Generation of Conceptual Mechanism Designs Based on Natural Forms and Shape Formation of Living Creatures.

Abstract

This paper proposes methodologies for generating conceptual designs of a system of mechanisms that includes functional elements, such as rotational joints, and uses these methodologies as a tool for design optimization. The organization of structural shapes and functional elements is, as much as possible, created without any preconceived ideas, from a "seed" element where the initially given detailed information is kept to a minimum. The seed element grows into a complete structural system in the feasible design region, by creating external shapes and growing inner structures which incorporate the generation of joints. Here, knowledge of and rules concerning the natural forms and shape formation of living creatures are used as fundamental criteria for generating joints. Practical procedures for generating machine structures for holding an object at plural points in a feasible space are explained, and applied examples are given to demonstrate these proposed methodologies.