The kinematics of curved profiles mating with a caged idle roller-higher-path curvature analysis

This investigation focuses on the relative motion of a force-closure higher pair mechanism, herein termed caged-roller joint and composed of a cylindrical roller meshing with two slot profiles, carved on different bodies. A distinctive feature of such a mechanism is the pure rolling velocity constraint imposed between its components to limit friction losses. This makes the caged-roller joint an ideal candidate to control the kinematics of highspeed operating devices, such as centrifugal pendulum vibration absorbers.& nbsp; In this paper, a theoretical framework for the motion of caged-roller joint is proposed, employing intrinsic geometry, higher-path curvature and envelope theory. For design-analysis purposes, the correlations between instantaneous invariants, slots profiles curvature properties and pure rolling conditions within the higher pairs have been established. Eventually, the obtained results have been verified for three particular curves profiles, to test their consistency and offer an immediate application.& nbsp; (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This investigation focuses on the relative motion of a caged-roller joint, which is a force-closure higher pair mechanism, ideal for controlling the kinematics of high-speed operating devices. The theoretical framework proposed in this study involves intrinsic geometry, higher-path curvature, and envelope theory, with correlations established for design-analysis purposes. The obtained results have been verified for specific curve profiles to ensure consistency and immediate application.