II. Design Process - PU

One of the first things that I did before I started designing was to reference the PKMS too to simulate the motions of the mechanism. This allowed me to obtain the accurate proportions and angles for all of the different parts for my 6 -bar mechanism. 

Simulated PKMS  Mechanism

I first tried to trace the original diagram to no avail. This was not giving me the dimensional accuracy I needed. Then I went in and dimensioned everything based on the schematics and simulated numbers I had. I then made a CAD model and built a working prototype out of the materials I had available. A big choice I had to make was whether it was going to be free-standing or laying flat on the ground like a poster.

Free-standing would be far more complicated and was different than my original design. It also would be hard to see the inner workings of the mechanism as the supports may hinder the visibility. This is why I went with a flat design. However, one thing I had to be particular about was to make sure that the arms were on their own individual planes. This would ensure that even though they cross one another, it wouldn't cause any collisions.