ON THE SIMPLE STATIONARY CONFIGURATIONS OF SINGLE-LOOP SPATIAL N-REVOLUTE OVERCONSTRAINED LINKAGES

Based on the derived matrix and its differential equations, a systematic formulation is presented to either identify the simple stationary configurations of movable spatial 4R, 5R and 6R overconstrained linkages or prove none of them occurs at all. Some examples are given to confirm the correctness and validity of the derived mathematical criterion. In addition, the closed-form solutions of linkage joint variables are well-established and with the help of computer graphics, geometrical meanings of linkage configurations are described. This approach can be used to provide a foundation for understanding the range of motion in overconstrained linkage application.