Kinematic analysis of geared mechanisms using the concept of kinematic fractionation

A systematic approach to the determination of kinematic relations between input(s) and output(s) in geared mechanisms is presented based on the concept of kinematic fractionation. It is shown that kinematic unit (KU) can be viewed as functional building block of geared mechanisms, and kinematic propagation path from input to output can be determined systematically according to the interface among KUs. The local gain between the local input and output of each KU can be systematically formulated. Along the propagating path connecting input and output, global kinematic relation can then be evaluated by collecting local gains of KUs. It is believed that this unit-by-unit evaluation procedure provides a better insight of the effects of each KU on the interactions among input(s) and output(s). An epicyclic-type automatic transmission mechanism is used to illustrate the procedure.