ME 3222: Mechanisms and Machine Design Fall Semester 2020

Homework 7: Analytical Synthesis Due 10AM Friday, October 23, 2020

Reading for this week: Position and Velocity Analysis

• Erdman, Chapter 3, sections 4 and 5 (graphical method)
sections 7 and 8 (instant center method)
sections 9 and 10 (mechanical advantage)
Readings for next week: Acceleration Analysis
• Erdman, Chapter 4, sections 1-4

This homework applies what we’ve learned about 3PP mtion generation analytical synthesis to
“function generation” types of linkages. It looks at evaluating a 4-bar linkage: Grashof’s Law,
circuit defects, transmission angle.

This Week’s Exercises

1. Employ 3PP analytical synthesis to design a 4-bar linkage for each of the two synthesis
problems listed below. Note: when choosing your free choices, the drawings provide a
hint by showing a good range of possible values to choose from.

Synthesis Problems (illustrations provided below.)

• Problem 8.29 (Figure P8.20 / page 636): artificial hand
• Problem 8.30 (Figure P8.21 top linkage / page 637): throttle linkage

2. Provide a “clean” kinematic diagram of each 4-bar linkage in problem 1, showing and
labeling the ground pivots, moving pivots and links, being careful to accurately
dimension the link lengths. Use Grashof’s Law to determine the type of mechanism
(Grashof C-R, R-C, C-C, R-R, non-Grashof triple rocker.)

3. Assume an input torque of 1 Nm is applied to the input link of each 4-bar linkage in

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 problem 2. Determine the mechanical advantage of the linkage for the initial position
shown in the kinematic diagram.

4. Group Assignment
How a group assignment works: For this problem you will work with the other
members of your group to produce a single solution. Team members should work
together to produce a single solution for the team. All team members who participated
in the solution (through discussions or implementation of the solution) should have
their name listed on the completed problem, and include a copy of that same
completed assignment in their homework solution.
Make sure each participating group member has their name listed, and
each participating member includes a copy in their submitted assignment.

Group Assignment: Last week you used 3PP motion generation (graphical approach) to
come up with an initial trial solution to your project.
Similar to problem 2, generate a dimensionally accurate kinematic diagram. Use
Grashof’s Law to determine the type of mechanism (Grashof C-R, R-C, C-C, R-R, non-
Grashof triple rocker.) Comment on whether this is an appropriate type of mechanism
for your application.
Similar to problem 3, calculate the mechanical advantage for your linkage as shown in
the initial position illustrated in the kinematic diagram. You may compare the output
torque T4 to an input torque T2 = 1 Nm. Alternatively, you may develop your own
expression for mechanical advantage employing an output force or torque more
appropriate to your design (e.g. a deadweight force W concentrated at the coupler’s
center of mass , if your mechanism is lifting something with the coupler, for example.)

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