A New Approach In Lecture Delivery At The Course On Mechanism Design At The Faculty Of Mechanical Engineering, University Of Belgrade

Abstract

This paper exposes the new and contemporary approach in lectures delivery at the course on Mechanism Design at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade. Since students already obtained and elaborated the analytical methods of mechanism analysis at the courses of Mechanics, we have accepted and utilized the geometrical and synthetic approach with emphasis on mechanism classifications, their kinematic characteristics, synthesis, computer 3D modelling, simulation, motion study and visualization of the mechanisms operation. As an example, this paper disclose and explain this new approach in lectures and exercises delivery on the study of planar four-bar linkage mechanisms. The complete classification of this type of mechanisms is obtained on pure geometrical criteria into following twelve classes: double cranks, crank-rockers, crank 0-rockers, crank π-rockers, rocker-cranks, double rockers, 0-rockers cranks double 0-rockers, 0-rocker π-rockers, π-rocker cranks, π-rocker 0-rockers and double π-rockers. All mentioned mechanism classes are modelled, and their operational, kinematical and dynamical characteristics are obtained and visualized by SolidWorks motion analysis. This method offers students of mechanical engineering the improvement in practical knowledge and skills in mechanism design, as well as in the use of commercially available software (SolidWorks), especially in the field of computer aided design, simulation and motion study of mechanisms.