A Versatile Cam Profile for Controlling Interface Force in Multiple-Dwell Cam-Follower Systems

Cam follower systems are widely used in manufacturing because of their precise motion and ability to easily dwell. The cam typically drives a follower in some precise motion needed to accomplish a manufacturing task. Presented in this paper is a closed-form modified trapezoidal cam motion function with adjustable positive and negative acceleration. The profile is suitable for multiple-dwell cam and follower applications. The profile is particularly applicable to high-speed cams in which the follower acceleration is a primary design objective. The main benefit of the profile is that it allows cam designers to easily set limits on the positive and negative acceleration to achieve design objectives. Additional benefits are that the cycle jerk is continuous and that the cam designer can control the maximum magnitude of jerk. The motion program is presented in closed-form for easy implementation in standard equation-solver or spreadsheet software. Dynamic and harmonic analyses are presented to illustrate the benefits of the profile.