Four Bar Software Norton

Four Bar Software Norton: A Review of the Linkage Design Tool

Four bar linkages are one of the most common and versatile mechanisms in engineering. They can be used to convert rotary motion into linear motion, amplify force or speed, create complex curves, and perform many other tasks. However, designing a four bar linkage that meets the desired specifications can be a challenging and time-consuming process. That is why many engineers use software tools to assist them in the analysis and synthesis of four bar linkages.

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One of the most popular and widely used software tools for four bar linkage design is Four Bar Software Norton, developed by Norton Associates Engineering. This software is based on the book Design of Machinery by Robert L. Norton, a renowned expert in the field of mechanism design. Four Bar Software Norton is a collection of modules that can synthesize and analyze any four bar, pin-jointed linkage. It can also draw coupler curves, calculate kinematic and dynamic data, plot, print, and export the results in Excel format, and animate the linkage on screen.

In this article, we will review the features and benefits of Four Bar Software Norton, and show how it can help you design better four bar linkages.

Features of Four Bar Software Norton

Four Bar Software Norton consists of several modules that cover different aspects of four bar linkage design. These modules are:

• Fourbar: This module synthesizes and analyzes any four bar, pin-jointed linkage. It can generate up to 16 different solutions for a given set of input parameters, such as link lengths, angular positions, velocities, accelerations, or coupler point coordinates. It can also draw coupler curves for any point on the coupler link, and display them in polar or Cartesian coordinates. The user can modify the linkage geometry by dragging the links with the mouse, or by entering new values in the input boxes. The module also calculates kinematic and dynamic data for the linkage, such as angular velocities, accelerations, forces, torques, power, and efficiency.

• Function Generator: This module synthesizes a four bar linkage that generates a desired output angle as a function of an input angle. The user can specify the input-output relationship by entering up to 12 pairs of angles in a table, or by drawing a curve with the mouse. The module then finds up to 16 solutions that match the desired function within a specified tolerance. The user can also modify the function by dragging the curve points with the mouse, or by entering new values in the table. The module also analyzes the synthesized linkage and displays its kinematic and dynamic data.

• Path Generator: This module synthesizes a four bar linkage that guides a point on the coupler link along a desired path. The user can specify the path by entering up to 12 points in a table, or by drawing a curve with the mouse. The module then finds up to 16 solutions that match the desired path within a specified tolerance. The user can also modify the path by dragging the curve points with the mouse, or by entering new values in the table. The module also analyzes the synthesized linkage and displays its kinematic and dynamic data.

• Motion Generator: This module synthesizes a four bar linkage that guides a rigid body attached to the coupler link along a desired motion. The user can specify the motion by entering up to 12 positions and orientations of the rigid body in a table, or by drawing them with the mouse. The module then finds up to 16 solutions that match the desired motion within a specified tolerance. The user can also modify the motion by dragging the rigid body with the mouse, or by entering new values in the table. The module also analyzes the synthesized linkage and displays its kinematic and dynamic data.

All modules have a common user interface that allows easy navigation between them. The user can switch between different views of the linkage, such as top view, side view, front view, or perspective view. The user can also zoom in or out, pan, rotate, or tilt the view with the mouse or keyboard commands. The user can also change the color, style, size, or font of any element on the screen.

Benefits of Four Bar Software Norton

Four Bar Software Norton offers many benefits for engineers who design four bar linkages. Some of these benefits are:

• Speed and accuracy: Four Bar Software Norton can quickly and accurately find solutions for any four bar linkage problem. It uses a robust and efficient algorithm that can handle singularities, branches, and multiple solutions. It also checks the feasibility and quality of the solutions, and eliminates any unrealistic or impractical ones. The user can also adjust the accuracy and tolerance of the calculations to suit their needs.

• Flexibility and creativity: Four Bar Software Norton allows the user to explore different possibilities and alternatives for their four bar linkage design. The user can modify the input parameters, the linkage geometry, the function, the path, or the motion with ease, and see how the output changes accordingly. The user can also compare different solutions and select the best one for their application. The software also encourages creativity and innovation by allowing the user to create complex curves, motions, or functions that may not be possible with conventional methods.

• Visualization and animation: Four Bar Software Norton provides a realistic and interactive visualization of the four bar linkage and its behavior. The user can see the linkage from different angles and perspectives, and observe how it moves, rotates, or vibrates. The user can also animate the linkage on screen, and control its speed, direction, or pause. The software also shows the coupler curves, the forces, the torques, the power, and other data in graphical or numerical form.

• Documentation and communication: Four Bar Software Norton allows the user to document and communicate their four bar linkage design effectively. The user can print or export the results in Excel format, or save them as images or videos. The user can also customize the appearance and layout of the output, and add labels, titles, legends, or notes. The software also generates a report that summarizes the input parameters, the output data, and the solution quality.

Conclusion

Four Bar Software Norton is a powerful and user-friendly software tool for four bar linkage design. It can synthesize and analyze any four bar linkage with ease and accuracy. It can also help the user to explore different options, visualize the results, and document their work. Four Bar Software Norton is a valuable resource for engineers who want to design better four bar linkages.

If you are interested in learning more about Four Bar Software Norton, you can visit its official website, or watch a tutorial video. You can also download a free trial version of the software and try it yourself.