In four-bar motion generation, linkage dimensions are calculated to achieve prescribed coupler positions. This work investigates the sensitivity of four-bar coupler motion sequences by analyzing position error margins and implementing a genetic algorithm (GA) for four-bar motion generation. As an application, the four-bar hood mechanism in the Plymouth Satellite mid-size automobile is considered. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that the mean average structural error between the prescribed and achieved hood positions is less than 0.015in for any quadratic analysis. In each demonstration, the proposed method consistently produced results that are scalable for 360° within a margin error of 0.06in.

This paper presents a new technique for synthesizing RRSC mechanisms to achieve phases of rigid body positions, velocities and accelerations using the same hardware. This work considers two-phase moving pivot problems with constant R-R and C-S link lengths. By specifying the R-R and C-S link joint axes, the constant length condition becomes the only design constraint for these links. The prescribed finite and multiply separated positions are then incorporated in the link constraint equations with respect to the prescribed coordinate frame for each link and the mechanism joint variables and driving link parameters calculated. The rigid body velocities and accelerations were prescribed using instant screw axis (ISA) parameters.

The Naval Health Research Center was charged with conducting laboratory-based surveillance for respiratory infections including severe acute respiratory syndrome