Chapter 3 Handout
Chapter 3 Handout
Chapter 3 Handout
Chapter 3
3.1.
Position of a Mechanism
The primary purpose in analyzing a mechanism is to study its motion. Motion occurs
when the position of the links and the reference points that comprise the mechanism are
changed. As the position of the links is altered, the mechanism is forced into a different
configuration, and motion proceeds. Recall from Chapter 1 that an important property of
a mechanism is the mobility or degrees of freedom. For linkages with one degree of
freedom, the position of one link or point can precisely determine the position of all other
links or points. Likewise, for linkages with two degrees of freedom, the position of two
links can precisely determine the position of all other links.
Therefore, the position of all points and links in a mechanism is not arbitrary and
independent. The independent parameters are the positions of certain driver links or
driver points. The primary goal of position analysis is to determine the resulting
positions of the points on a mechanism as a function of the position of these driver
links or points.
Displacement Analysis
A common kinematic investigation is locating the position of all links in a mechanism as
the driver link(s) is displaced.
For the most common mechanisms, those with one degree of freedom, displacement
analysis consists of determining the position of all links as one link is displaced. The
positions of all links are called the configuration of the mechanism.
Figure 3.1 illustrates this investigation. The mechanism shown has four links, as
numbered. Recall that the fixed link, or frame, must always be included as a link. The
mechanism also has four revolute, or pin, joints.
The degrees of freedom can be calculated as follows:
M = 3(4 - 1) - 2(4) = 1
With one degree of freedom, moving one link precisely positions all other links in the
mechanism. Therefore, a typical displacement analysis problem involves determining
the position of links 3 and 4 in figure 3.1 as link 2 moves to a specified displacement. In
this example, the driving displacement is angular, 3 = 150 clockwise.
ATTC, Manufacturing Technology Department
Page 1
Position Analysis
Page 2
In some analyses, complex links that are attached to the frame also must be rotated.
This can be done using several methods. In most cases, the simplest method begins by
relocating only one line of the link. The other geometry that describes the link can then
be reconstructed, based on the position of the line that has already been relocated.
Figure 3.3 illustrates the process of rotating a complex link. In figure 3.3a, line AB of the
link is displaced to its desired position, 2 = 800 clockwise. Notice that the relocated
position of point B is designated as B.
Page 3
Figure 3.4 illustrates a kinematic diagram of a mechanism. Links 2, 4, and 6 are all
pinned to the frame. Because points B, C, and E are located on links 2, 4, and 6,
respectively, their constrained paths can be readily constructed. The constrained path of
point B is a circular arc, centered at point A, which is the pin that connects link 2 to the
frame. The constrained paths of C and E can be determined in a similar manner.
The constrained path of a point on a link that is connected to the frame with a slider joint
can also be easily determined. All points on this link move in a straight line, parallel to
the direction of the sliding surface.
After the constrained paths of all links joined to the frame are constructed, the positions
of the connecting links can be determined. This is a logical process that stems from the
fact that all links are rigid. Rigidity means that the links do not change length or shape
during motion.
Page 4
From these facts, the new position of link 3 can be constructed. The length of line BC
should be measured. Because point B has been moved to B, an arc of length r BC is
constructed with its center at B. By sweeping this arc, the feasible path of point C has
been determined. However, point C must also lay on its constrained path, as shown in
figure 3.5. Therefore, point C must be located at the intersection of the two arcs. This
process is illustrated in figure 3.10. Note that the two arcs will also intersect at a second
point. This second point of intersection is a considerable distance from C and
represents a second geometric inversion for this linkage. The linkage must be
disassembled and reassembled to achieve this alternate configuration, so that
intersection can be ignored.
It is possible that the two arcs do not intersect at all. Cases where the constrained path
and feasible path do not intersect indicate that length of the individual links prevents the
driver link from achieving the specified displacement.
Page 5
Example 1
Figure E1 shows a kinematic diagram of a mechanism that is driven by moving link 2.
Graphically reposition the links of the mechanism as link 2 is displaced 30 0
counterclockwise. Determine the resulting angular displacement of link 4 and the linear
displacement of point E.
Fig. E1
Example 2
Compound-lever snips, as shown in figure E2, are often used in place of regular tinner
snips when large cutting forces are required. Using the top handle as the frame,
graphically reposition the components of the snips when the jaw is opened 15 0.
Determine the resulting displacement of the lower handle.
Fig. E2
Graphical Position Analysis of Four-bar Linkages
For any one DOF linkage, such as a four-bar, only one parameter is needed to
completely define the positions of all the links. The parameter usually chosen is the
angle of the input link. This is shown as 4 in figure 3.6. We want to find 3 and 4. The
link lengths are known. We can consistently number the ground link as 1 and the driver
link as 2 in these examples.
ATTC, Manufacturing Technology Department
Page 6
If we draw the linkage carefully to scale with ruler, compass, and protractor in a
particular position (given 2), then it is only necessary to measure the angles of links 3
and 4 with the protractor. All link angles are measured from the positive X axis. In
figure 3.6, a local xy axis system, parallel to the global XY system, has been created at
point A to measure 3. The accuracy of this graphical solution will be limited by our care
and drafting ability and by the crudity of the protractor used. Nevertheless, a very rapid
approximation solution can be found for any one position.
Figure 3.7 shows the construction of the graphical position solution. The four link
lengths a, b, c, and d and the angle 2 of the input link are given. First, the ground link 1
and the input link 2 are drawn to a convenient scale such that they intersect at the origin
O2 of the global XY coordinate system with link 2 placed at the input angle 2. Link 1 is
drawn along the X axis for convenience. The compass is set to the scaled length of link
3, and an arc of that radius swung about the end of link 2 (point A). Then the compass is
set to the scaled length of link 4, and a second arc swung about the end of link 1 (point
O4). These two arcs will have two intersections at B and B that define the two solutions
to the position problem for a four-bar linkage which can be assembled in two
configurations, called circuits, labeled open and crossed in figure 3.7.
Page 7
Figure 3.7 Graphical position solution to the open and crossed configurations
B. Analytical Position Analysis
Generally speaking, analytical methods can be used in position analysis to yield results
with a high degree of accuracy. This accuracy comes with a price in that the methods
often become numerically intensive.
For design situations, where kinematic analysis is not a daily task, complex methods
can be difficult to understand and implement. A more straightforward method of position
analysis involves using the trigonometric laws for triangles. Admittedly, this brute-force
technique is not efficient for those involved in kinematic research. However, for the
typical design engineer, the simplicity far outweighs all inefficiencies. Thus, this triangle
method of position analysis will be used first.
In general, this method involves inserting reference lines within a mechanism and
analyzing the triangles. Laws of general and right triangles are then used to determine
the lengths of the triangle sides and the magnitude of the interior angles. As details
about the geometry of the triangles are determined, this information is assembled to
analyze the entire mechanism.
ATTC, Manufacturing Technology Department
Page 8
A substantial benefit of analytical analysis is the ability to alter dimensions and quickly
recalculate a solution. During the design stages, many machine configurations and
dimensions are evaluated. Graphical analysis must be completely repeated for each
evaluation. Analytical methods, specifically when implemented with spreadsheets or
other computer-based tools, can update solutions quickly. The analytical method of
position analysis can best be seen through the following examples.
Example 3
Figure E3 shows a toggle clamp used to securely hold parts. Analytically determine the
displacement of the clamp surface as the handle rotates downward, 15 0.
Fig. E3
Algebraic Position Analysis of Four-bar Linkages
The same procedure that was used in figure 3.7 to solve geometrically for the
intersection B and B and angles of links 3 and 4 can be encoded into an algebraic
algorithm. The coordinates of point A are found from:
(3.1a)
The coordinates of point B are found using the equations of circles about A and O 4,
(3.1b & c)
ATTC, Manufacturing Technology Department
Page 9
(3.1d)
Substituting eqn. 3.1d into 3.1c gives a quadratic equation in B y which has two solutions
corresponding to those in figure 3.7.
(3.1e)
This can be solved with the familiar expression for the roots of a quadratic equation,
(3.1f)
Note that the solutions to this equation set can be real or imaginary. If the latter, it
indicates that the links cannot connect at the given input angle or at all. Once the two
values of By are found (if real), they can be substituted into eqn. 3.1d to find their
corresponding x components. The link angles for this position can then be found from:
(3.1g)
A two-argument arctangent function must be used to solve equations 3.2g since the
angles can be in any quadrant. Equations 3.1 can be encoded in any computer
language or equation solver, and the value of 2 varied over the linkage's usable range
to find all corresponding values of the other two link angles.
ATTC, Manufacturing Technology Department
Page 10
An alternate approach to linkage position analysis creates a vector loop (or loops)
around the linkage. The links are represented as position vectors. Figure 3.8 shows the
a four-bar linkage with the links drawn as position vectors which form a vector loop. This
loop closes on itself making the sum of the vectors around the loop zero. The lengths of
the vectors are the link lengths which are known. The current linkage position is defined
by the input angle as it is a one DOF mechanism. We want to solve for the unknown
angles 3 and 4. To do so a convenient notation to represent the position vectors is to
use complex number notation.
Page 11
Next, we substitute the complex number notation for each position vector. To simplify
the notation and minimize the use of subscripts, we will denote the scalar lengths of the
four links as a, b, c, and d. Using Eulers identity,
(3.2b)
the equation becomes:
(3.2c)
These are two forms of the same vector equation, and as such can be solved for two
unknowns. There are four variables in this equation, namely the four link angles. The
link lengths are all constant in this particular linkage. Also, the value of the angle of link
1 is fixed (at zero) since this is the ground link. The independent variable is 2 which we
will control with a motor or other driver device. That leaves the angles of link 3 and 4 to
be found. We need algebraic expressions which define 3 and 4 as functions only of the
constant link lengths and the one input angle, 2. The expression is of the form:
(3.2d)
To solve eqn. 3.2c, we must substitute the Euler equivalents (eqn. 3.2b) for the e j
terms, and then separate the resulting Cartesian form vector equation into two scalar
equations which can be solved simultaneously for 3 and 4. Substituting eqn. 3.2b into
eqn. 3.2c:
. (3.2e)
The equation can now be separated into real and imaginary parts and each set to zero.
Real part (x component):
ATTC, Manufacturing Technology Department
Page 12
(3.3a)
Imaginary part (y component):
(3.3b)
The equations 3.3a and 3.3b can now be solved simultaneously for 3 and 4. To solve
this set of two simultaneous trigonometric equations is straightforward but tedious.
Some substitution of trigonometric identities will simplify the expressions.
The first step is to rewrite eqns. 3.3a and 3.3b so as to isolate one of the two unknowns
on the left side. We will isolate 3 and solve for 4 in this example.
(3.3c & d)
Now squaring both sides of eqns. 3.3c and 3.3d and add them:
(3.4a)
Note that the quantity in parentheses on the left side is equal to 1, eliminating 3 from
the equation, leaving only 4 which can now be solved for:
.. (3.4b)
In order to reduce eqn. 3.4b to a more solvable form, it will be useful to substitute the
half angle identities which will convert the sin 4 and cos 4 terms to tan 4 terms:
Page 13
.. (3.4c)
The solution for angle 3 is essentially similar to that for 4.
Closed Form Position Analysis Equation for Four-bar Linkage Mechanism
Figure 3.9 illustrates a general four-bar linkage.
These equations can be used to determine the position of the links in any mechanism
configuration. The equations are applicable to any four-bar mechanism assembled as
shown in Figure 3.9.
Circuits of a Four-Bar Linkage
For four-bar mechanisms classified as crank-rockers, there are two regions of possible
motion corresponding with the two geometric inversions. These regions are termed
Page 14
Closed Form Position Analysis Equation for an In line Slider Crank Mechanism
Figure 3.11 illustrates the basic configuration of an in-line slider-crank linkage. A typical
analysis involves locating the position of the links, given their lengths (L 2 and L3) and the
crank angle (2). Specifically, the position of the slider (L 4) and the interior joint angles
(3 and ) must be determined.
Page 15
These equations can be used to determine the position of the links in any configuration
of an in line slider crank mechanism.
Example 4
Figure E4 shows a concept for a hand pump used for increasing oil pressure in a
hydraulic line. Analytically determine the displacement of the piston as the handle
rotates 150 counterclockwise.
Page 16
Closed Form Position Analysis Equation for an Offset Slider Crank Mechanism
Figure 3.12 illustrates the basic configuration of an offset slider-crank linkage.
These equations can be used to determine the position of the links in any configuration
of an offset slider crank mechanism. The equations also apply when the offset
distance is in the opposite direction of figure 3.16. For that case, L 1 in the equation
should be substituted as a negative value.
Example 5
Figure E5 shows a toggle clamp used for securing a work-piece during a machining
operation. Analytically determine the angle that the handle must be displaced in order to
lift the clamp arm 300 clockwise.
Fig. E5
Page 17
Limiting Positions
Page 18
Example 6
The mechanism shown in figure E6 is the driving linkage for a reciprocating saber saw.
Determine the configurations of the mechanism that places the saw blade in its limiting
positions.
Page 19
Example 7
Figure E7 illustrates a linkage that operates a water nozzle at an automatic car wash.
Determine the limiting positions of the mechanism that places the nozzle in its extreme
positions.
The logic of configuring the mechanism into a limiting configuration. This was
II.
Combining these two concepts to determine the position of all links in a mechanism at a
limiting position is illustrated through Example 8.
Example 8
ATTC, Manufacturing Technology Department
Page 20
Transmission Angle
The mechanical advantage of a mechanism is the ratio of the output force (or torque)
divided by the input force (or torque). In a linkage, the transmission angle quantifies
the force transmission through a linkage and directly affects the mechanical efficiency.
Clearly, the definitions of transmission angle depend on the choice of driving link. The
transmission angle for slider-crank and four-bar mechanisms driven by the crank is
shown in figure 3.14. In these linkages, the mechanical advantage is proportional to the
sine of the angle . As the linkage moves, the transmission angle, along with all other
joint angles, and the mechanical advantage constantly change. Often, the extreme
transmission angle values are desired.
In the slider-crank, the transmission angle is measured between the coupler and a line
normal to the sliding direction. The values for the minimum and maximum transmission
angles can be determined by geometrically constructing the configurations as shown in
figure 3.14a. Alternatively, the minimum and maximum transmission angles for a slidercrank can be calculated from
Page 21
In the four-bar, the transmission angle is measured between the output link and the
coupler. The values for the minimum and maximum transmission angles can be
determined by geometrically constructing the configurations as shown in figure 3.14b.
Alternatively, the minimum and maximum transmission angles can be calculated from
The transmission angle is one measure of the quality of force transmission in the
mechanism. Ordinarily, the coupler is a tension or compression link. Thus, it is only able
to push or pull along the line that connects the two pins. As a torque applied to the
output pivot, optimal force transmission occurs when the transmission angle is 90 0. As
the transmission angle deviates from 900, only a component of the coupler force is
converted to torque at the pivot.
Page 22
Example 9
Figure E9 shows a mechanism that is designed to push parts from one conveyor to
another. During the transfer, the parts must be rotated as shown. Analytically determine
the limiting positions and stroke of the pusher rod.
Page 23
(Correction: change 16.8 mm to 20 mm & do not use the 5.3 mm not given)
2. A crank rocker linkage has a 100 mm frame, a 25 mm crank, a 90 mm coupler,
and a 75 mm rocker. Draw the linkage and find the maximum and minimum
values of the transmission angle. Locate both toggle positions and compute the
corresponding crank angles and transmission angles.
Ans. (min = 53.130, max = 98.10; at = 400, = 59.10; at = 228.60, = 89.10).
3. The offset slider crank mechanism shown below is driven by rotating crank 2.
Using any appropriate method write an equation for the position of the slider 4 as
a function of 2 or cos 2. Take L1 = 1.0 cm, L2 = 2.5 cm, L3 = 7.0 cm.
Ans. [L4 = 2.50 cos 2 + (36.75 + 6.25 cos2 2)1/2 cm].
Page 24