How to mechanically produce modified SINE wave motion

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    Piston Sine waves
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanical production of modified sine wave motion, specifically focusing on extending the time a piston spends at the top and bottom of its stroke. Participants explore various mechanical arrangements and mechanisms to achieve this motion, contrasting them with electrical solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Greg Paterson proposes a mechanical solution to modify piston motion to approximate a clipped audio wave, suggesting a mechanism similar to Walschaerts Valve Gear.
  • Some participants suggest using an arbitrary function generator (AFG) to drive a mechanical actuator, which is met with resistance as it is considered an electrical solution.
  • One participant discusses using Fourier transforms to generate harmonics with gears and eccentric hubs to control piston motion, noting the challenges of achieving ideal motion profiles with cams.
  • Another participant suggests using a rotating crank with gear wheels to achieve a function with a flat top and bottom, providing a specific mathematical expression for the motion.
  • There are discussions about the importance of gear tooth count for quiet operation and the implications of using common divisors in gear systems, with suggestions for using idler gears or chain sprockets to avoid this issue.
  • Participants explore the trade-offs between achieving flatness in motion profiles and ensuring smooth operation, with various harmonic combinations proposed for different applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best mechanical solutions, with some advocating for traditional mechanical methods while others suggest electrical alternatives. There is no consensus on a single approach, and various competing models and ideas are presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in achieving ideal motion profiles with mechanical systems, including the need for compromises in design and the effects of speed on mechanical performance. The discussion also highlights unresolved mathematical considerations regarding gear ratios and harmonic contributions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical engineering, particularly those focused on motion control and mechanical design, may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
berkeman said:
Was it something I said...?
Under the circumstances, the trigger could be anything.
We should pray for an early monsoon, and a welcome back.
 
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  • #32
Baluncore said:
Under the circumstances, the trigger could be anything.
Do you see anything in our responses that may have bothered the OP? The thread seemed to be going okay to me...
 
  • #33
There were the usual "reading and understanding the question" problems, and some wrong assumptions while "getting to know the OP's capability".

It was typical light-hearted banter, in parallel with the topic, nothing directly personal, but our interpretation is not subject to the stress of inescapable and debilitating heat.
 
  • #34
FWIW, I did get the impression that this overall thread was being rather more derogatory/aggresive than usual here.
 
  • #35
berkeman said:
Was it something I said...?
Likely. You are those most abrasive member I have found on this forum! Lol. J/K. I can't imagine you can be at fault. I might be though, stuff I say always gets taken the wrong way. And I didn't even post in this thread. That's how bad I am.
-
Seriously though, some people just have a thinner skin to start with...
 
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