Page 25 - Cam Design Handbook

THB1 8/15/03 2:42 PM Page 13

INTRODUCTION 13

FIGURE 1.18. Spherical cam—oscillating roller
follower.

FIGURE 1.19. Three-dimensional cam—Meehanite cams used in the manufacture of the solid
aluminum blade shown. Employed as the master in cutting the proper contours in the face and side
of the blade. (Courtesy United Aircraft Corp., East Hartford, Conn.).

axis. Thus, the position of the translating follower is dependent on both the angular
and translational cam positions. The three-dimensional cam has limited application
because of its high fabrication cost, high frictional forces that may be induced, and large
space requirements.
The inverse cam is one in which the element corresponding to the follower of a cam
mechanism is utilized as the driver. Figure 1.20 shows this cam mechanism with an oscil-
lating roller driving a translating follower having a curved face. If the profile were a