New and Revised Mechanism Classifications: Proposal and Motivation

Abstract

Twenty textbooks on Mechanism and Machine Theory (MMT) have been analyzed, revealing, for the most part, a reduced number of figures of practical machines and mechanisms. Also noted is a de-emphasis of MMT in engineering curricula, and reduced funding of Mechanical Engineering research, while industry-academia collaboration is hindered by bureaucracy and intellectual-property ownership issues. It is believed that Mechanism and Machine Science (MMS) can regain of its importance by extending mechanism classification to include categories such as: Motion transformers, Repetitive mechanisms, Deployable structures, Motion structures, Controllable motion generators, Controllable path generators etc. It is also suggested to distinguish between topologic and kinematic inversions, and to use the term “isomer” for identical mechanisms having prismatic joints arranged either slider-guide or guide-slider.