Adjustable mechanisms for reducing the error in function generation and path generation

An analytical procedure has been developed for the synthesis of cam link four bar mechanisms. This method has provided the capability to design function generating mechanisms and path generating mechanisms that are accurate over a limited range as compared to a few points by conventional linkage synthesis techniques. This method is used in conjunction with an optimization utilizing a grid search technique to develop a cam-link mechanism with minimum cam pressure angle over the range of operation. The method has been applied for path generating linkages with the cam link as the input link. For the function generator the cam link has been positioned in all the links to demonstrate the solution technique. The solutions have been compared with standard kinematic synthesis to demonstrate the accuracy and advantages of the cam link mechanism over the conventional four-bar linkage.