Point-based Jacobian formulation for computational kinematics of manipulators

Computational kinematic analysis of mechanisms is a promising tool for the development of new classes of manipulators. In this paper, the authors present a velocity equation to be compiled by general-purpose software and applicable to any mechanism topology. First, the approach to model the mechanism is introduced. The method uses a set of kinematic restrictions applied to characteristic points of the mechanism. The resultant velocity equation is not an input–output equation, but a comprehensive one. In addition, the Jacobian characterizing the equation is dimensionless hence extremely useful for singularity and performance indicators. The motion space of the manipulator is obtained from the velocity equation. Angular velocities are compiled out of three non-collinear point velocities. The procedure is applied to a 3-DoF parallel manipulator to illustrate.