, is proposed. A 4-DOF 2T1R foldable PM consists of two sub-PMs connected by one shared hybrid limb is designed and analyzed, each sub-PM of which possess 2T1R output motion. Only through control of the actuated joints of the foldable PM, without changing topology of the foldable PM itself, its two sub-moving platforms can reach respective 2T1R motion output. First, topological characteristics of the foldable PM are analyzed, including position and orientation characteristics (POC), degrees of freedom (DOF) etc. Second, symbolic forward and inverse position solutions, workspace and singular analysis are performed. Third, the dynamic equations and actuated force curves are established through the virtual work principle. Fourth, dimensional optimization is conducted with the maximum attitude angle as the objective function. Finally, the conceptual design of the foldable PM used for multi-pose tracking of photovoltaic (PV) modules for efficient energy absorption is elaborated. This work expands the concept, design, and application scope of reconfigurable or multi-mode PMs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106261"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-04DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106235
Zhengfeng Bai , Yuxin Niu , Lewen Cui
Joint clearances and uncertain parameters in the space manipulator are inevitable, which adversely affect the motion accuracy and reliability of the manipulator system. In this paper, dynamic model and a novel reliability calculation method are presented to analyze the performance of the flexible manipulator considering clearance joint and multiple uncertainties. Firstly, the nonlinear contact-impact model in the clearance joint is established. Based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the deformation of the flexible arm is modeled using assumed-mode method. Furthermore, dynamics equations of two-link manipulator are established by utilizing the Lagrange method. The uncertainties are defined as interval parameters, and a Chebyshev-based interval method is proposed to calculate the dynamic response bound of flexible manipulator system with high-dimensional uncertainties. To predict the motion reliability, a limit state function and an innovative non-probabilistic reliability index are proposed. Finally, numerical simulations are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Results show that the proposed methods can effectively obtain accurate dynamic responses and reliability prediction, which provide basis for performance evaluation and motion control of manipulator systems.
{"title":"Dynamic responses and non-probabilistic reliability analysis of flexible manipulator considering clearance joint and multiple uncertainties","authors":"Zhengfeng Bai , Yuxin Niu , Lewen Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106235","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106235","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Joint clearances and uncertain parameters in the space manipulator are inevitable, which adversely affect the motion accuracy and reliability of the manipulator system. In this paper, dynamic model and a novel reliability calculation method are presented to analyze the performance of the flexible manipulator considering clearance joint and multiple uncertainties. Firstly, the nonlinear contact-impact model in the clearance joint is established. Based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the deformation of the flexible arm is modeled using assumed-mode method. Furthermore, dynamics equations of two-link manipulator are established by utilizing the Lagrange method. The uncertainties are defined as interval parameters, and a Chebyshev-based interval method is proposed to calculate the dynamic response bound of flexible manipulator system with high-dimensional uncertainties. To predict the motion reliability, a limit state function and an innovative non-probabilistic reliability index are proposed. Finally, numerical simulations are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Results show that the proposed methods can effectively obtain accurate dynamic responses and reliability prediction, which provide basis for performance evaluation and motion control of manipulator systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106235"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145223143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-16DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106254
Nan Mao , Junpeng Chen , Guanglu Jia , Emmanouil Spyrakos-Papastavridis , Jian S. Dai
Fixed degree-of-freedom (DoF) loading mechanisms often suffer from excessive actuators, complex control, and limited adaptability to dynamic tasks. This study proposes an innovative mechanism of underactuated metamorphic loading manipulators (UMLM), integrating a metamorphic arm with a passively adaptive gripper. The metamorphic arm exploits geometric constraints, enabling the topology reconfiguration and flexible motion trajectories without additional actuators. The adaptive gripper, driven entirely by the arm, conforms to diverse objects through passive compliance. A structural model is developed, and a kinetostatics analysis is conducted to investigate isomorphic grasping configurations. To optimize performance, Particle-Swarm Optimization (PSO) is utilized to refine the gripper’s dimensional parameters, ensuring robust adaptability across various applications. Simulation results validate the UMLM’s easily implemented control strategy, operational versatility, and effectiveness in grasping diverse objects in dynamic environments. This work underscores the practical potential of underactuated metamorphic mechanisms in applications requiring efficient and adaptable loading solutions. Beyond the specific design, this generalized modeling and optimization framework extends to a broader class of manipulators, offering a scalable approach to the development of robotic systems that require efficiency, flexibility, and robust performance.
{"title":"Kinetostatics and Particle-Swarm Optimization of vehicle-mounted underactuated metamorphic loading manipulators","authors":"Nan Mao , Junpeng Chen , Guanglu Jia , Emmanouil Spyrakos-Papastavridis , Jian S. Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fixed degree-of-freedom (DoF) loading mechanisms often suffer from excessive actuators, complex control, and limited adaptability to dynamic tasks. This study proposes an innovative mechanism of underactuated metamorphic loading manipulators (UMLM), integrating a metamorphic arm with a passively adaptive gripper. The metamorphic arm exploits geometric constraints, enabling the topology reconfiguration and flexible motion trajectories without additional actuators. The adaptive gripper, driven entirely by the arm, conforms to diverse objects through passive compliance. A structural model is developed, and a kinetostatics analysis is conducted to investigate isomorphic grasping configurations. To optimize performance, Particle-Swarm Optimization (PSO) is utilized to refine the gripper’s dimensional parameters, ensuring robust adaptability across various applications. Simulation results validate the UMLM’s easily implemented control strategy, operational versatility, and effectiveness in grasping diverse objects in dynamic environments. This work underscores the practical potential of underactuated metamorphic mechanisms in applications requiring efficient and adaptable loading solutions. Beyond the specific design, this generalized modeling and optimization framework extends to a broader class of manipulators, offering a scalable approach to the development of robotic systems that require efficiency, flexibility, and robust performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106254"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A non-linear 8-DOF model capable of capturing the fundamentals of the worm gear dynamics has been developed. The model incorporates external excitations, non-linear time-varying meshing stiffness, and components related to friction phenomena. This study is dedicated to a thorough exposition of the lumped parameter model, accompanied by a comprehensive examination of its equations and an analysis of the impact of diverse contributions. The procedure employed to determine the meshing stiffness is further investigated using a finite element methodology, as it is a crucial input for the dynamic model. Furthermore, a comprehensive description of the experimental campaign conducted to validate the model is presented, enabling an in-depth analysis of the impact of speed and torque on the overall dynamics of worm gear mechanisms. In order to assess the capability of the model to accurately capture the effects of these two parameters, a comparison is made between the numerical results, specifically the bearing forces and transmission errors, and the experimental data. These comparisons facilitate the validation of the model.
{"title":"On the lumped parameter modeling of worm gear mechanisms: Experimental validation and insights","authors":"Giulia Cristofori, Mattia Battarra, Emiliano Mucchi","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A non-linear 8-DOF model capable of capturing the fundamentals of the worm gear dynamics has been developed. The model incorporates external excitations, non-linear time-varying meshing stiffness, and components related to friction phenomena. This study is dedicated to a thorough exposition of the lumped parameter model, accompanied by a comprehensive examination of its equations and an analysis of the impact of diverse contributions. The procedure employed to determine the meshing stiffness is further investigated using a finite element methodology, as it is a crucial input for the dynamic model. Furthermore, a comprehensive description of the experimental campaign conducted to validate the model is presented, enabling an in-depth analysis of the impact of speed and torque on the overall dynamics of worm gear mechanisms. In order to assess the capability of the model to accurately capture the effects of these two parameters, a comparison is made between the numerical results, specifically the bearing forces and transmission errors, and the experimental data. These comparisons facilitate the validation of the model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106266"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145364776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106263
Ju LI, Zhongqiu DU, Junjie SHE, Huiping SHEN
The selection of actuated joints in the limbs of redundant parallel mechanisms (RPMs) is a critical design challenge, as the number of limbs typically exceeds the degree of freedom (DOF). Despite its importance, this issue has received limited attention in the literature. This paper addresses the gap by proposing two examples of 2-DOF RPMs with redundant limbs, analyzing the impact of different actuated joints on the performance of RPMs. One example is a spatial two-translation RPM, and the other is a planar one-translation and one-rotation RPM. The influence of various actuated joints on the kinematic, stiffness, and dynamic performance of these RPMs is thoroughly examined under two actuated joint schemes. A comparative analysis reveals that each scheme has distinct advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different applications. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes application scenario requirement-based selection criteria for actuated joints of RPMs. This work provides a clear procedure for actuated joint selection and offers valuable insights into the design and application of RPMs.
{"title":"Performance Influences and selection criteria for actuated joints on redundant parallel mechanisms—by two novel design examples","authors":"Ju LI, Zhongqiu DU, Junjie SHE, Huiping SHEN","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The selection of actuated joints in the limbs of redundant parallel mechanisms (RPMs) is a critical design challenge, as the number of limbs typically exceeds the degree of freedom (DOF). Despite its importance, this issue has received limited attention in the literature. This paper addresses the gap by proposing two examples of 2-DOF RPMs with redundant limbs, analyzing the impact of different actuated joints on the performance of RPMs. One example is a spatial two-translation RPM, and the other is a planar one-translation and one-rotation RPM. The influence of various actuated joints on the kinematic, stiffness, and dynamic performance of these RPMs is thoroughly examined under two actuated joint schemes. A comparative analysis reveals that each scheme has distinct advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different applications. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes application scenario requirement-based selection criteria for actuated joints of RPMs. This work provides a clear procedure for actuated joint selection and offers valuable insights into the design and application of RPMs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106263"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145364783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Passive gravity compensators (PGCs), distinguished by their compact and lightweight design, have been extensively applied in rehabilitation exoskeleton systems. However, existing spatial PGCs developed by pseudo-spatial gravity compensation mechanisms encounter singularities when the limb is oriented vertically, hence severely restricting their workspaces. This research presents a PGC specifically designed for the forearm and shank with roll-pitch motion, capable of positioning its singularity outside the limb's workspace by adjusting the twist angle while preserving perfect gravity compensation. A static balancing condition considering all masses is established, followed by an angle mapping mechanism utilizing a bevel differential and a timing-belt drive to achieve the required angular relationship. The perfect gravity balance is validated through simulations. Natural rubber bands (NRBs), characterized by their lightweight design, are utilized in the fabrication of zero-free-length springs (ZFLSs), with the maximum compensation error recorded at 8.42 % for the NRB measuring 30 mm in width and 3 mm in thickness. A wearable 2-DoF PGC prototype utilizing NRB-ZFLSs has been developed. The quantitative experiment revealed that the maximum compensation error is 10.43 % when the maximum gravity compensation torque is 5.04 Nm.
{"title":"Design of a passive spatial 2-DoF singularity-configurable gravity compensator for forearm and shank with roll-pitch motion","authors":"Yijia Peng, Jinrong Deng, Jian Song, Chaoqun Xiang","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Passive gravity compensators (PGCs), distinguished by their compact and lightweight design, have been extensively applied in rehabilitation exoskeleton systems. However, existing spatial PGCs developed by pseudo-spatial gravity compensation mechanisms encounter singularities when the limb is oriented vertically, hence severely restricting their workspaces. This research presents a PGC specifically designed for the forearm and shank with roll-pitch motion, capable of positioning its singularity outside the limb's workspace by adjusting the twist angle while preserving perfect gravity compensation. A static balancing condition considering all masses is established, followed by an angle mapping mechanism utilizing a bevel differential and a timing-belt drive to achieve the required angular relationship. The perfect gravity balance is validated through simulations. Natural rubber bands (NRBs), characterized by their lightweight design, are utilized in the fabrication of zero-free-length springs (ZFLSs), with the maximum compensation error recorded at 8.42 % for the NRB measuring 30 mm in width and 3 mm in thickness. A wearable 2-DoF PGC prototype utilizing NRB-ZFLSs has been developed. The quantitative experiment revealed that the maximum compensation error is 10.43 % when the maximum gravity compensation torque is 5.04 Nm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106255"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106237
Weiming Guo, Jianguo Tao, Hong Xiao, Chen Yao, Hongwei Guo, Guang Yang, Rongqiang Liu
Shape morphing mechanisms (SMMs) have attracted significant interest due to their adaptive shape-change capabilities and superior controllability, particularly in aerospace applications. However, most existing rigid-body SMMs consist of planar mechanisms, which inherently limit their deformation to two dimensions. Three-dimensional(3D) SMMs are generally derived from polyhedral truss structures, yet the design methodologies for this transformation remain underexplored. This article introduces an innovative design methodology that employs loop theory and split vertex technology to convert truss structures into kinematic mechanisms, resulting in a novel SMM. The proposed mechanism significantly enhances continuous shape morphing capabilities in higher dimensions than existing SMMs. Then, a kinematic model is established to analyze the relationship between the transformation modes and distributed actuation. Finally, a two-module prototype SMM is fabricated, and morphing experiments are conducted. The results show that the innovative mechanism can achieve shape extension, spanwise bending, chordwise sweeping, twisting, and verify the effectiveness of the shape morphing model. This mechanism holds promise for advancing the rigid–flexible coupled morphing designs in future aircraft.
{"title":"A novel heterogeneous polyhedral mechanism for shape morphing application","authors":"Weiming Guo, Jianguo Tao, Hong Xiao, Chen Yao, Hongwei Guo, Guang Yang, Rongqiang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106237","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106237","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shape morphing mechanisms (SMMs) have attracted significant interest due to their adaptive shape-change capabilities and superior controllability, particularly in aerospace applications. However, most existing rigid-body SMMs consist of planar mechanisms, which inherently limit their deformation to two dimensions. Three-dimensional(3D) SMMs are generally derived from polyhedral truss structures, yet the design methodologies for this transformation remain underexplored. This article introduces an innovative design methodology that employs loop theory and split vertex technology to convert truss structures into kinematic mechanisms, resulting in a novel SMM. The proposed mechanism significantly enhances continuous shape morphing capabilities in higher dimensions than existing SMMs. Then, a kinematic model is established to analyze the relationship between the transformation modes and distributed actuation. Finally, a two-module prototype SMM is fabricated, and morphing experiments are conducted. The results show that the innovative mechanism can achieve shape extension, spanwise bending, chordwise sweeping, twisting, and verify the effectiveness of the shape morphing model. This mechanism holds promise for advancing the rigid–flexible coupled morphing designs in future aircraft.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"217 ","pages":"Article 106237"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145270624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}