Abstract

A new method is presented for the modification of the output motion of linkage mechanisms with closed-loop chains using cams positioned at one or more of its joints. In particular, the method is applied to a four-bar linkage mechanism that is synthesized for function generation for the purpose of eliminating the high harmonic component of the output link motion. By eliminating the high harmonic component of the output motion of a mechanism, the potential vibrational excitation that the mechanism can impart on the overall system, including its own structure, is greatly reduced. The resulting system should therefore be capable of operating at higher speeds with increased precision. For mechanisms with rigid links, the primary source of high harmonic motions is the nonlinearity of the kinematics of closed-loop chains. With the present method, the higher harmonic motions generated due to such nonlinearities are eliminated by the integration of appropriately designed cams that are used to vary the effective link lengths. A numerical example is provided together with a discussion of the related topics of interest.

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