Disc cam generator direction of rotation and arc of follower ?

[simoncunliffe1]

I have been designing some cams with a few steps through the rotation. 

The follower arm is specified only by length and distance from center but as the arm swings though the arc of motion  the followers position relitive to the rotational angle of the cam will change in either direction depending on if the rotation is towards of away from the follower pivot. 

To test this i made the same cam in right and left rotation but they are exactly the same but mirrored so there does not seem to be any calculation for the arc the follower arm swings in . Am i missing something here ?

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Simon,

There could be multiple reasons (geometry, constraints, settings, and so on). It is very difficult to comment further without seeing the files. If possible, please share the files here (pack and go). Forum experts can help take a look. 

Many thanks!

[simoncunliffe1]

its really more related to the geometry than a sepcific design but as you see in the attatched picture where the cam is resting now both followers have the same start point on the cam and both will see the first stage of lift at the same time but have different lift curves as they swing in different arcs, asuming anti-clockwise motion after the first stage of lift the arm on the left will be slightly advanced in the motion of the cam than the arm on the right and will see the next lift section a few degrees earlier.

I had assumed the right and left rotation option accounted for this even though there was no reference  as to what the direction was relitive to but when designing a right and a left rotation cam they are just a mirror image 

[simoncunliffe1]

any help ?

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Simon,

Please share the actual Inventor files. The image does not help me understand the issue better.

Many thanks!