Kinematic Research on Hinged Synchronous Universal Joint Applied for Snake-like Manipulator

The structure and motion principle of a hinged synchronous universal joint (HSUJ) is introduced, also whose kinematics is theoretically analyzed. As a result, a few kinematic characters of the HSUJ are obtained, which establish the foundation of its application for snake-like manipulator. Making use of the HSUJ as actuating mechanism, the developed snake-like manipulator has the merits of small curve radius, fewer actuator, and small volume etc.