In short, the transmission characteristic of cam mechanisms is the generation of reciprocating motion. The cam splitter is more stable than a simple cam mechanism, and the transmission characteristics of silent cam mechanism structures are simple, compact, and easy to design. Only by designing an appropriate cam profile, can the follower achieve the expected spatial motion pattern. The disadvantage is that there is point or line contact between the cam contour and the follower, which is prone to wear and tear. The machining of the cam contour is difficult, and the transmission stroke is not large. For example, automatic machine tool feed mechanism, feeding mechanism, internal combustion engine valve distribution mechanism, cam mechanism in printing machines, textile machines, and various electrical switches. Below, we will introduce the characteristics of various cam splitter structures.

1. Cylindrical cam mechanism - a spatial cam mechanism characterized by the relative motion between the cam and the follower being spatial motion, suitable for situations where the motion plane of the follower is parallel to the cam rotation axis. The disadvantage is that it is not suitable for situations with large follower swing angles, and the design of the structure and cam contour curve is more complex than that of planar cam mechanisms.

2. Equal width and equal diameter cam mechanisms - both belong to geometric locking cam mechanisms, where the former is only suitable for situations where the cam contour is completely convex, while the latter allows the cam to have concave parts. The common disadvantage is that the cam can only freely design its profile within the 180o range, while the profile of the other 180o cam must be determined according to the conditions of equal width or diameter, so the free selection of its follower motion law is limited to some extent.

3. Flat bottomed follower cam mechanism has the advantage that oil film is easy to form at the contact between the flat bottomed follower and the cam contour, and the pressure angle is constant (usually zero degree), the wear is small, the transmission is stable, and the bearing capacity and transmission efficiency are high, so it is suitable for high-speed occasions. The disadvantage is that the cam profile must be completely convex.

4. Disc cam mechanism and moving cam mechanism - both belong to planar cam mechanism, characterized by the relative motion between the cam and the follower being planar motion, and the design of the cam contour curve is simpler than that of spatial cam mechanism. When the active cam rotates as a fixed axis, a disc cam mechanism is used; When the active cam moves back and forth, a moving cam mechanism is used.

5. Sharp bottom follower cam mechanism - The advantage is its simple structure, but the disadvantage is that the sharp bottom is prone to wear, so it is only suitable for situations with low force and low speed.

6. Force locking cam mechanism - The advantage is that the locking method is simple, suitable for various types of cam mechanisms, and there is no restriction on the motion law of the follower. The disadvantage is that when using springs to achieve force locking, the locking force changes significantly during the return journey.

7. Slot cam mechanism - is a simple geometric locking method, and the motion law of the follower is not limited. The disadvantage is that it increases the overall size and weight of the cam, and can only use roller followers.

8. Roller follower cam mechanism - The advantage is that there is rolling friction between the roller and the cam contour, which has less wear and can be used to transmit larger power, so it is widely used. The disadvantage is that if the roller radius is not selected properly, it can easily cause motion distortion.

9. Conjugate cam mechanism - is another type of geometric locking cam mechanism, with the advantage that the motion law of the follower is not limited and the cam profile can be designed within a 360o range. The disadvantage is that the structure and design are complex, and the processing and installation requirements are high, otherwise there may be jamming or empty stroke.