Non-Uniform Motion by Mechanical Means

Abstract

In this paper a methodology for designing mechanical non-uniform motion generators is presented. The basic requirements for four-bar and six-bar linkages are established and it is shown how the performance can be evaluated by harmonic analysis applied to the output angular velocity function. A means of creating and searching a library of mechanisms based on normalized output functions is presented. B-spline curves are used as a means of defining a desired performance and it is shown how minimum acceleration can be achieved with continuity in the derivatives. Finally, a means of increasing the quality of motion transmission in the selected mechanisms is given. The techniques are used to synthesize a six-bar linkage.