Synthesis of linkages with four points of accuracy using Maple-V

A graphical and computational based method for synthesis of linkages with four-point of accuracy using the Maple-V software is presented. In our problem an arbitrary moving link of the mechanism should be located in four different attitudinal and translational positions with respect to another moving link. To design of such a mechanism the graphical based method is used but to prevent the lack of accuracy due to the graphical errors the method is implemented by computer graphics with using a mathematical symbolic software namely Maple-V. After definition of four relative positions of two moving links, all poles and image- poles are determined. Selecting an opposite pole quadrilateral, center point curve and circle point curves are obtained and drawn. By using a few commands in the Maple-V, these two curves can be achieved with the desirable precision and in the desirable plane. A sample problem is solved using the above mentioned method. In the example a six-bar linkage for independent type suspension mechanism of a vehicle is designed with four points of accuracy such that it maintains the camber angle of wheel when it moves over a bump. The method can be easily implemented for motion generation problems such as design of four points of the six-bar as well as Watt's and Stephenson's family mechanisms and can be applied not only in the professional designs but also for educational purposes.