Type Synthesis Method of Planar and Spherical Mechanisms Using the Universal Structural Table with All Possible Link Assortments

Abstract

Type synthesis of mechanisms is the first and very important stage of mechanical conceptual design, which can not only optimizes existing mechanisms, but also invents the novel devices. This paper presents a new synthesis method for complex planar and spherical mechanisms based on using the universal structural table with all possible link assortments. Firstly, according to “Unified Structural Theory” [6] for type synthesis of mechanisms (with specified K, V and F) we use the set of structural equations proposed by the author. Secondly, the solution of the set of equations in integers (with 1≤ K ≤ 5, F =1, 0 ≤ V ≤ 8 ) is obtained using a computer. Then results are systematized and presented in the form of table “Universal Structural Table”, which contains all the possible link assortments with the corresponding all the feasible total multiple joint factors. Proposed conceptual approach can be applicable to directed synthesis of all feasible nonisomorphic basic kinematic chains for design of complex closed loop mechanisms without rigid subchains and passive links. One of the merits of this method is that any designer using the proposed “Universal Structural Table” can immediately consider all the possible structural so-lutions in order to choose those that are best suited for the creative design of different mechanisms with simple and multiple joints. Finally, various synthe-sized single-loop and multi-loop planar and spherical statically-determinated mechanisms are provided and confirmed the effectiveness of proposed novel approach to design the best K-chains and diverse novel multiloop mechanisms.