Linkage Mechanism Design Software

[Dikuza]

I'm trying to design a complex linkage assembly of which the defined path starts as a straight horizontal line, then at a given point, follows a circular curve 90 degrees and stops. Does there exist any program that can map out potential linkage assemblies based on a prescribed path? The only thing I've come across is MechGen which costs ~$500. I've tried using sketches in CAD software, however this involves a lot of guess-and-check work and hasn't been very fruitful.

Any suggestions/help is much appreciated, thanks!

 

[GregLocock]

I suspect your best bet would be a 1930's catalog of linkage designs. This paper has a useful list of references

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...FjbCr7v_TAhVEVbwKHT9sDw8QFghTMAo&url=https://

http://www.designsociety.org/downlo...3SQ14VFnD346QxFMA&sig2=HAHqyXOxAh8VqIeGQrujzg

There seem to be a lot of 4 bar link simulators around but I suspect you'll need more than that.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[3DDave]

Here's something free for working it out yourself:

http://blog.rectorsquid.com/

It's a work in progress. He has some examples on the website and has some rolling ball sculptures he based on his linkage models.

 

[Dikuza]

Dave,

Thanks for the link, I've downloaded the program and been messing with it for a while. Do you know if there is a way to draw a prescribed path and generate potential linkage assembly solutions for the given path?

 

[3DDave]

That software only does forward solutions. Reverse/Inversse solution software seems to start with a library of linkages and the related paths and then does a fitting operation to find a path that is closest, then does a random small variation approach to try to make linkage changes to better fit the target. I saw a video about this recently

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfznnKUwywQ

Disney Research is an interesting group.

 

[JohnRBaker]

Going back in time could provide you with some help, such as some of the reference books that I've collected over the years including the following: 'Five Hundred and Seven Mechanical Movements', by Henry T. Brown originally published in 1868, '1800 Mechanical Movements and Devices', by Gardner D. Hiscox originally published in 1899 and '970 Mechanical Appliances & Novelties of Construction', also by Gardner D. Hiscox originally published in 1904.

John R. Baker, P.E. (ret)
EX-Product 'Evangelist'
Irvine, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

The secret of life is not finding someone to live with
It's finding someone you can't live without

 

[rb1957]

I'm guessing that Adams software (from MSC) is too expensive ?

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[drawoh]

Retsied,

If you are doing proper mechanical design, the 3D[ ]CAD packages should work nicely. They are expensive, but you can work out your linkage, and use that data to generate your 3D[ ]model, your assembly model and all of your drawings and BOMs. If you are feeling cheap, look into OnShape.

--
JHG