Synthesis of Planar Six-bar Mechanism for Function Generation: A Variable Topology Approach

An analytical method is developed for the synthesis of planar six bar mechanism with variable topology. The method uses Freudenstein's equation for three point function generation. The synthesis of six bar mechanism involves two phases. Each phase comprises of a four bar mechanism. The output angular positions of the first phase are taken as the input angular positions of the second phase. The transmission angle is maintained within the optimum limit. Also, the method is illustrated with an example.