A Method for Adjustable Planar and Spherical Four-Bar Linkage Synthesis

This paper describes a new method to synthesize adjustable four-bar linkages, both in planar and spherical form. This method uses fixed ground pivots and an adjustable length for input and output links. A new application of Burmester curves for adjustable linkages is introduced, and a numerical example is discussed. This paper also compares a conventional synthesis method (nonadjustable linkage) to the new method. Nonadjustable four-bar linkages provide limited solutions for five-position synthesis. Adjustable linkages generate one infinity of solution choices. This paper also shows that the nonadjustable solutions are special cases of adjustable solutions. This new method can be extended to six position synthesis, with adjustable ground pivots locations.