On the Dimensional Synthesis of Spatial Four-and Five-Bar Linkage

Abstract

The basic tools of kinematic dimensional synthesis for spatial mechanisms are the spatial dyads and the vector approach, but their processes are quite complicated and far from straightforward. A novel computer simulation approach to the spatial mechanism for function, path, and motion generation is presented. Based on the geometry constraint and dimension-driving technique, and by using the RSSR four-bar, RSSR-SC five-bar, and RSRC four-bar spatial linkages, three types of simulation mechanisms for function, path, and motion generation are created for 3- to 8-precision-point cases. Using the dimension-driving technique, some key dimensions of the simulation mechanism are modified and the influence of their variation on the simulation is checked. Finally, the desired number of precision positions of synthesis, the prescribed values, and the dependent values in different simulation mechanisms are determined. The results of computer simulation prove that the mechanism simulation approach is not only fairly quick and straightforward, but also advantageous from the viewpoint of accuracy and repeatability.