Waved-wheel Cam: Ideal Follower Event-rate Calculator

Posted by Robbie Dickson on

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A waved cam wheel can drive a follower repeatedly as its undulating profile rotates. This calculator compares two entered RPM and wave-count scenarios using one ideal event per wave.

Waved-wheel Cam to Upright Bar Interactive Calculator

Enter RPM and identical-wave count for two cases. Each wave is assumed to cause one follower event; outputs are encounter-rate conversions—not cam-profile or follower-dynamics calculations.

0°

Ideal case A event rate
--
Ideal case B event rate
--
Ideal case A event frequency
--
Ideal case B event frequency
--

Equation Used

ideal events per minute=N rpm × w waves/rev; ideal event frequency=Nw/60 Hz.
Wave count is rounded to an integer by the calculator. A physical cam also requires a defined lift law, follower geometry, preload, material, lubrication and dynamic checks.
  • Each identical wave causes exactly one counted follower event.
  • Entered RPM is constant.
  • Wave count is rounded to an integer.
  • Both cases are independent scenarios.
  • Lift, dwell, velocity, acceleration, jerk, contact stress, spring force, wear and resonance are omitted.
FIRGELLI Automations - Interactive Mechanism Calculators
Same mechanism and inputs as the interactive calculator.

Waved Cam and Follower Context

U.S. Patent 3,058,369 describes a waved cam wheel kept in engagement with a follower assembly and used for repeated follower actuation. The patent also emphasizes contact stress, which this rate-only calculator does not evaluate.

What This Calculator Represents

The tool converts rotational speed and integer waves per revolution into ideal event count for two independent cases.

Ideal Encounter-Rate Calculation

events/min=Nw
events/s=Nw/60

One event per wave is an explicit counting assumption.

Worked Comparison

At 60 rpm, four waves produce 240 ideal events/min or 4 Hz; six waves produce 360 ideal events/min or 6 Hz.

Assumptions and Limits

  • Calculated: ideal event count and frequency.
  • Illustrated: two waved wheels and translating followers.
  • Not calculated: a user-defined lift law, dwell, derivatives, loads, contact stresses, wear, vibration or safe speed. The illustration computes contact with its chosen cam profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one wave always one full stroke?

It is the calculator's explicit counting assumption.

Is lift calculated?

No.

Are acceleration and jerk checked?

No.

Is wave count continuous?

No; it is rounded to an integer.

Are the cases mechanically coupled?

No.

Can this set a safe cam speed?

No.

References

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