Design Process - JJ

Step 1: PMKS Simulation 

The first step of the design process involved the simulation of the six bar window mechanism. The in-browser simulation, PMKS_Web, enabled me to simulate the conditions of my six-bar window mechanism design. The website allows users to edit the different locations of each joint. For instance, I was able to adjust and move the locations of each pin joint and slider joint in the six bar window mechanism. After determining the location of each joint, the next step was to export the kinematic data onto an Excel worksheet. This kinematic data contained information about each link, listing the different locations at different time intervals. From there, I was able to determine the lengths of each link using simple geometric relations, such as the distance formula. The next step after simulations was to utilize a CAD modeling software to design the different links of the six bar window mechanism. The animation below illustrates the simulation of my six bar window mechanism.  

Step 2: CAD Modeling 

The second step of the design process revolved around designing the different links using Solidworks, a CAD modeling software. The focus of this step was to finalize the different lengths of each link, ensuring that the entire assembly would combine together cohesively. In addition, this step allowed me to determine the necessary tolerances with each link. By determining these dimensions and tolerances, I was able to design and produce links that enabled a smooth operation of the six-bar window mechanism. Examples of my CAD models are located in the appendix. 

Step 3: Material Selection 

The final step of the design process involved the material selection for the six bar window mechanism. Throughout the project, different materials were offered by the class. I eventually chose ¼ in thick plywood for the links and a ¼ thick acrylic sheet for my base. The plywood was chosen as it was readily available. In addition, the acrylic sheet was scrap material sourced through the MakerSpace. With regards to the different pin joints and sliders, 5/16 in diameter hex bolts and 608 ball bearings were used. The ball bearings ensured a smooth rotation of the pin joints, while bolts allowed for a strong connection between the different links.