Some other experiments:

Note that circumference of the cam does not necessarily have to be a multiple of pi!

We could rely on gravity to ensure that the link maintains contact with surface of the cam throughout the motion. Alternatively, we could always use a spring to bring the link into contact with the cam.

Coupling two cams with a Cartesian linkage to draw 2D shapes.

Saying Hi!

The input to the problem of cam profile design is the follower displacement profile which must be specified by the user. It should be expressed either as a function of cam angle \(\theta\) or as a function of time \(t\). A mapping is then constructed to relate \(t\) to \(\theta \). Design parameters include roller radius \(r_f\), base circle radius \(r_b \), and, offset \(e\).

Waldron and Wilson are good recourses to learn about cams.