Kinematical and static force analysis on redundant drive wire mechanism with velocity constraint modules to reduce the number of actuators

This study proposes new wire mechanism called “the redundant drive wire mechanism” (RDWM), driven by double actuator modules. The RDWM is configured with velocity constraint modules (VCMs) that provide high-acceleration global and fine local motions. Suitable RDWM candidates are found by combining the kinematic analysis with static force analysis. The study also clarifies the role of VCMs in reducing the required number of actuators while keeping the orientation of the top plate. We propose a judgment procedure with three steps: a static force analysis in the whole motion space, a kinematic analysis that finds the active constraint space wherein the top plate can produce velocity and a static force analysis in this active constraint space. The proposed judgment procedure and the role of VCMs are validated by examples.