Ants Agents and Automatons
Cams and followers are simple but powerful mechanisms. This post introduced two of the many possibilities that these mechanism afford: first, cams and followers can be used to change rotary or circular motion into linear motion, second, cams can be rotate on their axel to generate regular timing of events.
The post begins with a how-to video showing the design of a basic cam and follower system. Below that are several external examples that show cams in motion and how different creators are using them in projects.
Video
More about cams …
Rob Ives
Automaton maker Rob Ives offers detailed tutorials and models that demonstrate and employ a variety of simple mechanisms including cams.
Check out his cams page to go further with these ideas.
And then, consider the wide range of models demonstrating various mechanisms including cams, linkages, gears and more.
Cam powered Ball Bouncer
Instagram user @engineezy_ uses double cams to set /control the timing in this synchronous ball bouncing automaton.
The Archer
Instagram user @mechanicalcreations uses double sided cams in the creation of their archer automaton:
Going Further
Check out other tangible introductions to simple mechanisms and fusion360 design ideas:
Intro to Simple Gears.