Defining Machine Kinematics Using V5 Data

This task describes how to define the fixed part of the machine, which is the first step in defining machine kinematics, and how to define prismatic and revolute joints.  This procedure has the following parts:
Open the V4Axis_Machine.CATProduct file from the  online/mtbug_C2/samples/V5/4Axis Machine directory; add the new machine, as described in Creating a New Machine.

Defining a Fixed Part

 
  1. From the Machine Building tool bar, click Fixed Part or select Insert > Fixed Part from the menu bar.

    The New Fixed Part dialog box is displayed.
    dbnewfixedpartNLS.gif (7499 bytes)
  2. Select the Base (Base.1) product from the specification tree or from the geometry area.

    The fix part appears in the specification tree under the Mechanisms node.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)

    Defining the Prismatic Joints

  3. On the Machine Building toolbar, click Prismatic Joint .

    The Joint Creation Prismatic dialog box appears.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
  4. In the Joint Name field, enter YAxis.

  5. Select the bottom edge on the Base part for Line 1.

    Because the parts need to be selected in this order, click Hide/Show enable you to select the relevant geometry.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
    Select the bottom edge on the YAxis part for Line 2.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
  6. Select the bottom edge on the Base part for Plane 1.

    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
    Select the bottom edge on the YAxis part for Plane 2.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
  7. Select the Length driven check box; click OK.

    An Information message appears.
  8. Click OK.

  9. Repeat Steps 3-7 to define a prismatic joint between the YAxis and ZAxis parts; name the joint ZAxis.

    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes) creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
  10. Repeat Steps 3-6 to define a prismatic joint between the Base and XAxis parts; name the joint XAxis.

    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes) creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
    Currently, the machine kinematics are complete for a 3-axis machine.

    Defining a Revolute Joint

  11. On the Machine Building toolbar, click Revolute Joint.

    The Joint Creation Revolute dialog box appears.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
  12. In the Joint Name field, enter CAxis.

  13. Select the axis of the hole on the XAxis part for Line 1.

    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
    Select the axis on the CTable part for Line 2.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
  14. Select the bottom plane of the hole at the top of the XAxis part for Plane 1.

    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
    Select the bottom plane on the cylindrical protrusion on the CTable part for Plane 2.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)
  15. Select the Angle driven check box; click OK on the Joint Creation Revolute dialog box.

    You have defined all the joints of the machine. The specification tree corresponding to the mechanism node appears as shown below.
    creatingfixedpart01.gif (10474 bytes)