Tech Tip: Tutorial on Closed Chain Kinematics in DELMIA

When working with closed chain kinematics in DELMIA, particularly for a Tip Dress in this video tutorial, it is essential to follow a step-by-step approach to make sure you have accurate motion control and functionality. During this video tutorial you will learn the following steps:

Initial Steps

1. Isolate the Tip Dress

   1. Begin by isolating the Tip Dress to prevent any interference from other tools.
   2. Right click on Tip Dress (TIP DRESS A) and choose the option to open in a new window. This isolation allows for easy manipulation of the Tip Dress components.

Defining Kinematics

2. Kinematics Workspace

   1. Once the Tip Dress is isolated, head into the Kinematic Workspace by clicking on the Kinematics tab at the bottom.
   2. Click “Define Kinematics” to start setting up the kinematic relationships between parts. Here you’ll anchor the based to create a fixed reference point for other movements.
   3. With the base anchored, you can now set up joints for the remaining components of the Tip Dress – such as the dresser, the cylinder, and the rod.

Joint Customization

1. Setting Joints

   1. For the Dresser: Use the Revolute Joint an the Define Plane tool to establish the rotation plane by aligning the circle with three dots on the desired plane. Then link it to the base as a non-command joint.
   2. For the Cylinder: Repeat the process used for the dresser, to make sure it’s set as a non-command joint with the base.
   3. For the Rod: Use the Revolute joint and the Define Plane tool, snapping the compass to the circle’s edge, and set the dresser as a non-command joint.

2. Prismatic Joint for Rod

   1. The rod also needs a Prismatic Joint. This is where you manipulate the compass into the correct orientation. Open the edit window by double clicking on the circle or right clicking the compass and selecting edit.
   2. In the edit window you’ll be able to rotate the compass freely. Rotate it 180 degrees to align the W’s towards the cylinder, indicating the correct orientation for the joint’s movement.
   3. Set the cylinder as the command joint after orientation. This makes the cylinder the primary driver of the Tip Dress’s Kinematics.

Final Steps

1. Saving and Updating

   1. With all joints and orientations set up correctly, make sure to save your work to capture all kinematic relationships.
   2. Update the setup to make sure all new changes are applied, then exit the configuration window to return to the main assembly workspace.

2. Activating the Tip Dress in the Assembly

   1. Within the main toolbox, access the mechanism manager to integrate the Tip Dress into the overall assembly.
   2. Select the assembly tab, mark the checkbox to activate the kinematics, and click OK to confirm.
   3. Click the jog function to test the motion of the Tip Dress. This can be used by sliding the control bar or inputting specific values to move the Tip Dress within the constraints set by the cylinder’s command joint.

By following these steps, you will have successfully configured a Tip Dress with closed chain kinematics using the DELMIA tooling for accurate and reliable motion. Feel free to rewatch the tutorial and use these steps to understand each component’s role and how they interact within the Closed Chain Kinematics process in DELMIA.