Cam profile optimization for the delivery system of an offset press

Abstract

In this paper, a relatively new strategy known as unified optimization is applied to the cam profile optimization for the delivery system of an offset press by integrating the procedure of single objective optimization with ADAMS software. The proposed approach mainly consists of two parts that includes a single objective optimization procedure and a multibody dynamic model of cam–follower mechanism. For the procedure of single objective optimization, the design process starts from defining the follower acceleration profile by using a modified trapezoidal curve, then genetic algorithm is adopted to determine the evaluating indexes for the kinematic behavior of cam–follower mechanism in multiobjective optimization. Subsequently, sequential quadratic programming, which deals well with equality and inequality constrains, is selected as single objective optimized algorithm in this part. On the other hand, the dynamic simulation developed by ADAMS software is carried out to investigate the dynamic characteristics of cam–follower mechanism. Finally, an optimization cycle, also known as iterative process, is proposed to implement the procedure of single objective optimization and dynamic simulation alternately to improve the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of cam–follower mechanism fully. The cam profile optimization method presented in this paper provides a new tool for cam designers to avoid the undesirable impact and follower jump.