Constraint Operator for the Kinematic Calibration of a Parallel Mechanism

This paper introduces a constraint operator for the kinematic calibration of a parallel mechanism. By adopting the concept of a constraint operator, the movement between two poses is constrained. When the constrained movements are satisfied, the active joint displacements are taken and inputted into the kinematic model to compute the theoretical movements. A cost function is derived by the errors between the theoretical movement and the actual movement. The parameters that minimize the cost function are estimated and substituted into the kinematic model for a kinematic calibration. A single constraint plane is employed as a mechanical fixture to constrain the movement, and three digital indicators are used as the sensing devices to determine whether the constrained movement is satisfied. This calibration system represents an effective, low cost and feasible technique for a parallel mechanism. A calibration algorithm is developed with a constraint operator and implemented on a parallel manipulator constructed for a machining center tool.