A Versatile Acceleration-Based Cam Profile for Single-Dwell Applications Requiring Cam-Follower Clearance During Dwell

Presented in this paper is an asymmetric acceleration-derived cam motion program suitable for single-dwell cam-follower systems with clearance between the cam and follower during dwell. Asymmetric rise and fall is included as this is desirable in certain manufacturing operations and machines that require a quick rise or fall. The motion program for the cam-follower actuation is derived from the follower acceleration so that designers can control the ratio of the magnitudes of positive and negative accelerations. This provides cam designers more control over the cam-follower interface force and therefore more control over factors such as cam wear and the potentially destructive phenomenon known as “follower jump.” The motion program used to close and open the clearance gap is derived from a velocity function, allowing more control of follower inertia during the important clearance closing event. The motion program is presented in closed-form, suitable for implementation in standard engineering equation-solving software.