Extension of transmission performance evaluation for planar higher pair mechanisms

Comprehensive and accurate evaluation of performance is essential for profile synthesis and profile analysis of higher pair mechanisms. Aiming at the transmission performance of planar higher pair mechanisms, the evaluation indices and methods are proposed from different perspectives. On the one hand, the kinematic performance indices in lower pair mechanisms are extended to higher pair mechanisms, including the mechanical advantage and the generalized pressure angle. On the other hand, novel indices specific to higher pair mechanisms are developed, including the contact closure index and the singularity distance index. Considering the performance of individual elements and that of the overall joint, the transmission performance of higher pairs is subdivided into element-based performance and joint-based performance, and the evaluation indices are classified accordingly. A graphical mapping method based on elementbased performance is further proposed for intuitive analysis and qualitative evaluation. Practical examples validate the effectiveness of the proposed indices and methods for evaluating the performance of higher pair mechanisms, as well as their potential to enable optimal profile solution selection and design in the profile synthesis process.

Automated summary

Comprehensive and accurate performance evaluation is crucial for profile synthesis and analysis of higher pair mechanisms. This paper proposes evaluation indices and methods for the transmission performance of planar higher pair mechanisms from different perspectives. It subdivides the transmission performance into element-based performance and joint-based performance and develops novel indices specific to higher pair mechanisms. A graphical mapping method based on element-based performance is also proposed for intuitive analysis. Practical examples validate the effectiveness of the proposed indices and methods for evaluating the performance of higher pair mechanisms.