SphinxPC: An Implementation of Four Position Synthesis for Planar and Spherical 4R Linkages

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the basic theory and algorithmic structure of a design system that implements four position synthesis for both planar and spherical four bar linkages. The formalism uses complex numbers to define the equation of a planar triangle and quaternions to define the equation of a spherical triangle. These equations form the basis of a parallel implementation of these design theories. The theory and major functional components of SphinxPC are described and examples are presented.