Abstract
We present a kinematic design of a translational parallel manipulator with fine adjustment capability of platform orientation (TPMFAO). In order to clarify possible kinematic structures for it, structural synthesis of fully decoupled mechanism and partially decoupled mechanism both with six degrees of freedom (dof) was carried out. All possible kinematic structures are listed as the result. Of these, one partially decoupled mechanism was selected and a kinematic design of a prototype manipulator was done. Its characteristics in terms of workspace, singularity, orientation adjustment capability, and coupling characteristics between translational and rotational displacement are discussed.
