ME 320

Spring 2007

Project 1

The figure below shows an adjustable height platform used to load and unload freight trucks. A hydraulic cylinder provides the input force. The project include the following steps:

1. Identify suitable dimensions to ensure that the mechanism can be used for light trucks and tractor trailers. Base your work on the sizes of actual trucks.
2. Identify the linkage loops and joints.
3. Calculate the degree of freedom of the linkage.
4. Identify the input link.
5. Use Working Model to study this system.
6. Identify the ranges of the motion of every link.