Motion Failure with Multiple Pivot Arms

[ppwwjones]

I am trying to simulate motion in a model (see attached) that includes 3 pivot Links connected to a grounded "Base" with revolute joints and interconnected at their opposite ends with a "Connector" also using revolute joints. The right most pivot link is a "Lever" that when rotated is intended to translate the "Connector" and thus rotate the "leftLink" and "ctrLink". The rotational range of motion only needs to be about 60 degrees counterclockwise .

The "Connector" is translated successfully by rotating either the left or center links only if the "Lever" ("conn-lever" joint) is suppressed. I have even tried replacing the "Lever" with a duplicate of the "ctrLink" in case there are dimensional errors in "Lever" geometry. But still no success with all 3 links tied to the "Connector". As best I can determine the geometry of all the moving parts is accurate to four decimal places.

Any solutions to this dilemma will be greatly appreciated.

[davebYYPCU]

I have not found why it wont work, but 

Deleting the joint in error, and adding these two in a motion link, gets it done.

No history models don't help diagnosing file errors like this.

Might help...

[ppwwjones]

Thanks Dave,

My history got so long trying to resolve this problem I finally turned it off. But I agree it would help in trouble shooting.

Paul

[ppwwjones]

Your solution work perfectly. Now for the rest of the story. When the CONNECTOR is actuated up and down by rotating the LEVER how do I concurrently raise and lower the LIFTER that contacts the CONNECTOR ROLLERs. The additional challenge is to rotate the SWIVEL inward and outward with the PUSH ROD located between the SWIVEL and LEFT LINK. Please see attachments.

Thanks for your help.

[davebYYPCU]

Pushrod needs a Pin Slot joint on both ends.

When setting up the Joint do the slider section first.

As the file is presented the righthand side may give a geometry error, when all is set up, cant tell yet.

The Pushrod is not centred in the link AND the swivel, don't know which one is correct.  Joint at the Swivel end works so far, so the second joint will always break the model, and that would be similar to broken joints at the lever end too.

When Assembling, alignments matter.

Might help....

[ppwwjones]

Any thoughts on how to raise and lower the LIFTER via the ROLLERS when rotating the LEVER?

[davebYYPCU]

Yes and no, 

I can get that motion by Motion Link, Lever angle 60 deg, and Slider lift -0.94.

But that takes no account of the rollers going over centre.  So its a fudge, that looks right with the Connecter and rollers hidden.

Also the model has something broken but still not found it, so this motion link will animate but the model doesn't.

Might help...