Position and Workspace Analysis of a Novel 4-DOF Parallel Mechanism Using a Computer Aided Geometry Approach

4-DOF parallel mechanisms are devised for precise and stable position control, which require their position and workspace analysis conducted in advance. In this study, a novel computer aided geometry approach is proposed for the position and workspace of a new 4-DOF parallel mechanism, which integrates both of geometric constraints and dimension driving techniques with aid of the computer aided design software-SolidWorks. The results obtained demonstrate that the application of the proposed computer aided geometry approach not only greatly simplifies the analysis process of the parallel mechanism on its position and working space, but also it is cost-effective, visualized and accurate.