Model-based tool for design of excavator digging kinematics

In this thesis, a study of the kinematics of the digging equipment of an excavator is carried on. A model was built for Boom, Arm and Bucket through the use of Excel sheets with the intent of helping the designer in the preliminary stages of the design of a new machine. The model was then validated with the design of a bucket linkage for which prototypes were developed and tested.