SolidWorks Mechanical Mechanism Report
1. Mechanism Design and Application
For this project, I designed a four-bar linkage mechanism, a common mechanical system used in
robotic arms and lifting devices. It consists of four main components: the fixed base, the input crank,
the coupler link, and the output rocker. When the input crank rotates, it drives the coupler and rocker
through constrained motion.
Real-World Application: This mechanism is widely used in robotic arms for pick-and-place
operations, automotive suspensions, and packaging machinery for coordinated linear and angular
motion.
2. Tools Used in Part Modeling and Editing
In SolidWorks, I used the following tools during part creation:
- Sketch Tool: To create 2D profiles of each link.
- Extrude Boss/Base: To convert sketches into 3D parts.
- Fillet and Chamfer: To smooth edges for functionality and aesthetics.
- Hole Wizard: To insert precise holes for pin connections between links.
- Linear Pattern: To duplicate features such as holes and bolts symmetrically.
Each part was saved individually before starting the assembly.
3. Assembly Process and Mates
I assembled the parts using SolidWorks Assembly environment. The following mate types were
used:
- Coincident Mate: To align the axes of pins and holes.
- Concentric Mate: To allow rotational movement between linkages.
- Distance Mate: To control spacing between parts.
- Limit Angle Mate: To restrict the motion range of the rocker.
The mechanism was tested using the Move Component feature to validate the motion flow.
4. Challenges and Solutions
- Misalignment of holes: Initially, some link holes did not align properly. I resolved this by using
construction geometry and centerlines during sketching to ensure symmetry.
- Unexpected rotation limits: The coupler rotated beyond the desired angle. I corrected this by
applying angle limit mates to constrain rotation.
- Lag during simulation: The motion was laggy due to high feature detail. I simplified part geometry
and disabled unnecessary appearances to improve performance.