Abstract
In this paper, the dimensional synthesis of the four-bar mechanism for path generation is formulated using the relative angle motion analysis and the link geometry parameterization with Cartesian coordinates. The Optimum Dimensional Synthesis using Relative Angles and the Cartesian space link Parameterization (ODSRA+CP) is stated as an optimization problem, and the solution is given by the differential evolution variant DE/best/1/bin. This study investigates the behavior and performance of such formulation and performs a comparative empirical study with the well-known synthesis method based on vector-loop equation motion analysis where different modifications in the metaheuristic algorithms are established in the literature to improve the obtained solution. Five study cases of dimensional synthesis for path generation with and without prescribed timing are solved and analyzed. The empirical results show that the way of stating the optimization problem in the ODSRA+CP significantly improves the search process for finding promising solutions in the optimizer without requiring algorithm modifications. Therefore, it is confirmed that the optimizer search process in the optimal synthesis of mechanisms is not the only way of improving the obtained solutions, but also the optimization problem formulation has a significant influence on the search for better solutions.
Highlights
O Ne of the most recurrent mechanisms in the development of machines and systems is the four-bar mechanism since it can be used for endless tasks
RESULTS the ODSRA+CP approach is applied to five study cases of the dimensional synthesis of four-bar mechanisms for path generation
In the ODSVLE+VP approach, the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) was used to solve the associated optimization problem for the study case 1, and the results indicated that ICA shows an outstanding result with regards to the Genetic Algorithm(GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Parallel simulated annealing and Differential Evolution (DE) in its variant DE/rand/1/exp
Summary
O Ne of the most recurrent mechanisms in the development of machines and systems is the four-bar mechanism since it can be used for endless tasks. Some examples where these mechanisms are applied are in [1], where the four-bar mechanism is used to design an exoskeleton that helps in gait rehabilitation. In [2], this mechanism is used to generate tasks related to the natural movement of the upper limb to use in the rehabilitation process of patients. In all previously mentioned examples, the dimensional synthesis process is carried out in the four-bar mechanism to be able to use it in the specific application. Through a finite number of points, named desired or precision points, the representation of a discrete path can be followed by a position in the coupler link, named coupler point
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
