On the Extension of a Fourier Descriptor Based Method for Planar Four-Bar Linkage Synthesis for Generation of Open and Closed Paths

In an earlier work, we have presented an efficient method for synthesizing crank-rocker mechanisms that are capable of generating perceptually simple and smooth low harmonic closed curves. In this paper, we seek to extend this approach to the synthesis of planar four-bar linkages for the generation of open curves. Instead of using Fourier transform that requires a function to be defined over the entire period, we combine finite Fourier series in a curve fitting scheme for the approximation of periodic as well as nonperiodic paths. This yields a general method for planar four-bar path generation that is applicable to both closed and open paths.