An analogue computer aid for the kinematic design of a low impact velocity power press mechanism

Abstract The implementation on an analogue computer of a kinematic design process for linkage mechanisms is presented with the aid of an application to power press mechanism design. A method of analysing the motion and transmission angles is described as well as method for a generating a visual display of the moving kinematic configuration. ‘Hands-on’ control of the mechanism parameters with parallel output of motion variables permit a designer to explore quickly the possibilities and to test the kinematic quality. The advantage of this approach over other methods is discussed.