Automatic search algorithm for mechanism based on incidence matrix eliminating element method

An automatic search algorithm based on incidence matrix eliminating element method was proposed to solve the problems of automatic searching and information extraction for mechanism in simulation environment. Incidence matrix for part was constructed by this method. All components and kinematic pairs were searched by eliminating nonzero element in incidence matrix. Consequently, the count of mechanisms was computed and the information of components and kinematic pairs which belonged to the same mechanism was identified and extracted. This method provided foundation for the mechanism motion simulation and enhanced the level of automation. It was implemented and validated in the prototype system of Virtual Assembly Process Planning(VAPP).