ABSTRACT
The generalized concepts of kinematic design use models based on the point contact of infinitely rigid spheres, cylinders or flats. Clearly this is not possible in practice as materials have a finite stiffness and will deform upon any real contact. This chapter begins with a discussion of the behaviour of real smooth contacts and the subsequent implications for precision design. It goes on to consider the implications for drives and locations and so to the design of couplings for transmitting forces in a desired direction without inducing significant parasitic forces in other directions.
