A Modular Method to Generate Disk Cam Profile by Using Class I Order II Assur Kinematic Chains With Cam Joint

Abstract This paper introduces the Assur Groups with cam pairs in order to apply modular analysis while investigating cam mechanisms. Modular analysis for linkages has been studied for a period of time. By decomposing the overall linkage into individual modules for independent analysis, the analysis of linkages is no longer so complicated. Under the same concept, this paper provides some cam-related modules. By studying its geometric and kinematics features, those modules can mixed with the linkage modules and analyze more complicated cam-modulated linkages. This paper demonstrated the process of developing the Assur Group with cam pairs and provided a classification system for those new Assur Groups. In the meantime, we deeply investigate the most basic Assur Group with a cam pair, which is class 1 order 2 RC module. It can conduct a forward geometric analysis to generate a cam profile while given the position of the cams and the external roller. This module can also conduct inverse kinematic analysis to acquire the follower angle while give the prescribed cam profile. The numerical example provided in the final section shows the convenience and efficiency of using modular analysis to analyze cam-modulated linkages. By developing those cam modules, it can simplify the cam analysis, thereby improving the implementation of cam mechanisms in industries.