GEOMETRIC THEORY AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS FOR INTERACTIVE MECHANISM DESIGN

The implementation of numerical and analytical linkage synthesis methods of precision position type in a form compatible with the interactive graphic terminal can provide a more efficient way to obtain practical solutions. The predominantly geometric theory of the elimination of spurious solutions is here formulated in a manner suitable for numerical solution. The numerical formulation has been implemented in an interactive linkage synthesis program called RECSYN for RECtified SYNthesis. Control of the transmission angle is an important criterion in linkage design. A new technique gives, by inspection, the maximum and minimum transmission angles during solution using the RECSYN program. In addition, this dissertation contains several new theoretical developments. Mixed motion-path generation problems can be solved by means of a new theory presented in graphical form. The branch and linkage type criteria of R-R-R-P, R-R-P-P and R-R-R-P planar linkages are discussed. Also a new method is presented to synthesize coupler-driven Grashof type 1 double-crank or drag-link linkages.