Estimation of error in four-bar mechanism under dimensional deviations

A four-bar mechanism is a basic kinematic chain in most of planar mechanisms. Four-bar chains are synthesized for a specific task. The output deviates from the desired one due to many reasons broadly from the group of systematic and random input sources. The work presented herewith deals with the error estimation in the four-bar path generation mechanism under link tolerance. The primary estimation of error is carried out using a Taylor series approximation with a modified error equation. The inaccuracy is estimated using sample independent variables. A geometrical method for the estimation of specific errors is developed. The results are verified using the CAD model. The appropriateness of the Taylor series approximation with modified error equation estimations is compared with exact solutions from the geometrical method. The methodology is demonstrated through a sample case of the four-bar mechanism presented to compare the capability of the two methods. The deviations due to single systematic inaccuracy are exposed, and one of the methods- i.e. the geometrical method is found to be the robust method of error evaluation.