MODULAR APPROACH TO THE DESIGN OF PATH GENERATING PLANAR MECHANISMS

Abstract

A novel approach, called modular approach, is presented in this paper making possible the closed-form solutions of the planar path-generating multi-link mechanisms with lower pairs. In this approach, the mechanism is viewed as a suitable combination of some simpler components called "modules". The design of the modules is realized by applying the socalled Precision-Point, Subdomain and Galerkin methods. The approach is illustrated on 4-bar, slider-crank, double-slider, 5-bar and 6-link mechanisms. Numerical results prove the effectiveness of the approach.