Introduction Four-bar linkage knee mechanisms for the trans-femoral amputee are widely available, but although they may offer functional advantages to certain amputees, they are fitted in a limited number of cases. It may be assumed that one reason for this is that persons responsible for prescription and fitting may not be familiar with the kinematic characteristics and possible advantages of ...

This paper considers optimal synthesis of a four-bar linkage by method of controlled deviations. The advantage of this approximate method is that it allows control of motion of the coupler in the four-bar linkage so that the path of the coupler is in the prescribed environment around the given path on the segment observed. The Hooke-Jeeves’s optimisation algorithm has been used in the optimisat...

The dynamic behaviour of a four-bar linkage driven by a velocity controlled DC motor is discussed in the paper. In particular the author presents the results obtained by means of a specifically developed software, which implements the mathematical models of all components of the system (linkage, transmission, electric motor, control devices). The use of this software enables a more efficient de...

This paper presents a methodology to enhance an interactive simulation system using Augmented Reality (AR) in the field of teaching/learning dynamics. The 3D-simulation model is being developed as a first step in order to develop an interactive (AR) book for engineering students. The purpose is to illustrate the benefits of enhancing the computer-aided simulation (CAS) using augmented reality t...

We show how four-bar linkages can be designed using non-convex optimization techniques. Our generative design software takes as input a curve that needs to be reproduced by a four-bar linkage and outputs the best assembly that approximates this curve. We model the problem using quadratic constraints and show how redundant constraints help to solve the problem. We also provide an algorithm that ...