Introduction

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

Valve Actator	Double-Slider Rocker Mechanism

The mechanism used in this example is a Double-Slider Rocker Mechanism. It consists of three links (the Piston & the Crosshead is considered a single link) with one being designated as frame (or ground). It is connected by 1 slider joint, 1 pin joint & 1 roll-slide joint.

As designated in the figure, there are three links link 1, link 2 and link 3. Link 1 is the piston which is connected to Link 2, the follower, through a crosshead. Link 4 (the entire enclosure) is the ground.

The following table summarizes the joints.

  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(3-1) – 2(2) – 1

            =          6 – 4 - 1

                        =          1.

 Hence, the Valve Actuator mechanism has 1 DOF. In other words, this mechanism is constrained or fully operated with one driver.

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