
Define a mechanism as rigid bodies connected by joints or kinematic pairs with a fixed ground link, and distinguish open versus closed kinematic chains and their degrees of freedom.
Explore the mobility of planar mechanisms using the Kutzbach criteria to determine degrees of freedom and the number of independent inputs, by counting links and joints.
Analyze mechanism point positions using position vectors, distinguishing absolute and relative positions in fixed and moving frames, and apply vector addition and subtraction to describe straight and curvilinear motion.
Derive the absolute position of a point on the four-bar coupler using vector loop closure, vector diagram, and graphical construction from known link lengths.
Learn velocity analysis in mechanism design by defining linear, angular, and instantaneous velocity through omega cross r, and apply relative velocity with the velocity-difference vector via the vector triangle.
Explore velocity analysis of coupler in a four-bar mechanism using velocity vectors, omega one, omega three, and a velocity polygon to determine omega two and velocity of point C.
Explore a single windshield wiper mechanism powered by a four-bar linkage, analyzing design conditions, line diagrams, and how input crank rotation translates into wiper swing and angular velocity.
Explore case study 5, a press brake shear for cutting sheet metal, and develop a position diagram as the red shear angle reaches zero, determining other link angles.
Mechanisms and structures are fundamental elements of any mechanical design.
In this course we will learn in depth about the fundamentals of mechanisms , the study of their motion and the application to actual product design
The following topics will be covered :
An overview of the mechanical design process and where mechanism design fits into the larger picture
What are functional requirements in product or systems design and the many functional keywords
A general approach in designing mechanisms from scratch
The difference between Analysis and Synthesis
Concept of Degrees of Freedom
Kinematic pairs and joints and their types
Planar and Spatial mechanisms introuction
Mobility Kutzbach criteria and examples
Criteria for spatial mechanism with examples
Kinematic inversions
Grashof criteria for 4 link mechanisms
Basics of position vectors
Loop closure equations
Finding position of a point on link
Velocity analysis Basics
Velocity analysis of 4 link mechanism and slider crank mechanisms
Finding velocity of any point on the links
Acceleration analysis introduction
Problems in acceleration analysis - How to find absolute accelerations for any point on the link
Static Force analysis
Dynamic force analysis and concepts of Inertia , D'alemberts principle applied
Problem in dynamic force analysis
Case studies in application of mechanism design to product design or systems design
This course is a deep dive in the world of mechanisms and the main purpose is to form a strong foundation to apply in actual engineering problems and go towards advanced design
Learning Outcomes Aimed
Develop a strong conceptual understanding of designing mechanism from fundamentals
Ability to develop analyses of mechanisms and understand the motion thoroughly
Develop understanding of the design process for new design