ABSTRACT
Small size slider-crank mechanisms are used in many accurate and precise
sophisticated applications. The design parameters of the mechanism play an
important role in defining its performance characteristics. The input-output relations
are the main criteria to define its characteristics and hence its capabilities to achieve
specific application requirement. The tolerance analysis for mechanism components
are a key element for studying and improving mechanism characteristics and its
transmission quality. In this paper kinematics models for small size slider-crank
mechanism are presented. The models consider the mechanism characteristic range,
sensitivity and input-output relations. The effect of mechanism manufacturing and
assembly errors such as; components tolerances, joints clearances and assembly
deviations were investigated. The study elaborates the effect of these errors on the
mechanism characteristic and position uncertainty. A contact approach model is
introduced analyzing the effect of joints clearances on mechanism hysteresis error,
position uncertainty, and dead zones. The study is further condensed to define the
most appropriate design parameters needed for different applications.