Motion for Components Mated with Linear Couplers

You can define linear/linear coupler mates to set up linearly coupled motion between components in models.

To set up the linearly coupled motion between two components of an assembly, create a linear/linear coupler mate between the two components, and apply a linear motion element such as a linear motor to one of the coupled components.

When specifying the linear/linear coupler mate, you can set up linearly coupled motion with respect to ground or with respect to a reference component.

Reference Components for Linear/Linear Coupler Mates

You can select reference components for components mated for linearly coupled motion.

The assembly origin or ground is the default point of reference for the measurement of linear displacement of components mated with linear couplers. When you select a reference component for a mated component in a linear/linear coupler mate, the linear displacement of the mated component is measured with respect to the selected reference component, rather than ground.

When required, select reference components when you specify linear/linear coupler mates in the Mates PropertyManager.

Specifies the first mated component and its motion direction.
Specifies the reference component for the first mated component.
Specifies the second mated component and its motion direction.
Specifies the reference component for the second mated component.
You can select the same reference component for each mated component.

Linearly Coupled Motion Ratio

The ratio of the coupled linear motion is the ratio of the linear displacement of the first mated component to that of the second mated component. Displacement is measured relative to the reference component. You can define this ratio when you define a linear/linear coupler mate for linearly coupled motion.

Specify the coupled motion ratio when you specify linear/linear coupler mates in the Mates PropertyManager.

Specifies the displacement of the first mated component along its direction of motion.
Specifies the displacement of the the second mated component along its direction of motion when the first mated component is displaced by the distance you specify in the first ratio entry.
The ratio is computed as the quotient of the two relative displacements. In this example, for every millimeter of displacement of the first mated component in its direction of motion, the second mated component is displaced two millimeters in its direction of motion.