OPTIMAL SYNTHESIS OF A GEARED 4-LINK MECHANISM

Geared linages often present better transmission characteristics and greater ranges of input and output rotation than pivoted linkages. The method of complex numbers (see reference [4]) is well suited for the analysis and synthesis of geared linkages, and is therefore applied in the present paper to develop the equations of synthesis for a geared four-link function generator consisting of a frame, input crank, coupler and output gear, where the coupler is formed as a rack to engage the output gear. Solutions are derived for 3, 4 and 5 point approximations of function generation, including optimization to minimize structural error. The mechanism permits large input and output rotations with good transmission characteristics. The solutions have been programmed for automatic digital computation and numerical examples are given which demonstrate the favorable characteristics of this mechanism. © 1969.