Tutorial 11: Add Segments, Positions, Progressive Motion
Contents
Video 'How to design a Progressive (indexing), 6-segment motion
Before you edit MotionDesigner, do a basic motion plan, on paper, for each machine-axis.
Ideally, do a motion-plan for each tool [end-effector] - the machine element that interacts with the product, packaging, or package.. Then, MechDesigner can calculate the motion for its Power-Source - the servo-motor or cam-follower. with inverse-kinematics.
A Basic Motion-Plan
On paper, estimate for each tool for one machine-cycle of 360°
| • | The number of segments |
| • | The distance or angle the tool moves with each segment |
| • | The period - 'period' applies to the X-axis. It is general term used for 'duration' or 'time interval', or a 'number of (machine) degrees'. of each segment in machine degrees |
| • | With each motion-axis, note if a segment has a 'special' motion requirement - e.g. constant-velocity |
Note:
At this early motion-planning stage, do not use 'time' for the X-axis. The Motion-Width must equal 360°.
About the video:
You can use this tutorial as a template to help you transfer the basic motion-plan into MotionDesigner.
In this video you will see how to design a 6 segment, progressive (indexing) motion.
For each motion-axis, the video shows you that it is best to:
| 1. | Set all Positions to zero - see Blend-Point Editor |
| 2. | Add two new Segments by using the 'Insert Blend-Point At...' tool two times. Each time you use this tool, one segment becomes two segments. |
| 3. | Edit the X-axis of each Blend-Point - see Blend-Point Editor |
| 4. | Edit the Y-Axis of each Blend-Point - see Blend-Point Editor |
| 5. | Edit the Motion-Laws of each Segment - - see Motion-Law Selector |
 |
Design a: Six-Segment 'Progressive Motion' |