Four-bar help needed
Four-bar help needed
(OP)
First of all - this is for a one-off project, not a production. I'm building a remote-control plow robot, based on COTS electric wheelchair parts. The plow should be able to shovel snow, yet be simple to operate. I'm thinking of using a four-bar linkage to:
lift the shovel blade upwards at least 18 inches,
push the blade forward at least 12 inches
then tip the blade downwards.
I'm hoping to use a linear actuator for this, as I have one available to me - it'll be the variable-length bar of this assembly. The first two of the movements can be combined, but the "tip" shouldn't happen before the blade reaches the top and front of its movement.
Any ideas on how I can do this, or am I trying to get too much movement out of too limited a device?
lift the shovel blade upwards at least 18 inches,
push the blade forward at least 12 inches
then tip the blade downwards.
I'm hoping to use a linear actuator for this, as I have one available to me - it'll be the variable-length bar of this assembly. The first two of the movements can be combined, but the "tip" shouldn't happen before the blade reaches the top and front of its movement.
Any ideas on how I can do this, or am I trying to get too much movement out of too limited a device?





RE: Four-bar help needed
Technically, a "4-bar linkage" does not ahave a variable length link. Perhaps what you mean is a 4-bar plus a linear actuator to control the final position?
Using the "relative pole" method, you could develop your linkage around desired positions. It takes three positions to fully determine a 4-bar linkage.
RE: Four-bar help needed
www.pur
This was one of the first places I went after google searching "four bar synthesis"
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified COSMOSWorks Designer Specialist
Certified SolidWorks Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist
RE: Four-bar help needed
Also, if you plan on using a 4 bar, then surely you must understand that it will have to be rotationally controlled during the "push"phase to put the blade in close proximity to the ground. A simple mechanism won't do that.
Lots of problems here; perhaps you can provide a better explanation of your idea.
RE: Four-bar help needed
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
RE: Four-bar help needed
All of you have given me more to think about on this - and thank you for the link, that'll be a good place for me to begin this.
RE: Four-bar help needed
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services