|
Introducing PolyDesign
A Polynomial Motion Development System
D.L. Klipp Engineering is pleased to
announce the availability of PolyDesign Version 1.0, a Windows
application for the design and optimization of polynomial motions for both
servo and cam driven mechanisms. The program is designed to facilitate
the optimization of motions by permitting the definition of several
motions for the same function, even with different motion periods. A
graphical comparison tool allows two motions’ kinematic characteristics to
be presented simultaneously so that the engineer/designer can make both
qualitative and quantitative decisions between the two. Once the
optimized motions are developed, the user can design a cam contour or
create an output file for import into a servo controller program. To
introduce you to PolyDesign, some of the application forms with actual
data follow so that the general process might be apparent.
Program Features
·
Designs
polynomial motions for both servo and cam driven mechanisms.
·
Powerful
graphical comparison tool facilitates motion optimization.
·
Tab delimited
file output for spreadsheet programs to implement into servo controller
program or for further design analysis.
·
Full geometry
generation for both cylindrical and radial cams with either linear or
rotary motion output.
·
Graphical
depiction for “fill in the blanks” cam dimensions input.
·
The ability
to change dimensions or define new motions is always available to permit
optimization of the design.
·
Autocad
script file output to draw the cam contour.
·
On-screen
plot of cam contour for a graphical review of the design.
·
Outputs
coordinate files for CNC path generation of cams.
·
Customized
output for special requirements is available.
·
Program price
includes one year of e-mail help in developing motions for your
applications and for PolyDesign updates. Annual renewals are available.
·
Consultation
services for special problems at additional cost.
·
In-house
training programs at additional cost. |
rangements
in servo controllers work like a “digital cam” so this parameter input
scheme is applicable to servo mechanisms as well. PolyDesign’s Motion
Data Entry form is a spreadsheet-like table. The cam rpm or motion cycle
time has been defined on a previous form. Only the desired kinematic
events should be entered with the appropriate cam angle. Events that are
not necessary to define the motion should be left blank. The example
shown is for a “3-4-5” polynomial with a total displacement of 2.0
inches. This polynomial is an excellent dwell-rise-dwell motion. The
real power of polynomial techniques lies in the development of motions
with more interesting event definitions. After a motion’s parameters have
been defined, clicking on the “Continue Button” displays the “Motion
Kinematics form.
ed
with the next form. This form is a hub for several other operations. The
“Graph” button displays a unitized presentation of all tabulated values.
There is a “Compare” button on the “Graphical Kinematic Display”.
both
motions. The comparison graph may be printed by clicking the “Print”
button. When printed, the maximum and minimum kinematic values for the
motions are included on the printed report as well as the current cam rpm
or motion cycle time. Clicking on the “Return to Motion Display”
transfers control to “Motion Kinematics Display”, providing the user the
opportunity to define new motions for the further optimization.
Accessible through the “Motion Summary” button and form, a form similar to
the “Motion Data Entry” form displays the selected motion’s input
parameters for either review or to use as the basis for a new motion.
e
forms that are displayed for cams and also the units that are used.
Metric of English system selection is done at the same time. After the
“Define Cam Geometry” button is clicked, a form appears that asks you to
select a radial cam or a cylindrical cam. Cam rotation is also
specified. Our example will use a linear, follower on center, radial cam
as it is the simplest arrangement. The form shown is typical of all cam
dimension forms as it uses a fill-in-the-blank-dimension approach. 
ur.
Motion segments are displayed in red while dwell periods are blue. The
“Continue” button returns the program to the Cam Geometry form so that
other tasks my be performed. These include the generation of cutting data
for a CNC program or writing an Autocad script file for drawing the
contour in an Autocad drawing. Most important is that the opportunity
always exists to fine-tune the design by changing cam dimensions or
generating additional motions. Remember, PolyDesign is an engineering
tool intended to facilitate an optimum design.
the table. Two
styles of tab delimited files are generated. The first is an “angle,
displacement” table while the second also includes velocity, acceleration
and jerk. These files may then be brought into an MS Excel spreadsheet
for inclusion into a servo motion program. Loading and other dynamic
calculations may also be performed outside