Approximate Motion Generation of an Epicyclic Gear Train With Noncircular Gears Based on Optimization–Homotopy Algorithm

Abstract

This study aims to make approximate motion generation that has multiple solutions to facilitate the selection of the best mechanism parameters. Therefore, an approximate synthesis method for an epicyclic gear train (EGT) with noncircular gears based on optimization–homotopy algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, the multipose synthesis objective function of a simplified model of EGT (planar RR dyad) is established. The approximate motion generation is transformed into the extremum problem of multivariate function, and a variable is introduced to expand the solution space. A homotopy algorithm is used to solve the gradient equation of the objective function to obtain the finite range solution domain. Second, the feasible solution domain of EGT is obtained by identifying the total rotation of revolute joints of the RR dyad, and a mechanism error evaluation index is established. In accordance with actual constraints, the most suitable solution is selected in the feasible solution domain, and the relative angular displacement relationship of the selected RR dyad is used to determine the transmission ratio and pitch curve of noncircular gears to realize the design of an EGT. Lastly, a design example is provided to illustrate the feasibility of the method.