Cams Cam is a common mechanism element that drives a mating component known as the follower.

The cam accepts an input motion similar to a crank and imparts a resultant motion to a follower. Cam Mechanisms The transformation of one of the simple motions, such as rotation, into any other motions is often conveniently accomplished by means of a cam mechanism a cam mechanism usually consists of two moving elements, the cam and the follower, mounted on a fixed frame. Cam devices are versatile, and almost any arbitrarily-specified motion can be obtained. In some instances, they offer the simplest and most compact way to transform motions. A cam may be defined as a machine element having a curved outline or a curved groove, which, by its oscillation or rotation motion, gives a predetermined specified motion to another element called the follower. The cam has a very important function in the operation of many classes of machines, especially those of the automatic type, such as printing presses, shoe machinery, textile machinery, gear-cutting machines, and screw machines. In any class of machinery in which automatic control and accurate timing are paramount, the cam is an indispensable part of mechanism. The possible applications of cams are unlimited, and their shapes occur in great variety. Some of the most common forms will be considered in this chapter. Classification of Cam Mechanisms Plate or Disk Cams are the simplest and most common type of cam. This type of cam is formed on a disk or plate. The follower moves in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the camshaft.

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Cams & Followers

Cylindrical or Drum Cams this type of cam is formed on a cylinder. A groove is cut into the cylinder; w/c varies along the axis of rotation. Attaching a follower that rides in the groove gives the follower motion along the axis of rotation.

Wedge Cam this type of cam is formed on a translated block. Gives the follower motion perpendicular to the plane of translation.

B.

Follower Position In-line follower exhibits straight line motion, such that the line of translation extends through the center of rotation of the cam.

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Cams & Followers

Offset follower exhibits straight line motion, such that the line of motion is offset from the center of rotation of the cam.

C.

Follower Shape Knife-edge follower Consist of a follower that is formed to a point and drags on the edge of the cam.

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Cams & Followers

Roller follower Consist of follower that has separate part, the roller, that is pinned to the follower stem.

Flat-faced follower Consist of a follower that is formed with a large, flat surface available to contact the cam.

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Cams & Followers

Spherical-face follower Consists of a follower formed with a radius face that contacts the cam.

Definitions Rise is the part of the cycle that pushes the follower up.

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Cams & Followers

Dwell is the part of the cycle that keeps the follower stationary

Return is the part of the cycle that brings the follower back down

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Cams & Followers

Base Circle is the smallest circle tangent to the cam profile centered about the cams center of rotation

Trace Point is a reference point on the follower for representing its motion. Pitch Curve path of trace point relative to the cam. Pressure Angle steepness of the cam profile. it is the angle between normal to the pitch curve and the direction of motion of follower.

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Cams & Followers

Follower Displacement Diagram A plot of follower displacement versus time, or cam angular displacement.

When the cam is assumed to rotate at a constant velocity, time can be related to angular displacement and vice versa.

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Cams & Followers

rotation angle of the cam during rise or fall interval (deg)

speed of the cam (deg/time)

total time period for the rise and fall interval

can also be used to determine the required speed of the cam, by observing the time consumed during one cycle. where is the total time for one cycle

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Cams & Followers

Follower Motion Schemes Constant velocity characterized with a straight line displacement diagram because the velocity is uniform.

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Cams & Followers

Motion Curves

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Cams & Followers

Constant Acceleration The displacement diagram for a rise or fall interval is divided into two halves, one of constant acceleration and the other of constant deceleration. The shape of each half of the displacement diagram are mirror-image parabolas.

Motion Curves

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Cams & Followers

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Cams & Followers

Harmonic Motion simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic

motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement.

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Cams & Followers

Cycloidal Motion it is the motion of a point on a disk rolling on a straight line.

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Cams & Followers

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Cams & Followers