The Effects of Joint Clearance on the Motion Precision of the Machines

Joint clearance is one of important factors which affect motion precision of machines. In this paper the mathematical model of a new-type joint, tripod-ball sliding joint, is established, and the new concepts of basal system and active system are put forward. Based on the mode-change criterion established here, the consistent equations of motion in full-scale are derived by using Kane method. The dynamic behavior of the crank-slider mechanism with clearance in the tripod-ball sliding joint is investigated. The results including motion error and impact acceleration are obtained and the advantage of this new joint is shown.