The Design of Looped-Synchronous Mechanism With Duplicated Spatial Assur-Groups

Abstract

The looped-synchronous mechanism (LSM) is a special one degree-of-freedom (DOF) closed chain of transmission with a large number of duplicated units that synchronizes the motion of many output links. This kind of mechanism can be found in many applications such as stator blade adjusting mechanisms for various aero-engines. The LSMs are composed of a large number of links and joints and must be designed by specific means. Spatial Assur-group, which is a concept extended from traditional Assur-group(in planar scope), and usually with a little number of parts and joints, is used in this work to design LSM. First, based on the formula of DOF of spatial Assur-group, all possible combinations are listed and two feasible combinations are chosen as the main body of each unit of LSM, combining with a prime mover to meet the requirement to be inexpandable and adjustable. Second, the condition for transmission ratio of the used Assur-group to be 1 is distilled for being synchronous and looped under the situation that all units of LSM have the same topology. To meet the condition, the needed dimensional conditions are researched and mathematical deduction is used to figure out the possibilities. Third, after confirming that it is impossible to meet the condition strictly, an optimization method in the environment of Simulink is used to approach the condition as close as possible. Finally, numerical and dynamic simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the mentioned methods.