Computer-aided mechanism synthesis based on the Burmester theory

Abstract Computer-aided synthesis of mechanisms becomes very effective when personal computers with graphic display are used. The hardware provides the possibility to realize an interactive process between man and machine, the so called man-machine-dialogue. In this paper, based on the Burmester theory, algorithms for numerical synthesis of four bar linkage mechanisms and their PC implementation are presented. Depending on the design restrictions present, several solutions are obtained. In order to evaluate these solutions, it is necessary to analyze the mechanisms directly after synthesis. An overview of the operation and working-space of the mechanism for the entire range of motion is presented using animation techniques. This process is called “Synthesis by Iterative Analysis”.