SphinxCAM-Pro|E: Computer-Aided Modeling and Manufacturing of Spherical Mechanisms Via the Web

Abstract

In this paper we present a web-based computer-aided design modeling and manufacturing methodology for spherical mechanisms. Our purpose is to facilitate the analysis, dynamic simulation, and manufacture of one degree of freedom spherical four-bar mechanisms. First, a brief review of some of the current computer-aided design (CAD) software for spherical four-bar mechanisms, e.g. SPHINX, SPHINXPC, ISIS, and OSIRIS is presented. These software packages provide the three-dimensional visualization and computational capabilities necessary to design spherical four-bar mechanisms. However, to date no readily available and effective tools exist to aid in the modeling and manufacture of spherical mechanisms. Next, the kinematics of spherical four-bar mechanisms are reviewed as they pertain to their geometric modeling and manufacture. Finally, we present our web-based implementation of a computer-aided modeling, simulation, and manufacturing methodology for spherical four-bar mechanisms called SPHINXCAM-Pro|E. SPHINXCAM-Pro|E, when used with the CAD tools mentioned above, facilitates the design, dynamic simulation, prototyping, and manufacture of spherical four-bar mechanisms.