Singularity robust inverse dynamics of planar 2-RPR parallel manipulators

Abstract

In planar parallel robots, limitations occur in the functional workspace because of interference of the legs with each other and because of drive singularities where the actuators lose control of the moving platform and the actuator forces grow without bounds. A 2-RPR (revolute, prismatic, revolute joints) planar parallel manipulator with two legs that minimizes the interference of the mechanical components is considered. Avoidance of the drive singularities is in general not desirable since it reduces the functional workspace. An inverse dynamics algorithm with singularity robustness is formulated allowing full utilization of the workspace. It is shown that if the trajectory is planned to satisfy certain conditions related to the consistency of the dynamic equations, the manipulator can pass through the drive singularities while the actuator forces remain stable. Furthermore, for finding the actuator forces in the vicinity of the singular positions a full rank modification of the dynamic equations is developed. A deployment motion is analysed to illustrate the proposed approach.