Approximate velocities in mixed exact-approximate position synthesis of planar mechanisms

A new approach to the synthesis of planar linkage mechanisms with approximate velocity constraints is proposed. The paper presents the first closed-form complex-number dyad solution to the ground pivot specification problem for two precision positions with velocity specified at one of the positions. The solution is then manipulated in order to add approximate velocity constraints to design methods for two exact positions and an unlimited number of approximate positions. The approximate position and velocity constraints facilitate more realistic representation of design objectives. Solution spaces are presented using two-dimensional ground-pivot maps. Computer implementation of the proposed methodologies would allow designers with little or no knowledge of the synthesis techniques to interactively explore maps of solutions for four-bar motion generation.