The fewest circular-arc segments for manufacturing the quickest return profile of a cam-follower mechanism

Abstract

This paper investigates a circular-are approximation methodology with the fewest segments for manufacturing the quickest return profile (QRP) of a cam-follower mechanism. The cam is a disk type rotating with, a constant angular speed, and the follower is a translating flat-faced type with a spring system. The rise cam profile (RCP) adopts a cosine kinematic function. We may persive the cam as stationary, while the follower reciprocates along its profile in order to produce radial displacements. Sometimes, the flat-faced follower needs to return quickly from a RCP to the base circle based on the Brachistochrone theory. We can minimize the time required for this action using the energy equation and solving for QRP from Euler equation. The follower can thus execute the quickest return profile in a control system. The fillet earn profile (FCP) connecting smoothly both, the RCP and QRP is also considered. Finally, this paper provides a practical example to explain how to design and fabricate the QRP.