Point on Curve Kinematics Chain

Create a chain that follows a path using a Point on Curve Joint and a lead rigid body with trailing rigid bodies.

You must select a lead rigid body assigned to at least one Point on Curve joint with its Motion Type set to Kinematics, and follower rigid bodies not assigned to any joint.

For example, you can select a single bicycle chain link as the lead rigid body, and the remaining links as trailing rigid bodies.

To better control the motion of a point on curve kinematics chain you can specify a vector in which the attachment body can move.

You can use the Speed Control or Position Control command to assign an actuator to move the chain.

When you use the Point on Curve Kinematics Chain command instead of the Chain Joint command to create a chain, you reduce the physics solver calculations and simplify the motion during simulation — a performance-oriented alternative for long repetitive chains (conveyor chains, bicycle-style chains, etc.) that only need to track a defined curve rather than fully articulate via hinge joints between every link.

Where do I find it

• Application: Mechatronics Concept Designer
• Command: Point on Curve Kinematics Chain

Related topics

• Adopt Assembly Constraints or Joints and Couplers
• Chain Joint
• Basic Joint — Point on Curve Joint
• Virtual Axis
• Joint Jogger