Introduction and Background - IS

I chose to implement a design of the 5-bar Slotted Slider Mechanism, one of the two example mechanisms provided. The goal was to design a quick-return mechanism, with a high return velocity and low velocity while the slider is near the top of its cycle. The input is powered by a stepper motor that rotates back and forth, and the output is a sliding link that moves vertically. The input moves over a range of 60 degrees, which results in an output slider motion of about 3.5". The links are made of acrylic and connected by joints made of binding post screws. A 9"X13.5" piece of plywood acts as the mounting surface for the motor and grounded joints (including the vertical slider).