Force System Structural Synthesis By Using Coupler Curves and Interactive Computer Graphics

Abstract

An interactive computer graphics program has been developed to structually synthesize force systems which will drive a 4R-4Bar linkage to have a desired dynamic motion time response. The program is also useful for iterative dimensional synthesis. The program contains a coupler curve “boxing” technique to help the designer identify generalized force “characteristic” curve shapes for translational force elements between nonadjacent links. Some general observations about generalized force “characteristic” curve shapes are also presented.