The Displacement Analysis of the Generalized Tracta Coupling

Abstract

The displacement analysis of spatial linkages has been the subject of a number of recent investigations, using a variety of mathematical approaches. Algebraic solutions have been developed principally, in cases in which the number of links, n, is less than or equal to 4. When n > 4, the complexity of the displacement analysis appears to increase by one or more orders of magnitude. In this paper we describe a method, which we call the geometric-configuration method, which we have used when n > 4. The method is illustrated with respect to the algebraic displacement analysis of a five-link spatial mechanism, which includes the Tracta joint as a special case. The Tracta joint is a spatial linkage of symmetrical proportions functioning as a constant-velocity universal joint for nonparallel, intersecting shafts (Myard, 1933). It has four turning or revolute pairs (R) and one plane pair (E), which is located symmetrically with respect to the input and output shafts. The generalization of this linkage, which we call the generalized Tracta coupling, is the R-R-E-R-R spatial linkage with general proportions. The displacement analysis of the general mechanism, for which we know of no previous solution, has been derived. An analysis of the effect of tolerances in the Tracta joint has been included.