The Kinematic Function-Blocks (FBs)

Function-Blocks 'provide' motion, 'process' motion', or they identify Parts as Motion-Parts and Sketch-Paths [or sketch-loops] as Motion-Paths.

Schematics for Connecting Function-Blocks

Schematic of how to join Golden Function-Blocks

The image shows, symbolically, how you can connect wires between Function-Blocks.

Motion Providers

Motion Processors

Motion-Parts

Motion Provider FBs include:

•Linear-Motion FB

The 'Linear-Motion Function-Block' moves at least the first kinematic-chain in a Mechanism-Editor.

It has a range 0 to 360 [or a tiny bit less]

You can use one output-connector many times, or add a Linear-Motion FB many times.

Motion Processor FBs include:

•Motion FB
•Gearing FB

For each value given at the input-connector, MechDesigner 'calculates' a new motion value with the internal function and parameters. MechDesigner gives the new motion value at the output-connector

It is possible to connect many 'Motion Processors' in series.

When a Gearing FB is immediately after a Linear-Motion FB, it will change the 'frequency' of the MMA.

Motion-Parts:

•Motion-Dimension FB
oRocker - a rotating Part
oSlider - a Sliding Part

We add the motion-values, at the input-connector, to a 'Base-Value'.

Motion-Dimension FBs specify the distance or angle between two Parts.

Motion-Points
•Point-Data FB
•Measurement FB

The output 'range' from a Measurement or Point-Data FB can be an independent variable for a Motion or a Motion-Part, or Motion-Point.

Motion-Point

•Motion-Path FB:
oMotion-Point(s) sliding along a sketch-element

Notes: Motion-Providers

1.Do not have an 'input' connector.
2.We use the data provided by Point-Data and Measurement FBs:
•as an independent variable, and 'range' of values, at the input-connector of a Motion FB
•be the input to a Motion-Dimension FB and so 'drive' a Motion-Part, directly or indirectly, See Step 6.5
•simply 'report' kinematic motion-values, with a Graph FB, for design and kinematic analysis

Notes: Motion-Processors

1.It is not always necessary to use these Function-Blocks – the Motion-Parts can get their motion-values directly from the Motion Providers.
2.Design the Motion FB 'function' in MotionDesigner, usually with an X-axis range from 0 to 360. However, the X-axis range at the input-connector does not need to be 0 to 360.

Notes: Motion-Parts and Motion-Points.

1.Add Motion-Dimension FBs to a Part that is joined to a kinematically-defined Part with a Slide-Joint or a Pin-Joint.
2.Add a Motion-Path FB to add a Motion-Point to a single sketch-element or number of 'merged' sketch-elements, as a sketch-path or a sketch-loop.

Tutorial and Reference Help Files for MechDesigner and MotionDesigner 13.2 + © Machine, Mechanism, Motion and Cam Design Software by PSMotion Ltd