A Single Universal Construction Rule for the Structural Synthesis of Mechanisms

Abstract

In the field of structural synthesis of mechanisms several synthesis methods have been developed using different approaches. One of the more interesting approaches was that of bottom-up construction via the combination of modular structural groups, known as Assur groups. This approach is combined with new graph representations of mechanisms taken from rigidity theory, capable of representing all the different types of planar and spatial mechanisms. With the strong mathematical base of rigidity theory, a new synthesis method is proposed based on Assur groups, which are reformulated in terms of graph theory and renamed Assur Graphs. Using a single universal construction rule, Assur Graphs of different types and of any number of links are constructed, creating a complete set of building blocks for the synthesis of feasible mechanisms. As its name implies, the single universal construction is applicable for mechanisms of all types of joints and links, for planar or spatial motion.