Energy loss comparison between kinematically equivalent mechanisms: Slider-crank and eccentric cam

Abstract

The reduction of energy consumption in industrial processes is a challenge to be confronted within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The present study compares the energy loss per cycle of two kinematically equivalent mechanisms: a slider-crank and an eccentric cam with a translational roller follower. We use the work-energy theorem to evaluate energy losses by using a viscous friction model in a stationary regime. The innovation of this study lies in the energetic comparison to identify the best and worst alternatives by analyzing the contribution of their main geometrical parameters, such as crank length, rod-crank length ratio, roller radius and follower offset. The aim is to provide guidelines to help machinery designers to take relevant preliminary decisions that affect energy efficiency. Herein, we include analytical models, numerical simulations and experimental results using a test stand that can be adapted to other planar one degree-of-freedom mechanisms. In this context, we conclude that an eccentric cam mechanism with a big roller radius and no offset provides the best energetic efficiency among the aforementioned mechanisms.