• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.79-88
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• 2009

This paper presents the analytical stiffness analysis method for a low-DOF planar parallel manipulator. An n-DOF (n<3) planar parallel manipulator to which 1- or 2-DOF serial mechanism is connected in series may be used as a positioning device in planar tasks requring high payload and high speed. Differently from a 3-DOF planar parallel manipulator, an n-DOF planar parallel counterpart may be subject to constraint forces as well as actuation forces. Using the theory of reciprocal screws, the planar stiffness is modeled such that the moving platform is supported by three springs related to the reciprocal screws of actuations (n) and constraints (3-n). Then, the spring constants can be precisely determined by modeling the compliances of joints and links in serial chains. Finally, the stiffness of two kinds of 2-DOF planar parallel manipulators with simple and complex springs is analyzed. In order to show the effectiveness of the suggested method, the results of analytical stiffness analysis are compared to those of numerical stiffness analysis by using ADAMS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.164-172
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• 2014

This paper presents a method for analyzing the stiffness of full and low DOF (degree of freedom) planar parallel manipulators with serially connected legs. The individual stiffness of each leg is obtained by applying reciprocal screws to the leg twist using passive joints and elastic elements consisting of actuators and links. Because the legs are connected in parallel, the manipulator stiffness is determined by summing the individual leg stiffness values. This method does not require the assumption that springs should be located along reciprocal screws and is applicable to a planar parallel manipulator with a generic or singular configuration. The stiffness values of three planar parallel manipulators with different DOFs are analyzed. The numerical results are confirmed using ADAMS S/W.