Development of a spherical linkage mechanism with the aid of the dynamic spatial geometry program "GECKO"

Abstract

In this presentation the development of a spherical linkage mechanism for passenger vehicle swivel joint tow coupling is reviewed. The idea for the swivel joint tow coupling emerged after a cooperation between the Department of Mechanism Theory and Dynamics of Machines (IGM) of the RWTH-Aachen University and a market leading manufacturer of tow bar mechanisms. Presently, the swivel joint mechanism has been patented worldwide [1]. Additionally, a prototype of the tow coupling is currently in an advanced design phase, in which the possibilities for cost optimization and suitability for series production are assessed. The dimensions of the spherical mechanism were defined using the dynamic spatial geometry program "GECKO" currently developed at IGM. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.