Kinematic Analysis and Synthesis of Three-Input, Eight-Bar Mechanisms Driven by Relatively Small Cranks

Abstract

Approximate kinematic equations are developed for the analysis and design of three-input, eight-bar mechanisms driven by relatively small cranks. Application of a method in which an output link is presumed to comprise a mean and a perturbational motion, along with the vector loop approach, facilitates derivation of the approximate kinematic equations. The resulting constraint equations are, (i) in the form of a set of four nonlinear equations relating the mean link orientations, and (ii) a set of four linear equations in the unknown perturbations (output link motions). The latter set of equations is solved, symbolically, to obtain the output link motions. The approximate equations are shown to be effective in the synthesis of three-input, small-crank mechanisms.