You name it!
Short, to the point, informative: our glossary summarizes many terms that can occur in the kinematic environment.
Please let us know if you find other terms relevant, have discovered errors or would like to know more about certain topics.
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A
Active kinematicsThe control of the joint angles of a kinematic system to generate a specific end effector movement.
Adjustable friction hingeA hinge where the friction can be adjusted to adapt the resistance during movement.
Adjustable hingeA hinge where the position or alignment can be adjusted.
Angle-adjustable hingeA hinge that makes it possible to adjust the angle between the connected parts.
Articulated armsThe arms or structures that are present between the joints in a multi-joint kinematic system.
Articulated jointThe connection of two structures or parts by a joint.
Articulated ligamentAn element that connects two parts and enables a rotary movement.
Asynchronous kinematicsKinematics in which the movements do not occur simultaneously.
Automated kinematicsThe application of automation technologies in kinematic systems to improve processes.
Automatic hingeA hinge that is operated by spring mechanisms or other automatic systems.
B
Bearing elementAn element that enables the mounting of joints in a kinematic system.
Bending momentThe moment created by a bending movement, for example in a hinge.
Border hingeA hinge that allows a limited opening movement.
Butt HingeA simple hinge that is often used on doors and consists of two leaves that rotate around a common axis.
Butt hingeA hinge that has shock-absorbing properties to prevent abrupt closing movements.
C
Cardanic jointA joint that enables rotary movements around two axes.
Cavity hingeA hinge that can be installed in cavity structures.
CinematographyThe graphical representation of movements in a kinematic system.
Clamping hingeA hinge that is held in a certain position by tension.
Collision detectionThe ability of a system to recognize the presence of collisions between components and to react to them.
Concealed hingeA hinge that is not visible when the two connected parts are closed.
Conformation spaceThe space of all possible configurations of a kinematic system.
Connecting pieceAn element that connects two kinematic links.
Constant velocity jointA joint that forces the same angular velocity for both links.
Continuous hingeA hinge that extends over the entire length of an object.
Coupling rodAn element that connects two links of a kinematic mechanism.
Cranked hingeA hinge in which the axis does not run in a straight line, but is cranked.
Curved hinge lipA hinge with a curved lip that influences the opening movement.
Cutting speedThe speed at which two kinematic links move relative to each other.
Cycle timeThe time required by a kinematic system to perform a complete movement or operation.
D
Disk crank mechanismA mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear motion, often used in motors.
Displacement measurementThe determination of the distance traveled by a point in a kinematic system.
Door hingeA large hinge that is often used for gates or heavy doors or was developed for this application.
Double hingeA hinge that has two swivel axes and enables complex movements.
Drill-in hingeA hinge that is embedded directly into the material without the need for a separate mounting plate.
Drive jointA joint that is driven by a drive or motor.
E
Encapsulated hingeA hinge that is protected against external influences such as dust or moisture.
End effectorThe last link of a kinematic system that is responsible for performing specific tasks.
Equalization mechanismA mechanism that compensates for unevenness or imbalances in a kinematic system.
Error bandwidthThe range of acceptable errors in the position or orientation of an end effector in a kinematic system.
F
Fatigue strengthThe ability of a hinge to withstand repeated loads over a long period of time.
Flap hingeA hinge designed for folding parts or structures.
Flap hingeA hinge designed for folding and sliding parts.
Flat hingeA hinge with a flat shape, often suitable for thinner materials.
Flexible hingeA hinge made of flexible materials to enable flexible movements.
Folding hingeA hinge that enables parts to be folded together.
Folding hinge mechanismA mechanism based on folding joints and folding movements.
Folding jointA joint designed for folding parts or structures.
Folding jointA joint designed for folding structures or parts.
Folding joint mechanismA mechanism based on folding joints and designed for folding movements.
Folding joint mechanismA mechanism based on hinged joints and designed for folding parts.
Folding kinematicsThe movement patterns generated by joints and folding mechanisms.
Folding kinematicsThe movement patterns generated by folding mechanisms and joints.
Folding kinematicsThe movement patterns generated by valve mechanisms and joints.
Folding-sliding-folding mechanismA mechanism that enables folding as well as pushing and folding movements.
Folding-sliding joint mechanismA mechanism that enables both folding and pushing movements.
Folding swivel mechanismA mechanism that enables both folding and rotating movements.
Four-bar linkageA mechanism based on four joints and used for various applications in kinematics.
Four-joint folding mechanismA mechanism based on four joints that is used for folding objects.
G
Gear reductionThe reduction of speed or force by a gear or kinematic mechanism.
Geometric kinematicsThe analysis of movements while neglecting forces and moments.
Gimbal ringA structure that enables rotary movements in two vertical axes.
Grass yard conditionA condition for the functioning of a four-bar mechanism to enable swinging movements.
Gripper mechanismA cinematic system designed to grip and manipulate objects.
H
Heavy-duty hingeA robust hinge designed for heavy loads or applications.
Hinge bearingThe way in which a hinge is fixed or mounted in an object.
Hinge clampAn additional part that is attached to a hinge to add additional functions such as a damping effect.
Hinge componentsIndividual parts that make up a hinge, such as joints, bolts and mounting plates.
Hinge designThe design and execution of a hinge according to the requirements of the application.
Hinge fasteningThe way in which a hinge is attached or mounted to an object.
Hinge forceThe force that acts on a hinge and causes it to rotate.
Hinge jawA part of the hinge that enables pivoting movement.
Hinge momentThe torque exerted on a hinge.
Hinge plateA plate to which a hinge is attached to connect it to other parts.
Hinge protectionAdditional devices or coatings that protect a hinge from external influences.
Hinge separationThe ability to disassemble a hinge to replace or service parts.
Hinge shapeThe external shape and structure of a hinge, e.g. straight, curved or offset shapes.
Hinge springA spring that is integrated into a hinge to support the return movement or generate damping effects.
Hinge structureThe structural composition and arrangement of a hinge.
Hinge systemA complete system consisting of several hinges and associated components.
Hinge toleranceThe permissible deviation in the dimensions of a hinge.
Hinge typesDifferent hinge designs, e.g. concealed hinges, rod hinges, etc.
Hinged gateA door that is opened and closed by the use of hinges.
Hooke's jointA joint that enables linear-elastic deformation.
Housing hingeA hinge that is built into a housing to protect or conceal it.
I
Insert hingeA hinge that is used in specific applications, such as furniture or vehicles.
InterfaceThe point or area where a kinematic system comes into contact with other parts or systems.
InterferenceEngaging or touching components of a kinematic system.
Internal flap hingeA hinge that is concealed inside a sliding flap mechanism.
Internal flap kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal flap movements.
Internal folding and sliding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal folding and pushing movements.
Internal folding hingeA hinge that is concealed inside a folding mechanism.
Internal folding jointA joint that is concealed inside a folding mechanism.
Internal folding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal folding movements.
Internal folding rotary kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal folding and rotating movements.
Internal folding-sliding-folding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal folding, pushing and folding movements with multiple joints.
Internal folding-sliding-rotary kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal folding, pushing and turning movements.
Internal four-joint folding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal folding movements with four joints.
Internal hingeA hinge that is concealed inside an object when it is closed.
Internal push-folding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal pushing and folding movements.
Internal push-folding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal pushing and folding movements.
Internal rotary kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal rotary movements.
Internal sliding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal thrust movements.
Internal swivel jointA joint that is concealed inside a rotating mechanism.
Internal three-bar kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal rotary movements with three joints.
Internal three-joint folding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal turning and folding movements with three joints.
Internal three-joint sliding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables internal thrust movements with three joints.
Internal thrust swivel jointA joint that is concealed inside a mechanism for pushing and turning movements.
InterpolationThe calculation of intermediate positions between known points in the movement of a kinematic system.
Inverse kinematicsThe calculation of the joint angles required to achieve a desired end effector position.
InvertibilityThe ability to establish a clear assignment between end effector movements and joint angles in a kinematic system.
J
Joint combinationThe arrangement of different joints in a specific combination to produce a specific movement.
Joint connectorAn element that connects several joints.
Joint constructionThe way in which joints are arranged and designed in a kinematic structure.
Joint controlThe ability to specifically control or regulate the movement of a joint.
Joint designThe creative design and execution of joints according to the requirements of an application.
Joint developmentThe process of designing and constructing joints for a specific application.
Joint dimensioningDetermining the correct size and dimensions of a joint for a specific application.
Joint distanceThe distance between two joints in a kinematic structure.
Joint efficiencyThe ratio of actual to theoretical performance of a joint.
Joint frictionThe resistance to movement in a joint caused by friction.
Joint functionThe specific role or function of a joint in a kinematic structure.
Joint loadThe forces that act on a joint during its movement.
Joint offsetThe distance between the actual joint axis and the theoretical joint axis in a kinematic structure.
Joint playThe freedom of movement or the distance between the connected parts of a joint.
Joint positioningThe precise alignment and positioning of joints in a kinematic structure.
Joint productionThe process of producing and manufacturing joints for kinematic applications.
Joint stabilityThe ability of a joint to maintain its position and alignment.
Joint stiffnessThe ability of a joint to provide resistance to deformation or movement.
K
Kinematic analysisThe investigation of movements and forces in a kinematic structure.
Kinematic chain with open loopA sequence of joints and limbs without a closed path.
Kinematic errorsDeviations between the intended and the actual movement in a kinematic system.
Kinematic mechanismThe entirety of the joints and structures that enable a certain movement.
Kinematic modelAn abstract representation of a mechanical system for analysis.
KinetostaticsThe analysis of forces and moments in kinematic systems at rest.
L
Lap Joint HingeA hinge used for overlap joints, e.g. for doors with edge overlap.
Latching hingeA hinge that locks into certain positions and thus ensures a fixed alignment.
Link chainA sequence of joints that are connected to each other in a chain.
Link deformationThe deformation of links in a kinematic system during movement.
Locking hingeA hinge that has a locking function to remain in a certain position.
Locking hingeA hinge that engages in a certain position when closing.
Loop kinematicsA kinematic structure in which there are closed loops of joints.
M
Moment of inertiaThe resistance of a body to changes in its rotational movement.
Motor-driven kinematicsA kinematic system that is driven by a motor.
Multi-joint flap hingeA hinge designed for folding structures with multiple joints.
Multi-joint folding and sliding mechanismA mechanism based on several joints and designed for folding and sliding parts.
Multi-joint folding hinge mechanismA mechanism based on multiple joints and designed for folding parts or structures.
Multi-joint folding kinematicsA kinematic structure based on multiple joints that allows parts to be folded.
Multi-joint folding kinematicsA kinematic structure based on multiple joints that allows parts to be folded.
Multi-joint hinge designThe specific design and execution of a multi-joint hinge according to the requirements of the application.
Multi-joint kinematicsA kinematic structure based on several joints that enables complex movements.
Multi-joint push-folding mechanismA mechanism based on several joints and designed for pushing and folding movements.
Multiple joint hingeA hinge that consists of several joints and enables extended freedom of movement.
O
Optimum kinematicsThe pursuit of efficient and optimal motion sequences in kinematic systems.
P
Parallel robotA kinematic system in which several joints are arranged parallel to each other.
Piano hingeA long, narrow hinge, often used on pianos or large keys.
Pivot pointThe point around which a body rotates or pivots.
Plastic flap hingeA hinge in which plastic materials are used for lighter applications.
Plastic hingeA hinge that uses plastic materials, often lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Position controlThe control of the exact position of joints or end effectors in a kinematic system.
Power amplificationThe ability of a mechanism to amplify the applied force.
Prosthetic kinematicsThe kinematic structure of prostheses that imitate joint movements.
Push chainA kinematic chain that mainly enables linear movements.
Push-fold joint mechanismA mechanism that enables both pushing and folding movements.
Push-folding joint mechanismA mechanism that enables both pushing and folding movements.
Push-folding kinematicsA kinematic structure that enables both pushing and folding movements.
Push-rotate-folding mechanismA mechanism that enables pushing, turning and folding movements.
Q
Quasi-kinematic chainA chain of joints and links located near a kinematic structure.
R
Rack and pinion gearboxA mechanism in which a rack and a gearwheel provide linear movement.
Range of motionThe range that a kinematic system can cover in relation to its joints.
Reverse kinematicsThe calculation of the position and orientation of an end effector based on the joint angles.
Roller jointA joint in which the movement is effected by rolling elements, e.g. ball bearings.
Rotary flap mechanismA mechanism based on turning and folding movements.
Rotation angleThe angle at which a body rotates around its axis.
S
Self-closing hingeA hinge that closes automatically when it is opened.
Self-opening hingeA hinge that enables an automatic opening movement when the tension is released.
Sequential kinematicsThe sequence of movements in a kinematic system, especially in robotics applications.
Shaft couplingA device for connecting shafts in a kinematic system.
Single hingeA single hinge that works alone, as opposed to a pair or group of hinges.
Sliding hingeA hinge that enables translative movement, often used for drawers.
Sliding jointA joint that enables translational movement.
Sliding joint mechanismA mechanism based on sliding joints and designed for linear movements.
Sliding surfaceThe surface on which a joint slides or rotates.
Snap-in hingeA hinge that is attached by simply snapping into place, without screws or tools.
Spatial kinematicsThe analysis of movements in a three-dimensional space.
Speed kinematicsThe analysis of movements with regard to velocities in a kinematic system.
Speed profileThe change in velocity of a point in a kinematic system over time.
Speed ratioThe ratio of velocities between two kinematic links.
StiffnessThe ability of a kinematic system to provide resistance to deformation.
Swivel hingeA hinge that allows pivoting movement.
Swivel joint mechanismA mechanism based on swivel and folding joints.
Synchronous kinematicsKinematics in which the movements take place simultaneously.
T
Three-joint folding mechanismA mechanism based on three joints that is used for folding objects.
Three-joint folding mechanismA mechanism based on three joints and designed for folding structures.
Three-joint gearboxA mechanism with three joints that is often used for certain kinematic applications.
Thrust swivel mechanismA mechanism that enables both pushing and turning movements.
Torqued hingeA hinge in which the axis is twisted to enable certain movement patterns.
Transverse axisThe axis that runs perpendicular to the main axis of a kinematic mechanism.
Two-arm hingeA hinge consisting of two arms that pivot around a common axis.
V
Virtual kinematicsThe use of computer simulations to analyze kinematic movements.
W
Work areaThe range in which a kinematic system can work effectively.