Application of an analogue computer to the synthesis of plane jointed mechanisms

The aim of this paper is to show the possibilities of applying an analogue computer to the synthesis of a plane linkage, and to propose an optimization method for synthesis of these mechanisms. Comparatively easy modelling of the said mechanisms is obtained by use of the vector analysis method. The optimization method chosen is to minimize the integral of the error. The proposed method is first described generally. A detailed procedure of the solution is illustrated by a band-and-linkage mechanism in which the path of the load should be straight.