Solving the kinematics of planar mechanisms by Dixon determinant and a complex-plane formulation

This paper presents a general method for the analysis of any planar mechanism consisting of rigid links connected by revolute joints. The method combines a complex plane formulation [1] with the Dixon determinant procedure of Nielsen and Roth [2]. The result is simple to derive and implement, so in addition to providing numerical solutions, the approach facilitates analytical explorations. The procedure leads to a generalized eigenvalue problem of minimal size. Both input/output problems and the derivation of tracing curve equations are addressed, as is the extension of the method to treat slider joints.