SPADES: Designing Spatial 4C Mechanisms
(Larochelle)
SPADES is an
interactive graphics based software package for
SPAtial mechanism DESign.
The program provides a platform for
the synthesis of a spatial 4C mechanism
that guides a body through either three or four prescribed
positions in space. A spatial 4C mechanism consists of
four links connected by cylindrical(C) joints.
The two degree of freedom C joints allow both
relative translation and rotation about a line
which differs from the common planar revolute(R) or hinge joint
which allows only relative rotation about a line.
The goal in creating SPADES was to assemble the current spatial 4C
synthesis and analysis theory into a software package that is useful
for spatial mechanism design and research.
SPADES runs on Silicon Graphics platforms running IRIX.
Download the SPADES manual
here.
A spatial 4C mechanism as displayed by
SPADES.
Spades Design Environment.
The spades design environment is made up of four
unique windows. The window in the upper-left displays
the 4C mechanism. The linkage may be animated in this window.
The window in lower-left diplays the position synthesis.
The four locations may be changed in this window.
The window in the upper-right shows all location
and link information. The link lengths and locations
can be changed in this window simply by keying the
appropriate information. The window in
the lower-right shows the fixed and moving congruences. The guide map
displays all possible solutions for the four
locations given.
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Written by: PML 5/27/2004
