General Design Information > Cam-Mechanism Design > Design Analysis

Configure the 'POWER SOURCE'

Why do we need to Configure the Power-Source?

Generally, the Power-Source is an external or internal agent that provides the Force or Torque to move a kinematic-chain with a Linear or Angular motion - noting that and

A cam-mechanism typically has two, single-degree-of-freedom, kinematic-chains.

•a kinematic-chain with a Cam-Part.

•a kinematic-chain with a Follower-Part.

The default power-source in each kinematic-chain is a motor at the joint whose motion(s) you control with the Motion-Dimension FB.

Before you configure the power-source, there are at least two motors, one at each Motion-Dimension FB. However, the power-source for the kinematic-chain with the Follower-Part is the Cam-Profile, driven by the Cam-Part, and NOT a motor.

When we Configure the Power-Source, we move the motor from the Motion-Dimension FB that controls the motion of the Follower-Part to the Cam-Profile (2D-Cam).

The contact between the Cam-Profile and Follower-Profile drives the Follower-Part and its kinematic-chain.

General case of Configure Power Source for Cam-Analysis

STEP 1: Set the machine speed

Use Edit menu (or toolbar) > Edit Machine Settings

STEP 2: Add the Masses and inertia to each Part.

See CAD-Line dialog | Mass-Properties tab

See CAD-Line dialog | SOLIDWORKS tab

See Extrusion dialog

STEP 3: If required, add a Conjugate Cam-FB

Conjugate-Cam Geometric-Analysis: Cam-Size

If the cam-mechanism uses a Conjugate Cam, you must add a Conjugate-Cam FB and select two or more 2D-Cams.

The Conjugate-Cam FB becomes the Power Source.

Groove-Cam

A Groove-Cam is also a Conjugate-Cam. You must model two 2D-Cams,: one cam for the Inner Flank and other for the Outer Flank. You must select the two 2D-Cams in the Conjugate-Cam dialog.

STEP 4: If required, edit the Extrusion Depths

If you are analyzing the life of the Follower-Roller, make sure the Extrusion Depth of the Follower-Profile is equal to the width of the Follower-Roller you will use in your machine.

STEP 5: Configure the Power-Source

Configure the Power Source for the Follower's kinematic-chain.

Select the 2D-Cam, or the Conjugate-Cam FB (see Step 3) as the Power-Source.

See Configure the Power Source