Type synthesis of 2-DoF rotational parallel mechanisms actuating the inter-satellite link antenna

This paper focuses on the type synthesis of two degree-of-freedom (2-DoF) rotational parallel mechanisms (RPMs) that would be applied as mechanisms actuating the inter-satellite link antenna. Based upon Lie group theory, two steps are necessary to synthesize 2-DoF RPMs except describing the continuous desired motions of the moving platform. They are respectively generation of required open-loop limbs between the fixed base and the moving platform and definition of assembly principles for these limbs. Firstly, all available displacement subgroups or submanifolds are obtained readily according to that the continuous motion of the moving platform is the inter-section of those of all open-loop limbs. These subgroups or submanifolds are used to generate all the topology structures of limbs. By describing the characteristics of the displacement subgroups and submanifolds intuitively through employing simple geometrical symbols, their intersection and union operations can be carried out easily. Based on this, the assembly principles of two types are defined to synthesize all 2-DoF RPMs using obtained limbs. Finally, two novel categories of 2-DoF RPMs are provided by introducing a circular track and an articulated rotating platform, respectively. This work can lay the foundations for analysis and optimal design of 2-DoF RPMs that actuate the inter-satellite link antenna.