Optimal Design of the Path of Chain Link Systems

Abstract

A general method for the design of the optimal path for a constant velocity chain system is presented. Both the dynamic effects and the kinematic effects of finite sized links have been incorporated into a dynamic model for arbitrary chain paths. A direct perturbation solution is developed for small amplitude oscillations. This model is then used to optimize chain paths for minimum position error and speed variation. An example of an optimized chain path for an oval configuration operating at low speed is presented.