Evolutionary Based Optimal Synthesis of Four-Bar Mechanisms

Abstract

Graphical and analytical syntheses have been well applied to path, motion and function generation of planar mechanisms. Optimization techniques in common, require “good initial guesses” and do not necessarily converge to a solution. This paper presents a methodology to synthesize mechanisms employing an evolutionary optimization approach technique known as Differential Evolution. The initial bounds for the design variables are defined automatically using a newly developed and novel technique called the Geometric Centroid of Precision Points. Optimum synthesis of four-bar linkages for path generation with user defined accuracy level at required precision points is discussed.