Animation of 4-Bar Linkage Using SolidWorks

Objective: Construct a four-bar linkage with the following links 1 (crank), 2 (coupler), 3 (output), and 2.5 (fixed links) units

Units: Inches

Create Crank

Create sketch

Extrude sketch

Create Coupler

Create Output

Create Fixed Link

Assemble Mechanism

Match crank and fixed faces

Match holes on crank and fixed

Repeat for Output and Fixed links

Connect Coupler Link to Input and Output Links

Assign each link a different color for ease of viewing

Right Click on Fixed Link

Select Fix

Click Insert

Select New Motion Study.

A new window appears at the bottom of the screen

Pick Motor

Click the front surface of the crank

In Motion, Type 1 rpm

Click OK

Drag the simulation vertical line to 60 seconds (to view full cycle)

Click Play (green) button

The mechanism will rotate

You can replay the motion by selecting Play from Start

To output as AVI file, select Save Animation

Click here, to view the animation.

You can do more sophisticated analysis using Solidworks Motion

If it is not installed, you need to do the following:

Add in SolidWorks Motion.

1. Click Tools > Add-Ins.
2. From Active Add-Ins, select SolidWorks Motion.

Select Motion Analysis for the pull down menu

Click Results and Plots

Choose Displacement/velocity/acceleration

Choose Angular Velocity

Choose outside surface of the rocker link

Choose the output link

Click OK

Result:

If z-component is chosen

Calculate the torque needed to aceive this motion in presence of a gravity field

Select Gravity

Choose Y-direction

Click OK

Click Results and Plots

Choose Forces

Choose Motor Torque

Choose Z Component

Choose Rotary Motor

Choose the crank link

Click OK

Result: