COMPUTER GRAPHICS TECHNIQUE FOR THE SYNTHESIS AND ANIMATION OF FOUR-BAR LINKAGES HAVING COUPLER CURVES WITH TWO CUSPS.

This paper presents a micro-computer based synthesis technique for the synthesis and animation of four-bar linkages having coupler curves with two cusps. A computer program is developed for use on an IBM compatible personal computer. This program provides a means of integrating kinematic synthesis and computer graphics. The method provides a means to design a linkage and view the design in animated motion. The capabilities of the program include analysis of the designed linkage and plotting of the trajectory of the desired coupler path. The program is extended to include the design and animation of adjustable linkage mechanisms for variable coupler curves with cusps. Examples illustrate the use of the proposed computer techniques.