Abstract
A new approach to the synthesis of planar linkage mechanisms with fuzzy constraints is proposed. Design methods for two exact positions and an unlimited number of approximate positions are presented. The use of approximate specifications allows the designer to represent design objectives more realistically. A precision position synthesis approach is used to generate a three-dimensional solution space of dyads satisfying all exact and approximate constraints. The three-dimensional solution space is reduced to a two-dimensional ground-pivot map. Computer implementation of the proposed methodologies would allow designers with little or no knowledge of the synthesis techniques to interactively explore maps of solutions for four-bar motion generation. [S1050-0472(00)00803-5]