Final Prototype - SF
Figure 20. The final prototype.
After assembling the final prototype, I tested it in various configurations based on the customization options available in the mechanism. In total, 6 elements of the mechanism can be changed (listed below), thus enabling the it to draw a great many patterns.
8 positions for the first input link
8 positions for the second input link
Remove second gear to make four-bar mechanism
Add 12-tooth gear between input link and platter to couple their movements
Vary speed of DC motor
Vary speed of stepper motor
During testing of the mechanism, I was able to vary some of these elements, namely the speed of the stepper motor and the removal and addition of gears, and the mechanism generated a variety of interesting patterns. Here are a few of them:
Figure 21. Figure drawn by geared four-bar mechanism.
Figure 22. Figure drawn by geared five-bar mechanism, with platter rotating at 10 rpm.
Figure 23. Figure drawn by four-bar mechanism, with platter rotating at 10 rpm.
Figure 24. Figure drawn by geared five-bar mechanism, with platter rotating at 25 rpm.
Figure 25. Figure drawn by geared five-bar mechanism, with platter rotating at 5 rpm.
Finally, here are some videos of the mechanism in action: