Can a mechanical linkage turn linear constraints into a flawless, continuous orbit?
This mechanism is a variation of the Trammel of Archimedes (ellipsograph), featuring an extended multi-track base to smoothly guide two perpendicular slider pins.
As the shuttles travel back and forth along their fixed linear tracks, the end of the rigid arm maps out a mathematically perfect ellipse.
The parametric formula tracing this path is x = a cos(θ) and y = b sin(θ), where a and b represent the distances from the pen to each slider pin.
It is used to rout oval tables, cut custom picture frames, and guide mechanical cutting tools smoothly.