Path-Constrained Points synthesis of symmetric mechanisms for prescribed higher-order curvature features

Abstract

The kinematic synthesis of higher-order path generator mechanisms is herein addressed. Assuming mechanisms in a symmetric configuration, a coupler path sharing up to eight infinitesimally separated points with the ideal curve can be achieved. The novel design methodology is based on “Path-Constrained Points” (PCPs) for the characterization of the coupler motion. In particular, given the higher-order curvature features of the curve to be mechanically approximated, the mechanism link length ratios are analytically computed. The PCPs approach has been herein developed for the four-bar and the swinging-block linkages, but can be extended to a wide class of mechanisms. To speed-up computations, design charts solutions have been also prepared. Finally, the numerical examples and the coupler path plots allow to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed procedure.