Getting Started Tutorials - MechDesigner > Tutorial 5: Kinematic Function Blocks for Motion

Cranks, Rockers, Sliders

In this step, we connect these Function-Blocks (FB):

•A Linear-Motion FB

•A Motion-Dimension FB

•A Motion FB and a Gearing FB

These FBs, together, specify how and when a Crank, Rocker or Slider moves.

A Rocker is a Part that rotates around a Pin-Joint with a motion as defined by motion-values at the input-connector of a Motion-Dimension FB.

GST-5-5-Rocker-Basic

The image shows a Rocker. To add a Rocker:

2.The Base-Value is 40º

3.Add a Motion FB to the graphic-area.

4.Add a Linear-Motion FB to the graphic-area.

5.Drag wires to connect the Linear-Motion FB to the Motion FB to the Motion-Dimension FB

To edit the FBs, double-click the FB icons or see How to open an Element's dialog-box

'Expand' then 'Play'

In MechDesigner, the Crank is a simply Rocker. It rotates at constant speed.

GST-5-5-BasicCrank

The 'Crank':

1.Add a Part, Pin-Joint and Motion-Dimension FB

2.Edit the Base-Value with the Motion-Dimension FB dialog

3.Add and connect a Linear-Motion FB and, optionally, a Gearing FB, to the input of the Motion-Dimension FB

A Slider is a Part that reciprocates, back-and-forth, along a Slide-Joint.

GST-5-5-BasicSlider

The image shows a Slider. To add a Slider:

The initial position, here 110mm, is the 'Base-Value'

2.Add a Motion FB to the graphic-area

3.Add a Linear-Motion FB to the graphic-area.

4.Connect the Linear-Motion FB to the Motion FB to the Motion-Dimension FB.

'Expand' then 'Play'

See the video to the left.