Curve-Following Joints

Basic Joint offers two joint sub-types specifically for motion along a curve or between two curves.

Point on Curve Joint

Use the Basic Joint command with the Point on Curve Joint type to create a joint between two bodies. The attachment moves along the connected curve, with the selected point acting as a reference that moves along the curve. The axis begins at the point and the offset is the distance between the point and the zero point.

Example: an orange bracket moves in a linear motion along a green line. The Point on Curve Joint option is used for one joint so that a reference point traces a white curve as the orange bracket moves along the green line; other joints in the same assembly let the point move vertically or horizontally as needed.

You can use the Position Control command to define the cyclic motion of point on curve joints with closed-loop curves.

To better control the motion, you can specify a vector direction in which the attachment body can move.

Where do I find it

• Application: Mechatronics Concept Designer
• Command: Basic Joint

How do I

• Create a point on curve joint

Curve on Curve Joint

Use the Basic Joint command with the Curve on Curve Joint type to create a joint for a rigid body that moves along a guide curve, where the two curves have a single intersection. Use gravity to initiate motion. Use the curve on curve joint to simulate objects rolling or sliding along a curve.

Where do I find it

• Application: Mechatronics Concept Designer
• Command: Basic Joint

How do I

• Create a curve on curve joint

Related topics

• Basic Joint
• Point on Curve Kinematics Chain
• Chain Joint
• Virtual Axis