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Problem Statement: The two main challenges of this project both involve the output path. The first is that we do not just want the wand to shake back and forth as cats would very quickly get bored with it. In order to get a unique output path, we plan on adding a cam to the linkage system, allowing the output link the ability to move in unpredictable ways. The second challenge is that wand must able to jump in the z-direction. Cats love to jump to try to catch objects so this ability becomes a necessity.
Proposed Mechanism: We have (#) proposed solutions to tackle this unique set of problems. The first Our proposal to solve these unique challenges is to essentially build two four bar linkages: a crank-rocker on the top side and E-quartet mechanism on the bottom. The crank-rocker will shake the wand toy back and forth along the XY plane. On the bottom side, the E-quartet will use an expanded ternary link to spin a specially designed cam in a circle. This cam will create our desired path. Giving the wand the ability to jump the Z direction will be solved by adding a hinge to the grounded links of the rocker. This will allow free movement in the Z direction.
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