THE KINEMATIC SYNTHESIS OF STEERING MECHANISMS

Abstract

We propose a computational-kinematics approach based on elimination procedures to synthesize a steering four-bar linkage. In this regard, we aim at minimizing the root-mean square error of the synthesized linkage in meeting the steering condition over a number of linkage configurations within the linkage range of motion. A minimization problem is thus formulated, whose normality conditions lead to two polynomial equations in two unknown design variables. Upon eliminating one of these two variables, a monovariate polynomial equation is obtained, whose roots yield all locally-optimum linkages. From these roots, the global optimum, as well as unfeasible local optima, are readily identified. The global optimum, however, turns out to be impractical because of the large differences in its link lengths, which we refer to as dimensional unbalance. To cope with this drawback, we use a kinematically-equivalent focal mechanism, i.e., a six-bar linkage with an input-output function identical to that of the four-bar linkage. Given that the synthesized linkage requires a rotational input, as opposed to most existing steering linkages, which require a translational input, we propose a spherical four-bar linkage to drive the steering linkage. The spherical linkage is synthesized so as to yield a speed reduction as close as possible to 2:1 and to have a maximum transmission quality.