Synthesis of Rectilinear Motion by Mechanical Harmonic Function Generators

Abstract

A general method is presented for generating controlled rectilinear motion to any desired accuracy. The required motion is expressed in terms of a Fourier series whose coefficients are shown to be related to the governing dimensions of a plane mechanism. The mechanism may be designed to generate enough terms of the Fourier series to satisfy any desired accuracy. The technique is then used for a particular problem to illustrate its application and the method by which the error of approximation may be evaluated.