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In this paper, a new method for optimal calibration of parallel kinematic machines (PKMs) is presented. The basis of the methodology is to exploit the least error sensitive regions in the workspace to yield optimal calibration. To do so, an error model is developed that takes into consideration all the geometric errors due to imprecision in manufacturing and assembly. Based on this error model, it is shown that the error mapping from the geometric errors to the pose error of the PKM depends on the Jacobian inverse. The Jacobian inverse would introduce spurious errors that would affect the calibration results, if used without proper care. Hence, areas in the workspace with smaller condition numbers are selected for calibration. Simulations and experiments are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Calibration software based on the proposed method has been embedded in the tripod developed at the National Research Council of Canada’s Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute.

This paper presents the work on developing a sliding-leg tripod as a programmable add-on device for manufacturing. The purpose is to enhance the capabilities of any machine by providing it with a more flexible range of motion. This device can be used as a toolhead for CNC machine tools and robots, or as a work stage for coordinate measuring machines and laser scanning systems. In this paper, system modelling, analysis and control of this device is presented. System modeling includes mobility study, kinematic model and inverse kinematics. System analysis includes workspace analysis, transmission ratio and stiffness analysis. System control includes path planning, joint space control and Cartesian space prediction. It is shown that the proposed device can provide flexibility and dexterity to machines.

This paper presents a concept and implementation of a toolbox for design and application of tripod-based parallel kinematic machines (PKMs). The toolbox is a suite of design tools to support users from conceptual design to actual application of tripod-based PKMs. These design tools have been individually developed in different languages and development environments, and are integrated seamlessly using a JAVA-based platform. Users can access all the design tools through a friendly graphical user interface (GUI). It is the first computer-aided design system specially developed for tripod-based PKMs. The toolbox includes some innovative methodologies, such as a forward kinematics solver, the concept of joint workspace, on-line monitoring based on forward kinematics, and the concept of motion purity. The paper gives an overview on the toolbox architecture and some key technologies.

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In this paper, error sensitivity analysis is discussed for the purpose of optimal calibration of parallel kinematic machines (PKMs). The idea is to find a less error sensitive area in the workspace for calibration. To do so, an error model is developed that takes into consideration all the geometric errors due to imprecision in manufacturing and assembly. Based on this error model, it is shown that the error mapping from the geometric errors to the pose error of the PKM depends on the Jacobian inverse. The Jacobian inverse would introduce spurious errors that would affect the calibration results, if used without proper care. Hence, it is suggested to select the areas in the workspace with smaller condition numbers for calibration. A case study is presented to illustrate the proposed method.

The paper presents a concept and implementation of a toolbox for the design and application of the tripod-based parallel kinematic machines (PKMs). The toolbox is a suite of design tools to support the users from the conceptual design to the actual application of the tripod-based PKMs. These design tools have been individually developed in different languages and they are integrated seamlessly using a Java-based platform. Users can access all of the design tools through a user-friendly graphical interface. It is the first computer-aided design system specially developed for tripod-based PKMs. The toolbox includes some implementations of our innovative methodologies, such as a forward kinematics solver, the concept of joint workspace analysis, on-line monitoring based on forward kinematics, and the concept of motion purity analysis. The paper gives an overview on the toolbox architecture, GUI, and some key technologies.