Optimum design and preliminary experiments of a novel parallel end traction apparatus for upper-limb rehabilitation

Robot-assisted technology has been increasingly employed in the therapy of post stroke patients to deliver high-quality treatment and alleviate therapists’ burden. This paper introduces a novel parallel end traction apparatus (PETA) to supplement equipment selection. Considering the appearance and performance of the PETA, two types of special five-bar linkage mechanisms are selected as the potential configurations of the actuation execution unit because of their compact arrangement and parallel structure. Kinematic analysis of each mechanism, i.e., position solutions and Jacobian matrix, is carried out. Subsequently, a comparative study between the two mechanisms is conducted. In the established source of nondimensional parameter synthesis, the singularity, maximum continuous workspace, and performance variation trends are analyzed. Based on the evaluation results, the final scheme with determined configuration and corresponding near-optimized non-dimensional parameters is obtained. Then, a prototype is constructed. By adding a lockable translational degree of freedom in the vertical direction, the PETA can provide 2D planar exercise and 3D spatial exercise. Finally, a control system is developed for passive exercise mode based on the derived inverse position solution, and preliminary experiments are performed to verify the applicability of the PETA.