A procedure is presented for generating any desired function using an eight-link mechanism incorporating optimized non-circular gear elements. Non-circular gears are synthesized to regulate the relative displacements between two of the eight links. The coordinated steering of automobiles is presented as an illustrative example of function generation incorporating eight links and optimized non-circular gears. Minimization of the non-circularity of the gear elements for certain linkage parameters is included. A graphical display of the linkage along with the corresponding non-circular gear elements is given.
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