Cineversity

Hello,
I’m seeking some guidance on a mechanical hinge rig without using Dynamics/Connectors. Currently I have a motor with an arm (yellow) that drives a pushrod (red), which drives the hinge horn(blue). I’m parenting the pushrod to the arm and using an UpVector Constraint to aim the pushrod at the connection of the pushrod and horn (star shape). The horn’s pivot is at its base and it’s also using an UpVector Constraint to aim at the connection with the pushrod. This sort of works, but there is some sliding at the end of the animation that doesn’t really sell that these objects are connected. Also, there’s a nasty pop out of position at Frame 0 (screen captures attached).

I think it’s an issue with the cycle I’ve created: both objects are targeted to Nulls that are parented to the other. The animation is closer when the Pushrod’s UpVector constraint is a higher Priority.

Can you please suggest a better way for connecting these mechanical objects? My scene file is also attached. Thank you!

Hi blastframe,

I would do it with Joints and IK, whereby the ‘Horn’ (as in your animation) would be the driving force. Yes, I’m aware that the motor should do that, but it would be way more complicated. In the end the rendered animation is my target.

Let me know if you have any question about this setup.

Scene file
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/aHSrnk6gHWO7R0GDjpBRbEMwIMWdUXA2ESQGbDUioM0

Cheers

This solution is very smart, Dr. Sassi. I spent all night and morning trying to figure this out (and you did it in :15), so thank you!! :-D

You’re very welcome, blastframe, thanks for the very nice feedback.

My best wishes for your project