Wear Analysis of Spatial Parallel Mechanisms With Multiple Three-Dimensional Spherical Clearance Joints

The goal of this work is to investigate the dynamic responses of the parallel mechanism with irregular clearances caused by wear and to further reveal the influences of multiple clearance interaction on wear. The motion model and the force model of spherical clearance joint based on a continuous contact force model and a static friction model are established. The dynamic equation of the spatial parallel mechanism considering two spherical clearance joints is derived. A general wear analysis strategy to establish spherical clearance joint with sustainable updation of the surface profile is presented, and the dynamic responses of parallel mechanism after wear are studied. The interaction between two wear joints with different initial clearance values is further investigated. The results show that it is necessary to consider the factor of irregular clearances caused by wear in the analysis of dynamics behavior for precision mechanisms. Proper distribution of clearance values can reduce wear of clearance joint and improve the useful life of mechanism to a certain extent. This work provides a foundation for life prediction and reliability analysis of parallel mechanisms.