Gear

Class Name

Gear

Description

Gear defines a gear constraint between two bodies. The gear is modeled as an algebraic relationship between input and output displacements between two joints. The inputs and outputs may be either rotational or translational. This allows spur, helical, bevel, and rack-and-pinion gear sets to be modeled. Friction, backlash, and manufacturing inaccuracies in tooth profiles are not modeled.

Attribute Summary

Name	Property	Modifiable by command?
id	Int ()
label	Str ()	✓
joints	Reference ("Joint", count=2)	✓
cv	Reference ("Marker")	✓
active	Bool ()	✓

Usage

Gear (joints=[objJoint1, objJoint2], cv=objMarker, optional_attributes):

Attribute Description

joints

List containing two JOINT objects.

Specifies two joints whose output is coupled by the gear constraint. Only the following types of joints may be used in defining a GEAR object:

•

Revolute

•	Translational

•	Cylindrical

The joints attribute is mandatory.

Reference to an existing Marker

Specifies the marker whose origin defines the contact point. Its z-axis defines the direction of motion at the contact point. cv must belong to the body containing the housing.

The cv attribute is mandatory.

Integer

Specifies the element identification number. This number must be unique among all the Marker objects in the model.

This attribute is optional. MotionSolve will automatically create an ID when one is not specified.

Range of values: id > 0

label

String

Specifies the name of the Gear object.

This attribute is optional. When not specified, MotionSolve will create a label for you.

active

Bool

Select one from True or False.

•	True indicates that the element is active in the model and it affects the behavior of the system

•	False indicates that the element is inactive in the model and it does not affect the behavior of the system. It is almost as if the entity was removed from the model, of course with the exception that can be turned “ON” when desirable.

The attribute active is optional. When not specified, active defaults to True

Comments

1.	See Properties, for an explanation about what properties are, why they are used and how you can extend these.

2.	For a more detailed explanation about Gear, see the Comments in the XML syntax section.

Example

1.	Define a GEAR with the minimum number of attributes.

gear = Gear (joints=[joint1, joint22], cv=marker1101)

2.	Define a GEAR and specify all of its attributes.

gear1101 = Gear (id=1101, label=”Gear-1101”, joints=[joint1, joint22], cv=marker1101)