Synthesis of a five-link mechanism on the basis of prescribed transmission functions

This paper synthesizes the five-link mechanism for the maximum possible number of associated relative positions[1] when the transmission functions of the zero, first and second orders are given[2]. The complex number approach is used together with Newton's method of successive approximations. It is shown that when two driving elements have the same angular speed or when a driving and a driven element have the same angular speed in prescribed positions, the five-link mechanism is equivalent to a four-bar linkage of the type shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The method developed in this paper permits the design of a five-link mechanism for a greater number of associated relative positions than the five possible through the use of the four-bar linkage mechanism. The results are applicable i in the automotive and automation industries.