Metamorphic Cam Mechanism with a PR Follower

This research aims to introduce the concept of cam pairs into the scope of metamorphic mechanisms. Although some researchers have mentioned the pin-in-slot pair or a cam pair as a metamorphic kinematic joint, the primary advantage of cams—the infinite precise point during the whole movement cycle—did not put to good use. However, correctly generating the cam profile is the biggest challenge of applying the cam pair and designing the follower’s precise trajectory. This research involves the instant centre method [12] to generate the analytical profile of the metamorphic cam mechanism with a PR follower, which is a cam mechanism with two degrees of freedom while its roller connects with an oscillating follower adjacent to a prismatic slider. Three methods to realize the constraint variation for such metamorphic mechanism are also proposed. After the analytical solution of the cam profile is derived, this paper discusses a unique but essential application for such metamorphic cam mechanism. The analytical solution of the cam profile obtained in this study can be used to generate cam profiles for traditional disk cam mechanisms with various types of followers. The authors provide a parameter transformation table that cam designers can use to apply the results to the industry. Overall, this research offers a novel approach to the design and application of cam mechanisms, which could have significant implications for industrial applications.