Architecture Optmization of a 3-DOF Parallel Mechanism

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a study of the architecture optimization of a three-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism intended for use as a telescope mirror focussing device. The construction of the mechanism is first described. Since the mechanism has only three degrees of freedom, constraint equations describing the inter-relationship between the six Cartesian coordinates are given. These constraints allow us to define the parasitic motions and, if incorporated into the kinematics model, a constrained Jacobian matrix can be obtained. This Jacobian matrix is then used to define a dexterity measure. The parasitic motions and dexterity are then used as objective functions for the optimizations routines and from which the optimal architectural design parameters are obtained.