Language of Kinematics as Analytical Tool for Junior TMM Students

Structural analysis is an essential part of the TMM course, since it presents fundamental concepts and creates methodologies for analyzing and solving a wide range of problems related to mechanism study and design. Over the last 150 years, methods for modeling the interaction of linkages have been devised, permitting the construction of many technical devices and being documented in textbooks. The theory of kinematic pairs gained a fresh boost around the turn of the 20 and 21 centuries. New sophisticated classification approaches propose moving away from the dichotomy of higher vs. lower pairs. However the traditional approach to structural analysis has particular methodological relevance for junior TMM students. It contributes to developing a specific point of view and serves as a tool for analysis. Following Reuleaux we refer to these as the language of kinematics. The language of kinematics is composed of elements (objects, concepts, designations) that can be combined according to systematic rules in the context of a certain engineering reality. The article demonstrates how the systematic use of the elements of the language of kinematics can be used to fill gaps in TMM study course.