The Development Of An Analyses-Intensive Software For Improved Cams System Design

ABSTRACT

The computer-aided software developed in this research work is used in designing cam systems by

generating various follower motions and cam profiles. It is highly suited for extensive dynamics, kinematics

and geometric design analysis based on some inherent features that are unique. The plate cam

with either flat-face or roller followers can be designed. Most of the standard and acceptable cam

functions are included such as double harmonic, modified trapezoidal, cycloid, 4-5-6 polynomial and

others. Various prime circle radii and follower face widths are calculated for flat-face follower design

option for any user selected cam angle, follower profile and cam function. Other parameters such as

minimum and maximum values of radii of curvature, pressure angle, are also calculated for roller

follower design option. In every design the follower motion and cam profiles are calculated and coordinate

files can be exported in Cartesian format and automatically imported into a spreadsheet package

thereby using all its features for better analysis of results. All dynamic, kinematics and geometric

parameters can be plotted and all data may be printed to the screen, to a printer, or to a file.