Multi-criteria design optimization of cam mechanisms combining different splines given by checkpoints

Abstract

This paper proposes a universal optimal approach to cam curve design. This approach consists of three main issues: the polynomial representation of splines given by checkpoints defining the specific motion of the follower; the connection of these splines by different degree of fitting in order to combine them in the entire cam profile and the optimization according to the objectives and the constraints formulated for different zones of the cam profile. An illustrative example is given based on the optimization of a production machine cam profile. The given simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.