Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106302
Nils Brückmann , Christian Mirz , Mathias Hüsing , Yukio Takeda , Burkhard Corves
This paper proposes an optimal control approach to reduce frame vibrations in robotic pick and place tasks, caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the robot. The objective of the proposed optimal control approach is to determine time-optimal trajectories that cancel out residual frame vibrations after trajectory execution. The control problem is defined for a delta robot but can be adapted to any type of robot used for pick and place tasks. To solve the optimal control problem numerically, it is transformed into a nonlinear programming problem using the Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto collocation method. To validate the approach, experiments are conducted to compare the residual frame vibrations of optimized trajectories with typical pick and place trajectories. The novelty of the paper is the vibration reduction with an optimization-based approach on a complex multi-degree-of-freedom robot system whose dynamic parameters are identified with experimental data. In addition, a mathematical description of all constraints required for a robotic pick and place task is proposed for the optimization.
{"title":"Optimal control approach for trajectory determination to suppress residual frame vibrations of delta robots in pick and place tasks","authors":"Nils Brückmann , Christian Mirz , Mathias Hüsing , Yukio Takeda , Burkhard Corves","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper proposes an optimal control approach to reduce frame vibrations in robotic pick and place tasks, caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the robot. The objective of the proposed optimal control approach is to determine time-optimal trajectories that cancel out residual frame vibrations after trajectory execution. The control problem is defined for a delta robot but can be adapted to any type of robot used for pick and place tasks. To solve the optimal control problem numerically, it is transformed into a nonlinear programming problem using the Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto collocation method. To validate the approach, experiments are conducted to compare the residual frame vibrations of optimized trajectories with typical pick and place trajectories. The novelty of the paper is the vibration reduction with an optimization-based approach on a complex multi-degree-of-freedom robot system whose dynamic parameters are identified with experimental data. In addition, a mathematical description of all constraints required for a robotic pick and place task is proposed for the optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"219 ","pages":"Article 106302"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685303","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 : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106305
Bike Zhu, Jun He, Feng Gao
The exploration of challenging terrains requires robotic systems with advanced mobility and adaptability. However, maintaining stability and maneuverability while traversing obstacles remains a significant challenge for such systems. Redundantly actuated wheel-legged rovers present a promising solution by introducing additional degrees of actuation, enabling more optimized motion strategies and enhanced overall performance. This paper focuses on enhancing the obstacle-crossing capability of these systems by analyzing the dynamic stability criteria and actuation patterns, using the TAWL rover as demonstration. Firstly, the dynamic models of the TAWL rover’s individual leg and the whole body are established, and the dynamic stability criteria are introduced. Secondly, the actuation patterns of the redundant system are analyzed to identify feasible actuation patterns and evaluate associated energy consumption. Thirdly, enhanced obstacle-crossing strategies are proposed, consisting of two components: increasing the rover’s maximum obstacle-crossing height and improving its stability when traversing specific obstacles. Finally, the proposed method is validated on the TAWL rover. The results demonstrate that the proposed method enables the rover to achieve maximum obstacle-crossing height and exhibit superior stability margin while traversing obstacles.
{"title":"Enhanced obstacle-crossing capability of redundantly actuated wheel-legged robot through dynamic stability and actuation pattern analyses","authors":"Bike Zhu, Jun He, Feng Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The exploration of challenging terrains requires robotic systems with advanced mobility and adaptability. However, maintaining stability and maneuverability while traversing obstacles remains a significant challenge for such systems. Redundantly actuated wheel-legged rovers present a promising solution by introducing additional degrees of actuation, enabling more optimized motion strategies and enhanced overall performance. This paper focuses on enhancing the obstacle-crossing capability of these systems by analyzing the dynamic stability criteria and actuation patterns, using the TAWL rover as demonstration. Firstly, the dynamic models of the TAWL rover’s individual leg and the whole body are established, and the dynamic stability criteria are introduced. Secondly, the actuation patterns of the redundant system are analyzed to identify feasible actuation patterns and evaluate associated energy consumption. Thirdly, enhanced obstacle-crossing strategies are proposed, consisting of two components: increasing the rover’s maximum obstacle-crossing height and improving its stability when traversing specific obstacles. Finally, the proposed method is validated on the TAWL rover. The results demonstrate that the proposed method enables the rover to achieve maximum obstacle-crossing height and exhibit superior stability margin while traversing obstacles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"219 ","pages":"Article 106305"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685304","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106303
Binbin Lian , Qiqi Dong , Xinming Huo , Zihou Yuan , Qi Li , Tao Sun
Mobile parallel robots, formed by mounting parallel mechanisms on AGVs, combine merits of both automatic transporting and high-precision operation of large-scale parts. Optimal design of mobile parallel robots faces two key challenges: (1) co-optimizing topology of AGV frame and dimension of parallel module, (2) difficulty in embedding domain knowledge to the conventional “black-box” optimization. To address these, we propose a knowledge-enhanced optimization framework. Kinematic, stiffness, and mass models of parallel module, as well as surrogate model of AGV frame are established. A knowledge base is built by explicit knowledge from engineering and knowledge extraction through cluster analysis. Hard and soft constraints are defined, in which soft constraints are embedded to objective. Initial population of optimization searching is determined by preference-domain cluster, and a knowledge-guided multi-objective algorithm is developed. Comparative study to the optimization without knowledge injection show that Pareto front solutions of our method concentrate densely in designer-preferred regions. It achieves 36.45 % higher preference-aligned performance and shows accelerated convergence with stabilized HV progression curves. The framework effectively addresses co-optimization challenges by knowledge fusion and preference guidance.
{"title":"Knowledge-enhanced optimization of a mobile parallel robot considering topological structure and dimensions","authors":"Binbin Lian , Qiqi Dong , Xinming Huo , Zihou Yuan , Qi Li , Tao Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mobile parallel robots, formed by mounting parallel mechanisms on AGVs, combine merits of both automatic transporting and high-precision operation of large-scale parts. Optimal design of mobile parallel robots faces two key challenges: (1) co-optimizing topology of AGV frame and dimension of parallel module, (2) difficulty in embedding domain knowledge to the conventional “black-box” optimization. To address these, we propose a knowledge-enhanced optimization framework. Kinematic, stiffness, and mass models of parallel module, as well as surrogate model of AGV frame are established. A knowledge base is built by explicit knowledge from engineering and knowledge extraction through cluster analysis. Hard and soft constraints are defined, in which soft constraints are embedded to objective. Initial population of optimization searching is determined by preference-domain cluster, and a knowledge-guided multi-objective algorithm is developed. Comparative study to the optimization without knowledge injection show that Pareto front solutions of our method concentrate densely in designer-preferred regions. It achieves 36.45 % higher preference-aligned performance and shows accelerated convergence with stabilized HV progression curves. The framework effectively addresses co-optimization challenges by knowledge fusion and preference guidance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"219 ","pages":"Article 106303"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685302","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}
Transformable robots with closed-chain mechanisms that exhibit underactuated and nonlinear dynamics pose a formidable challenge in gait planning. This paper introduces a two-stage reinforcement learning (RL) framework that bypasses the need for accurate system modeling to autonomously discover and refine locomotion gaits. We apply this method to an 8-bar single-loop transformable robot, whose kinematic analysis confirms its reconfigurability and variable degrees of freedom (DoF) nature. Our approach successfully generating two distinct and functional gaits: a stable peristaltic gait and a dynamic rolling gait that strategically leverages singular configurations. Extensive experiments on a physical prototype validate the gaits’ effectiveness across various terrains, with the robot achieving displacements of up to 870 mm at speeds of 8.7 mm/s. This work demonstrates a learning-based paradigm for planning complex locomotion in reconfigurable robotic systems.
{"title":"Design and reinforcement learning-based locomotion gait planning for an 8-bar single-loop transformable robot","authors":"Meng Zhao, Zoulang Qin, Wenxuan Cheng, Ruiming Li, Hui Yang, Yezhuo Li, Jianxu Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106304","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106304","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transformable robots with closed-chain mechanisms that exhibit underactuated and nonlinear dynamics pose a formidable challenge in gait planning. This paper introduces a two-stage reinforcement learning (RL) framework that bypasses the need for accurate system modeling to autonomously discover and refine locomotion gaits. We apply this method to an 8-bar single-loop transformable robot, whose kinematic analysis confirms its reconfigurability and variable degrees of freedom (DoF) nature. Our approach successfully generating two distinct and functional gaits: a stable peristaltic gait and a dynamic rolling gait that strategically leverages singular configurations. Extensive experiments on a physical prototype validate the gaits’ effectiveness across various terrains, with the robot achieving displacements of up to 870 mm at speeds of 8.7 mm/s. This work demonstrates a learning-based paradigm for planning complex locomotion in reconfigurable robotic systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"219 ","pages":"Article 106304"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685367","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 : 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106296
Xinzi Li, Chaosheng Song, Hailan Song
To address the challenge of correlating tooth flank modification design with meshing performance in harmonic drives, this study proposes an optimization method for meshing characteristics based on the control of meshing backlash. First, geometric models of the flexspline (produced by hobbing) and circular spline (produced by power skiving) are established. Subsequently, a computational procedure for determining meshing backlash in harmonic drives, incorporating tooth flank modification, is developed based on kinematic modeling. Finite element analysis is then employed to investigate the relationship between tooth flank modification, backlash distribution, and contact characteristics. The results indicate that controlling the meshing backlash through tooth flank modification shifts the contact pattern on the flexspline tooth surface from the heel to the toe region, reducing the maximum contact pressure by approximately 33.75% under rated torque and 31.03% during start-stop torque. This approach effectively mitigates the stress concentration and uneven load distribution observed in zero-backlash modification designs.
{"title":"Flank modification and meshing analysis of harmonic drives with controlled backlash","authors":"Xinzi Li, Chaosheng Song, Hailan Song","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the challenge of correlating tooth flank modification design with meshing performance in harmonic drives, this study proposes an optimization method for meshing characteristics based on the control of meshing backlash. First, geometric models of the flexspline (produced by hobbing) and circular spline (produced by power skiving) are established. Subsequently, a computational procedure for determining meshing backlash in harmonic drives, incorporating tooth flank modification, is developed based on kinematic modeling. Finite element analysis is then employed to investigate the relationship between tooth flank modification, backlash distribution, and contact characteristics. The results indicate that controlling the meshing backlash through tooth flank modification shifts the contact pattern on the flexspline tooth surface from the heel to the toe region, reducing the maximum contact pressure by approximately 33.75% under rated torque and 31.03% during start-stop torque. This approach effectively mitigates the stress concentration and uneven load distribution observed in zero-backlash modification designs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"219 ","pages":"Article 106296"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145600394","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 : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106297
Changyu Yue, Jinzheng Liu, Liwen Guan
Accurate, fast, and robust kinematic state estimation is essential for industrial applications of the Stewart platform. Conventional methods using leg lengths and forward kinematics are computationally intensive and sensitive to sensor noise. This paper proposes a novel error state Kalman filter (ESKF) framework that tightly fuses onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU) data with leg length measurements. By linearizing the system in the error state, the ESKF handles system nonlinearities more effectively and improves robustness to measurement noise. Additionally, the proposed scheme explicitly incorporates the closed-chain geometric constraints of the Stewart platform, thereby eliminating the need for iterative forward kinematics computations and enhancing computational efficiency. Extensive numerical simulations are conducted under both standard and extreme scenarios, including rapid motion, high sensor noise, reduced measurement availability, and sensor faults. The results indicate that the ESKF-based framework consistently outperforms conventional methods based on extended Kalman filter and forward kinematics with respect to accuracy, robustness, and real-time performance, highlighting its effectiveness for Stewart platform state estimation.
{"title":"Accurate and robust state estimation for Stewart platform via error state Kalman filter with IMU and leg length fusion","authors":"Changyu Yue, Jinzheng Liu, Liwen Guan","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate, fast, and robust kinematic state estimation is essential for industrial applications of the Stewart platform. Conventional methods using leg lengths and forward kinematics are computationally intensive and sensitive to sensor noise. This paper proposes a novel error state Kalman filter (ESKF) framework that tightly fuses onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU) data with leg length measurements. By linearizing the system in the error state, the ESKF handles system nonlinearities more effectively and improves robustness to measurement noise. Additionally, the proposed scheme explicitly incorporates the closed-chain geometric constraints of the Stewart platform, thereby eliminating the need for iterative forward kinematics computations and enhancing computational efficiency. Extensive numerical simulations are conducted under both standard and extreme scenarios, including rapid motion, high sensor noise, reduced measurement availability, and sensor faults. The results indicate that the ESKF-based framework consistently outperforms conventional methods based on extended Kalman filter and forward kinematics with respect to accuracy, robustness, and real-time performance, highlighting its effectiveness for Stewart platform state estimation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"218 ","pages":"Article 106297"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617869","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 : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106295
M. García-Pérez , M. Escalero , D. Cubillas , M. Olave , A. Fernández del Rincón
Gear transmissions are critical components in mechanical and transportation systems, where wear progressively alters tooth geometry, diminishes efficiency, and compromises reliability. Conventional wear prediction methods typically rely on simplified cyclic load spectra, which inadequately represent the highly variable operating conditions encountered in real-world applications. This discrepancy limits the accuracy of existing approaches, particularly under oscillatory regimes with non-stationary loads.
To overcome this limitation, this study introduces an efficient analytical framework for predicting wear in spur gears directly from operational time series of load and position. The proposed method builds upon physical wear models and accounts for the transient evolution of contact conditions, while maintaining low computational overhead. Validation against finite element simulations confirms that the approach accurately reproduces tooth wear profiles, yielding low relative errors across diverse loading scenarios.
The results underscore the importance of explicitly incorporating full time series data for reliable wear estimation under non-cyclic conditions. Beyond enhancing predictive accuracy, the proposed strategy offers practical advantages for integration into digital twin frameworks and predictive maintenance systems, where real-time or near-real-time assessments are essential.
{"title":"Simulation strategy for the wear process of spur gears considering operational time series","authors":"M. García-Pérez , M. Escalero , D. Cubillas , M. Olave , A. Fernández del Rincón","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gear transmissions are critical components in mechanical and transportation systems, where wear progressively alters tooth geometry, diminishes efficiency, and compromises reliability. Conventional wear prediction methods typically rely on simplified cyclic load spectra, which inadequately represent the highly variable operating conditions encountered in real-world applications. This discrepancy limits the accuracy of existing approaches, particularly under oscillatory regimes with non-stationary loads.</div><div>To overcome this limitation, this study introduces an efficient analytical framework for predicting wear in spur gears directly from operational time series of load and position. The proposed method builds upon physical wear models and accounts for the transient evolution of contact conditions, while maintaining low computational overhead. Validation against finite element simulations confirms that the approach accurately reproduces tooth wear profiles, yielding low relative errors across diverse loading scenarios.</div><div>The results underscore the importance of explicitly incorporating full time series data for reliable wear estimation under non-cyclic conditions. Beyond enhancing predictive accuracy, the proposed strategy offers practical advantages for integration into digital twin frameworks and predictive maintenance systems, where real-time or near-real-time assessments are essential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"218 ","pages":"Article 106295"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617867","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 : 2025-11-24DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106300
Yuze Zhang , Lu Bai , Rongjie Kang , Jian S. Dai , Zhibin Song
Patients with lower limb motor dysfunction typically require supine rehabilitation during early recovery. Compared to rigid-structure robots, cable-driven supine rehabilitation robots offer distinct safety and cost advantages. However, existing such robots are generally limited to passive training, particularly those with under-constrained cable-suspended structures. This study proposes a novel admittance model for the under-constrained cable-suspended system for active training in supine status, providing resistance along a specified trajectory. To enhance the training experience, two tunnel models orthogonal to the trajectory were proposed, rigid mode and compliant mode. They meet personalized rehabilitation requirements better by adjusting the impedance model parameters. To prove the efficiency of the under-constrained active training method, a cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) for lower limb supine training was developed, achieving multi-joint lower limb movement via four cables. Considering that positioning of patient relative to the proposed robot is necessary for performing active training, an autonomous patient position identification method is introduced, without extra sensors. Experiments on the prototype confirmed the position identification method’s feasibility and the under-constrained active training control model’s effectiveness in both tunnel modes.
{"title":"A cable-driven parallel rehabilitation robot for active training of supine patients’ lower limbs","authors":"Yuze Zhang , Lu Bai , Rongjie Kang , Jian S. Dai , Zhibin Song","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Patients with lower limb motor dysfunction typically require supine rehabilitation during early recovery. Compared to rigid-structure robots, cable-driven supine rehabilitation robots offer distinct safety and cost advantages. However, existing such robots are generally limited to passive training, particularly those with under-constrained cable-suspended structures. This study proposes a novel admittance model for the under-constrained cable-suspended system for active training in supine status, providing resistance along a specified trajectory. To enhance the training experience, two tunnel models orthogonal to the trajectory were proposed, rigid mode and compliant mode. They meet personalized rehabilitation requirements better by adjusting the impedance model parameters. To prove the efficiency of the under-constrained active training method, a cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) for lower limb supine training was developed, achieving multi-joint lower limb movement via four cables. Considering that positioning of patient relative to the proposed robot is necessary for performing active training, an autonomous patient position identification method is introduced, without extra sensors. Experiments on the prototype confirmed the position identification method’s feasibility and the under-constrained active training control model’s effectiveness in both tunnel modes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"218 ","pages":"Article 106300"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617870","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 : 2025-11-22DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106299
Jilai Zhou , Zhong Luo , Lei Li , Tianyue Ma , Shiqiang Qiu , Xinping Luo
Three-point contact ball bearings (TPCBBs) are essential components in aero-engines. Their dynamic characteristics directly determine the mechanical system’s stability and safety. In order to analyze their time-varying dynamic characteristics, a quasi-static model of TPCBBs is proposed. The proposal of this model takes into account the equilibrium states of the balls and the inner rings comprehensively. Utilizing a dual-level iteration principle, the Newton-Raphson method serves as the solution method for this model. Notably, the Jacobian matrix within it is analytically derived. The overall stiffness variation, time-varying stiffness, contact forces, and contact angles are solved and analyzed. Furthermore, the validity of the proposed model is verified through experiments. The results indicate that the variation patterns and amplitudes of stiffness with external forces are different under different contact states. The contact forces supported by the inner and outer rings in the state of three-point contact show an increase contrasted with the state of two-point contact. And one of the inner rings will change from a load-free state to a loaded state.
{"title":"Numerical and experimental investigations on time-varying dynamic characteristics of three-point contact ball bearings","authors":"Jilai Zhou , Zhong Luo , Lei Li , Tianyue Ma , Shiqiang Qiu , Xinping Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106299","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Three-point contact ball bearings (TPCBBs) are essential components in aero-engines. Their dynamic characteristics directly determine the mechanical system’s stability and safety. In order to analyze their time-varying dynamic characteristics, a quasi-static model of TPCBBs is proposed. The proposal of this model takes into account the equilibrium states of the balls and the inner rings comprehensively. Utilizing a dual-level iteration principle, the Newton-Raphson method serves as the solution method for this model. Notably, the Jacobian matrix within it is analytically derived. The overall stiffness variation, time-varying stiffness, contact forces, and contact angles are solved and analyzed. Furthermore, the validity of the proposed model is verified through experiments. The results indicate that the variation patterns and amplitudes of stiffness with external forces are different under different contact states. The contact forces supported by the inner and outer rings in the state of three-point contact show an increase contrasted with the state of two-point contact. And one of the inner rings will change from a load-free state to a loaded state.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"218 ","pages":"Article 106299"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145569272","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 : 2025-11-21DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106294
Bin Zhu , Liping Wang , Hongzheng Zhang , Yutian Wang , Liwen Guan , Yanling Tian
To develop a spindle head that meets stringent workspace and acceleration requirements for high-efficiency machining, this study proposes a geometric-parameter optimization framework that integrates performance atlases with a Pareto-based multi-objective optimization algorithm. Novel inertia-matrix-based performance indices are introduced to enable accurate evaluation of the spindle head’s linear and angular acceleration capabilities. The kinematic and dynamic performance distributions are subsequently mapped over the design space, and a feasible high-performance design region is identified using predefined performance constraints. Within this region, Pareto optimization is performed to generate a Pareto front, from which the optimal geometric parameters are selected. The spindle head performance, based on the optimized geometric parameters, is verified through dynamic simulations under representative cutting-force conditions; under the specified acceleration profiles, the maximum actuator driving force is . The results confirm that the spindle head satisfies the acceleration requirements while maintaining actuator forces within practical limits, thereby supporting the development of next-generation high-performance hybrid machine tools.
{"title":"Optimum design of a parallel spindle head based on kinematics and dynamics indices","authors":"Bin Zhu , Liping Wang , Hongzheng Zhang , Yutian Wang , Liwen Guan , Yanling Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2025.106294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To develop a spindle head that meets stringent workspace and acceleration requirements for high-efficiency machining, this study proposes a geometric-parameter optimization framework that integrates performance atlases with a Pareto-based multi-objective optimization algorithm. Novel inertia-matrix-based performance indices are introduced to enable accurate evaluation of the spindle head’s linear and angular acceleration capabilities. The kinematic and dynamic performance distributions are subsequently mapped over the design space, and a feasible high-performance design region is identified using predefined performance constraints. Within this region, Pareto optimization is performed to generate a Pareto front, from which the optimal geometric parameters are selected. The spindle head performance, based on the optimized geometric parameters, is verified through dynamic simulations under representative cutting-force conditions; under the specified acceleration profiles, the maximum actuator driving force is <span><math><mrow><mn>3</mn><mo>.</mo><mn>82</mn><mspace></mspace><mtext>kN</mtext></mrow></math></span>. The results confirm that the spindle head satisfies the acceleration requirements while maintaining actuator forces within practical limits, thereby supporting the development of next-generation high-performance hybrid machine tools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49845,"journal":{"name":"Mechanism and Machine Theory","volume":"218 ","pages":"Article 106294"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145569274","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}