Tutorial 2B: Kinematic Tools

The Element-Properties dialog-box is a list of the kinematic values for an element in different coordinate systems.

The kinematic values are for only at the Master-Machine-Angle [MMA]. However, you can move the model to any MMA while this dialog is open, to review the kinematic-values at a different MMA.

Elements that have Element Properties are:

To show the Elements Properties dialog-box:

In detail, In the graphic-area:

The Element-Properties dialog-box is now open.

The two steps above are frequently described as one step: Hover+CTRL+Click.

Note:

For Example: Element-Properties of a Point.

In this case, the Element Properties are of 'Point23', which is a child to Part3 [Element's Part], which is a child to Mechanism [Element's Mechanism].

Properties of a Point:

In the case of a Point, the properties are:

'V' indicates they are 'vector' values.

A Trace-Point shows the path of a Point on the Mechanism-Plane for a machine cycle.

Other terms for a Trace-Point are: locus, curve, and coupler curve.

You can show any number of Trace-Points.

To show a Trace-Point:

3.	Click in the Command-Manager

Do 1-3 again to show more Trace-Points, as required.

Note: If, you do: 2. Right-Click a Point, the Command-Manager accepts the Point and the Trace-Point shows immediately.

Video : Add Trace-Point

Tutorial 2.B Add Trace-Point

SELECT-ELEMENTS DIALOG-BOX

When there is more than one Point that is coincident with a different Point, the Select Elements dialog-box opens.

2.	Click to close the Select Elements dialog-box

3.	Click in the Command-Manager

Do 1-3 again for other Points. , in the same or different Parts.

To delete a Trace-Point

- or -

See also Mechanism Synthesis

Note Useful Information.

If the Point:

...then, you can drag the Point [slowly] in the Mechanism-Editor and the Trace-Point will update.

The Point must satisfy ALL of 1 & 2 & 3 before it is possible to drag the point and trace-point in the Mechanism-Editor

To Show or Hide a Point's Velocity and Acceleration Vectors:

See How to open an element's dialog-box, , OR

In the graphic-area:

The Point: Vectors and Position dialog-box opens.

Accept the default Scope [Local], and Velocity Vector Options [Mag] [short for magnitude]

4.	Click the button to close the Point: Vectors and Position dialog-box.

Do 1-4 again to show the kinematic vectors of different Points, or to hide vectors for those Points that show vectors.

Note 1:

If necessary, change the colour of the graphic-area, or the vectors, to see more clearly the vectors and the kinematic-values

Application Settings > Colours tab > Graphic Colors > 'Background' button. .

Note 2:

You can double-click a Point, and the velocity or acceleration vector to open this dialog-box.

Cycle (shortcut 'C') to see the vectors change with each step of the machine cycle.

About the Velocity and Acceleration Vectors in the graphic-area

Scope Option

The vectors are relative to the:

Velocity Vector Options

The Velocity vectors are the:

To scale the vectors:

You can stretch or shrink the length of the vectors. Click the Velocity and the Acceleration (Accel.) buttons in the Feedback-Area.

- or -

Top-Tip - make the vectors very short to see only the magnitude of the vectors near to the Point.

To show the Dimensional Instant Radar Scale:

In the graphic-area:

The Instant-Scale shows next to your mouse-pointer.

As you zoom-in or zoom-out the scale also auto-scales.

There are 10 concentric circles.

There are two darker circles, which have the actual dimension value at their radius.

You can linearly interpolate the dimensions of the other circles.

Note: reduce the number of digits to reduce the number of zeros

See Application-Settings > Number-Format.