Some Applications of the Cycloid in Machine Design

Cycloidal motions have many applications in mechanical engineering. The multi-lobed epicycloid has sharply pointed cusps; therefore, a machine element performing an epicyclic motion can be utilized for performing operations requiring a corresponding action, like folding of flexible materials or feeding of components from a stack. A speed reducer, distinguished by extreme compactness, is based on the use of an epitrochoidal cam. Linkages which perform approximately straight-line motions can be designed so that they approximate the motion of the center of the generating circle of an orthocycloid.