COMPUTER-AIDED MECHANISM SYNTHESIS BASED ON THE BURMESTER THEORY

Computer-aided synthesis of mechanisms becomes very effective when per sonal computers with graphic display are used. The hardware provides t he possibility to realize an interactive process between man and machi ne, the so called man-machine-dialogue. In this paper, based on the Bu rmester theory, algorithms for numerical synthesis of four bar linkage mechanisms and their PC implementation are presented. Depending on th e design restrictions present, several solutions are obtained. In orde r to evaluate these solutions, it is necessary to analyze the mechanis ms directly after synthesis. An overview of the operation and working- space of the mechanism for the entire range of motion is presented usi ng animation techniques. This process is called ''Synthesis by Iterati ve Analysis''.