Introduction

 This tutorial uses a Tow Truck as an example to teach the kinematic and dynamic analysis using Solid Edge and Dynamic Designer. 

The mechanism used in this example is simple One-Bar Mechanism. One-Bar Mechanism consists of two links with one being designated as frame (or ground). It is connected by a single pin joint.

 As designated in the figure, there are two links- link 1 & link 2. Link 1 is the boom and link 4 is ground (the truck maybe considered a ground).   

Degrees of Freedom:  According to Gruebler’s equation,

  where   F = Degrees of Freedom (DOF)

            n = total number of links in a mechanism

             = total number of primary joints (pins or sliders)

             = total number of higher-order joints (cams or gears)

we have,

F          =          3(2-1) – 2(1) – 0

            =          3 – 2 - 0

                        =          1.

 Hence, a One-Bar mechanism has 1 DOF. In other words, a One-Bar mechanism is constrained or fully operated with one driver.

Click here to get the compressed (Solid Edge) part files.