| This thesis presents a strategy for the dimensional synthesis of mechanisms using tolerance zones specified by the designer that bound a prescribed movement. The prescribed movements discussed in this work are (1) five point synthesis for a four-bar slider-crank function generator, and (2) five position synthesis for a six-bar slider-crank motion generator. The six-bar presented is of the Watt I type with a single floating P joint. The synthesis methods presented here are approximate, however, they are based on exact position methods founded by Burmester. Approximate synthesis is accomplished by randomizing the task parameters within the tolerance zones, then formulating and solving the synthesis equations for that randomized set. The resulting mechanism solutions are evaluated for the presence of branch and circuit defects. This process is repeated for several iterations until a large amount of linkage design solutions are found, of which some percent will hopefully be defect-free. The defect-free results are termed useful linkages. This synthesis method is then applied to the kinematic design of a hydraulic shovel, a rotating weaver dwell linkage, a square pattern screw insertion linkage, and a rice seedling transplanter. |
