Abstract: The conventional topological representations of simple joint kinematic chains, multiple joint chains and geared(cam) chains are introduced. Then based on the topological graph of simple joint kinematic chains, new topological models of multiple joint kinematic chains and geared(cam) kinematic chains are presented, and the characteristics of the new topological graphs are analyzed. The association between the topological graph of simple joint kinematic chains and that of the multiple joint and geared(cam) kinematic chains is also addressed. One of the merits of the new topological graphs is that they accord with topological graphs of the simple joint kinematic chains. The new topological graph provides a basis for automated computer-based structure synthesis and isomorphism identification, and paves the way for the unique digital representation of the topological graphs of kinematic chains and automated intelligent network-oriented mechanical design. A uniform method of isomorphism identification for the three kinds of kinematic chains is proposed.

Key words: Geared(cam) kinematic chain, Isomorphism identification, Multiple joint kinematic chain, Topological graph