title: An Analytical Approach for Synthesizing Line Actuation Spaces of Parallel Flexure Mechanisms.
abstract: In this study, we present an analytical approach for synthesizing line actuation spaces of a parallel flexure mechanism (PFM) that can help designers to arrange linear actuators within the PFM in a correct and optimal way. On the basis of screw theory and upon an assumption of small deformations, an important synthesis criterion stated as "any actuation space of a flexure mechanism is always linearly independent of its constraint space" has been derived and disclosed for the first time. Guided by this criterion, a general synthesis process for the line actuation spaces of PFMs is introduced and demonstrated with several selective examples. The proposed synthesis criterion and process will enable designers to (i) systematically formulate line actuation spaces in the format of screw systems; (ii) likely yield a multiple solution to actuation spaces; and (iii) potentially determine an optimal result from those alternatives for actuator placement.
authors.affiliation: e-mail:  jjyu@buaa.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Jingjun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: e-mail:  shouzhonglsz@gmail.com Robotics Institute , Beihang University, Beijing 100191 , China.
authors.forename: Shouzhong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Science and Engineering , King's College, University of London, The Strand , London WC2R 2LS, UK e-mail:  qiuchenchallenge@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Qiu