How to implement intermittent contact using SimMechanics (e.g. Geneva wheel)?

I want to model a Geneva wheel in SimMechanics.

Is this possible? Any suggestions on how to model an intermittent contact of this sort are much appreciated.

Answer 1

[Ryan G]

You can utilize a point curve constraint to do this. I would model it like this:

1) Model the 'driver' Wheel directly, connect to ground via revolute

2) Model 'Driven' Wheel directly, connect to ground via revolute

3) connect the Driven wheel to the point sticking up from the Driver wheel via point curve constraint.

4) Design the pattern of the Driven wheel inside the point curve constraint.

This should be straightforward once you get the pattern figured out.

[K E]

Your link doesn't seem to work, but this similar one does.

[Matthew Eicholtz]

Thanks for the help Ryan. Coming up with the pattern does not seem like an easy task, though.

Answer 2

[Matthew Eicholtz]

For anyone still interested in this topic, see the following video: Modeling Contact Forces in a Geneva Drive.

[li jiong]

Can you provide the model file of this case?

Thank you!