A Kinematics-Based Optimization Design for the Leg Mechanism of a Novel Earth Rover

Abstract

This paper proposes a general kinematic-based design method for optimizing the side-mounted leg mechanism of BJTUBOT, a novel multi-mission quadrupedal Earth rover. The focus issue lies in designing structural improvements that not only enhance its kinematic performance but also prevent singularity, all while meeting the demands for miniaturization and lightweight without deviating from the original leg concept. To address this issue, a novel 3-UPRU&PPRR mechanism is envisaged based on the original configuration. Around the unique structural features of this target mechanism, its inverse kinematic solution and Jacobian matrix are calculated, a coupled motion relation between a key limb and its moving platform is presented. In order to achieve singularity avoidance, typical singularity configurations based on line-geometry analysis are given. In accordance with this result, an initial configuration for multi-objective dimensional optimization is presented. To further enhance its kinematic performance, we introduce the use of the global conditional index performance at extreme positions as one of the optimization criteria based on the NSGAII algorithm, and directly measuring the crowding distance using the position vector of the universal joints on the moving platform. This optimized mechanism prototype is demonstrated in a single-leg Adams simulation, which exhibits good velocity mapping effects and displacement accuracy. Finally, a new BJTUBOT prototype is constructed based on the optimized leg, and its flexibility was tested with various classical forms of motions. The workflow in this paper significantly improves the leg performance under the current design needs.