Geneva mechanism

The Geneva mechanism device, which is created using one of the Geneva Mechanism templates provided with the Vectorworks software, produces intermittent rotational motion of the driven part (index plate) while the driver rotates at a constant speed.

The recommended procedure to include a Geneva mechanism in an existing Vectorworks drawing is to create it in a separate document and then copy and paste it into the drawing and convert it to a group by selecting it and selecting Modify > Convert > Convert to Group.

To create a Geneva mechanism object:

Select File > New.

The Create Document dialog box opens.

Select Use document template, and choose the Geneva Mechanism (Imperial).sta or Geneva Mechanism (Metric).sta template.

For version 2019 and later, the required .sta files are located in the [Vectorworks]\Libraries\Objects - Miscellaneous_Entourage\Machine Design\Templates folder. Copy the template file you need into your [User]\Libraries\Defaults\Templates folder.

The new file opens with a Geneva mechanism inserted by default. The Geneva mechanism’s properties can be edited from the Object Info palette.

Click to show/hide the parameters.Click to show/hide the parameters.

Parameter

Description

Number of Points

Enter the number of points on the index plate

Center Distance

Enter the distance between the center of the index plate and the driver

Follower Dia.

Enter the follower diameter

Cam Clearance

Enter the cam clearance

Cam Dia.

Enter the cam diameter

Driver Dia.

Enter the driver diameter

Index Plate Dia. (Ref.)

Displays the diameter of the index plate

Follower Dist. (Ref.)

Displays the follower distance

Cam Cutout Radius (Ref.)

Displays the cam cutout radius

Lighting Holes

Places lighting holes on the driver

Number

Enter the number of lighting holes

Diameter

Enter the diameter of the lighting holes

Center Distance

Enter the distance between the center of the lighting holes about the driver

Show Center Marks

Places center mark symbols on the index plate and cam/driver

Show Center Lines

Draws the index plate and cam/driver with center lines

Animating Geneva mechanism movement