Closed kinematic chains with revolute joints

ralph_stirling

Is it possible to make closed kinematic chains with bars and revolute joints, and have them stay connected while adjusting joint angles?  I've been playing with a five-bar planar manipulator model, and not achieving success.  I'm quite new to OnShape, so may be building my assembly incorrectly. 

My play model is at: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/953be8731a3021a4fde4e2bf/w/b266e1e6c74cca763dd277a0/e/7bbe4b301279a0e277061bad

Thanks,
-- Ralph

NeilCooke

Hi @ralph_stirling - your doc is shared as a link and can't be copied/edited - please make it public. Try fixing the orange base (right-click / fix) so that the whole thing doesn't move around.

ralph_stirling

Thanks Neil.  I've shared it and fixed the base.

NeilCooke

You can't add a revolute mate to attach the last two links because it introduces tolerance errors (this is a system limitation and not anything to do with what you are trying to do). Use a cylindrical mate instead.