A New Approach to Shape Optimization for Closed Path Synthesis of Planar Mechanisms

Abstract

A method for the synthesis of four-bar mechanisms to generate closed paths through shape optimization is herein introduced. The objective function is not based on Fourier descriptors, but rather on the cyclic angular deviation (CAD) vector associated with a set of desired points on the curve. A simple method is introduced to account for the starting point shift between the desired CAD and the generated one. Following shape optimization, a simple mathematical approach is devised to properly scale, rotate, and translate the mechanism to the desired configuration. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.