Classification of a Class of 3-RER Parallel Manipulators Using Gröbner Cover and Primary Decomposition of Ideals

Recent studies have revealed that the type/number of operation modes of a parallel manipulator (PM) may vary with the link parameters of the PM. However, current research on the impact of link parameters on the type/number of operation modes of a PM is usually based on intuition. This paper deals with the systematic classification of a 3-RER PM. The 3-RER PM is composed of a base and a moving platform connected by three RER legs, each of which is a serial kinematic chain composed of a revolute (R) joint, a planar (E) joint and an R joint in sequence. The axes of the R joints on the base (or moving platform) are all parallel. At first, a set of constraint equations of the 3-RER PM is first derived. Then using a method called Gröbner cover to calculate the comprehensive Gröbner system of parametric polynomial systems, the 3-RER PM is classified into 21 types. The operation modes of all the types of 3-RER PMs are determined using primary decomposition of ideals. Besides the two 4-DOF (degree-of-freedom) 3T1R operation modes, different types of 3-RER PMs may have up to two more 3-DOF or other types of 4-DOF operation modes. This work is the first systematic study on the impact of link parameters on the operation modes of the 3-RER PM and will contribute to the design and control of 3-RER PMs and research on multi-mode (or reconfigurable) PMs.