Mechanism Design and Kinematic Analysis
6 weeks · 0 milestones
Design a mechanism for a specific function and perform a complete kinematic analysis covering: a kinematic diagram showing all links, joints, and degrees of freedom with Gruebler's criterion applied, position analysis (at least 3 positions in the motion cycle), velocity and acceleration analysis for the critical position, force analysis under the specified load, and identification of any design constraints or singularities (positions where the mechanism locks or becomes indeterminate). The mechanism must be non-trivial — at least a 4-bar linkage or equivalent complexity. Preferred proof: a mechanism designed for a real application with physical prototype evidence. Accessible alternative: kinematic analysis of a documented mechanism scenario using FreeCAD's kinematic analysis module or hand calculation with velocity polygon diagrams — equivalent rigor required. Proof artifacts: the kinematic diagram and analysis (design artifact) and the force analysis results with documented methodology (analysis artifact). Verification: a mechanical engineer reviews the kinematic analysis — 'what is the mechanical advantage at this position, and how does it change across the motion cycle?' — requiring you to reason from your own analysis.
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3 milestones
Select a mechanism to analyse — a four-bar linkage, slider-crank, cam-follower, gear train, or similar multi-body system. Draw the kinematic schematic: links, joints, degrees of freedom. Compute the degree of freedom (Grübler's equation) and confirm the mechanism is correctly constrained. Sketch the positions at ≥3 key configurations (e.g. dead-centre, mid-stroke, fully extended) to build intuition before formal analysis.
Proof required
Submit your kinematic model document: the mechanism description, kinematic schematic diagram with labelled links and joints, Grübler's calculation confirming degrees of freedom, and position sketches at ≥3 configurations.
What gets checked
- Kinematic schematic labels every link with a number and every joint with a type (revolute, prismatic, cam, etc.)
- Grübler's equation is applied and shows the correct degree of freedom — 1 for a single-input mechanism
- Position sketches at ≥3 distinct configurations are included and labelled