Reconstruction synthesis of the lost interior mechanism for the solar anomaly motion of the Antikythera mechanism

Abstract Antikythera mechanism should be the oldest astronomical geared calculator in the world. It is confirmed that the solar anomaly motion could display on the front dial even though the corresponding solar mechanism has been lost. This work focuses on the reconstruction synthesis of the lost solar mechanism and provides a systematic approach to generate all feasible designs. Based on the kinematic and mechanism analysis, the design specifications of three possible types concluded by different input conditions are obtained. Through a study of historical literature and the existing design, the required design constraints are further concluded. Then, according to the concepts of generalization and specialization as well as the manufacture consideration, four feasible designs, including Wright's design in 2002, are respectively synthesized for different input types. These designs are consistent with the scientific theories and techniques of the subject's time period and match the existing evidences.