The paper proposes a method for the optimal synthesis of planar mechanisms, where a combination of cams and linkages is used in order to obtain a precise path generation. As a first step, based on Gruebler’s mobility criterion, a linkage mechanism is considered, with as many degrees of freedom as required by the generation task. One or more disk cams are then synthesized in order to reduce the system’s mobility and to obtain a single-input combined mechanical system. The final combined mechanism is able to guide a coupler point through any number of precision positions. A strategy for the global optimization of the synthesis process, based on evolutionary theory, is also proposed. A goal function is defined on the basis of dimensional and kinematic constraints and performance criteria, while a genetic algorithm is employed as an optimum searching procedure. An industrial application of the proposed methodology is described, where a path generation problem with time prescription is dealt with. The objective of the generation task is to guide a coupler point along a figure-eight trajectory, with a constant tangential velocity. Such a task is required by polishing machines for fiber optic connectors and similar components. A kinematic simulation of the optimal mechanism is used to validate the proposed synthesis methodology.
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e-mail: d.mundo@unical.it
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November 2006
Research Papers
Optimal Synthesis of Cam-Linkage Mechanisms for Precise Path Generation
D. Mundo,
D. Mundo
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
e-mail: d.mundo@unical.it
University of Calabria
, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
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J. Y. Liu,
J. Y. Liu
Department of Power Mechanical Engineering,
National Formosa University
, Huwei 63208, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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H. S. Yan
H. S. Yan
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
National Cheng Kung University
, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Search for other works by this author on:
D. Mundo
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Calabria
, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italye-mail: d.mundo@unical.it
J. Y. Liu
Department of Power Mechanical Engineering,
National Formosa University
, Huwei 63208, Taiwan, R.O.C.
H. S. Yan
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
National Cheng Kung University
, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, R.O.C.J. Mech. Des. Nov 2006, 128(6): 1253-1260 (8 pages)
Published Online: January 2, 2006
Article history
Received:
June 19, 2005
Revised:
January 2, 2006
Citation
Mundo, D., Liu, J. Y., and Yan, H. S. (January 2, 2006). "Optimal Synthesis of Cam-Linkage Mechanisms for Precise Path Generation." ASME. J. Mech. Des. November 2006; 128(6): 1253–1260. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2337317
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