Five-Bar Path Generation Synthesis by Continuation Methods

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the synthesis of a geared five-bar path generating mechanism using continuation methods. The gear ratio can be varied resulting in a solution set of geared five-bars passing through seven prescribed path positions. The development differs from past approaches in that convergence of the synthesis equations is not dependent on the choice of initial values and, furthermore, the method can be employed by a designer to select a geared-five-bar path generator with a wide range of possible gear ratios. Two examples demonstrate the method.