Abstract
This research proposes a modified arrangement of the common translating follower. That is, an extraneous intermediate link that has three rollers is added between the cam and the common follower. Firstly, the study involving kinematics, statics, dynamics, and machine elements of a cam mechanism with a common translating roller follower is conducted. Next, the research develops an analytical approach for designing disk cam mechanisms with a translating follower having an extraneously added ternary -roller intermediate link, and also presents a contact stress analysis of such a cam mechanism. The results are compared with those of the disk cam mechanisms with a single roller follower. This cam mechanism with such a modified follower has two set of profiles and can realize mutiple contact points between the cam and the follower at any instant. The two set of profiles of such a cam mechanism can serve as either the ribbed type or the grooved type. The contact stress of such a cam mechanism can be reduced by 12% to 42% in comparison with those of cam mechanism with a common translating roller follower. In addition, the modified arrangement of the follower can further be adapted to the stationary cam mechanism. Since the profiles of stationary cam can be correspondingly determined according to desired path of follower, the stationary cam can guide a follower with three rollers to move smoothly and free of backlash along a straight-curved path.