Rigging A Complex Linkage?

[3deeit]

Hi All,

I'm having some problems with this complex linkage. I've attached a max file for anyone interested in helping me out (original objects have been replaced with boxes due to confidentiality)

I've set the linkage up without any troubles using the HD solver. However, I would like to control the linkage via the position of the yellow screw, which is mid way down the chain. It is also mid-way inbetween a rigid member. That's where I'm stuck. I can't seem to make it work!

Any suggestions would be grealy appreciated,

Thanks,

Phil  |  3deeit

[VishnuR]

Hello

Not sure if you can access this link , but an interesting / approach on mechanical rigging. 

http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/classes/year-2013/3ds-max/dg1989

Best Regards

VR

[paulneale]

To be able to help you I would need to see some more graphics about what you expect to have happen with this rig. Draw some arrows and make some notes on the image to get the point across. 

[paulneale]

And watch the link that was provided as that was me at this years AU and I'm sure that it will help. Rule number one, never use the HD solver. 

[3deeit]

Hi Paul, thanks for the response.

Looks like the server seems to be having issues? I hope I can reply to this
automated email.

As requested, I've attached a more detailed image of what I'm after. Some
notes:


- Pivots are highlighted in yellow
- the linkage is fixed at two points, as shown
- linkage arms are labelled 1,2, and 3 on the image
- the goal is to animate the square chips in section A changing
configurations, in turn changing the effective geometry of the bike frame.
My initial thought was to control the linkage from the shock pivot as shown.
- note: I'm not trying to animate the stroke or travel of the suspension
(yet) this is only to show the change in the frame when the chips are moved
around

I hope this makes sense, and I really appreciate the assistance. I watched
your presentation and it was very helpful - however I can't figure out how
to make a closed linkage such as this one using the HI solver.

Many thanks,

Phil | 3deeit.com

[paulneale]

I haven't had a chance to get back to this but I will as I'm an avid mountain biker.

The solution isn't hard and can be done with two HI solvers. Never consider problems like this to need to be solved as they would in the real world. Usually we do every backwards.

[paulneale]

Do you still need an answer to this as I have time at the moment and could do a quick demo using this. 

[3deeit]

That would be great Paul. I did what you suggested using the HI solver from each end of the linkage to a common point, however I'm still having issues.

Thanks,

Phil  | 3deeit

[jknutson2]

See my videos in the mechanical rigging thread (http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Animation-and-Rigging/Mechancial-Rig-Question/td-p/4378066) for examples of something similar.  I haven't looked at your model yet, but I'm guessing you have a single bone chain.  You can split it into two bone chains and likely achieve what you want.  That is what I did anyway and it allowed me to use HI where I could and HD only where necessary.

[paulneale]

Got the file Phil and will look at it later today.