I am trying to set up a rig for a locomotive/train pantograph. So far I have been able to successfully rig the main moving parts of the pantograph using IK constraints. However, I am having trouble rigging what is known as the yoke assembly.
The yoke assembly is a chain of interconnected pieces (No. 43-47 on diagram) which connect the springs to the rotating spindle (No. 4 on diagram) of the pantograph. It prevents the springs from touching the pantograph frame.
When the pantograph is down , the interconnected pieces lie against rubber stop pads (No. 37-40 on diagram) on the spindle [see section (b)]. As the spindle rotates and the pantograph rises, the interconnected pieces straighten and the tension of the spring causes the interconnected pieces to lift away from the rubber stop pads [see section (a)].
Using ‘stretch to’ constraints, I can get the lowered and raised positions of the pantograph. However, I cannot set up the rig to dynamically move the interconnected pieces as the rotate and lift away from the rubber stop pads.
Can anyone help?
Many thanks in advance.
