Automated Classification of Synthesized Linkage Mechanisms

Abstract

In this research work we present preliminary results about the automated classification of mechanism solutions satisfying a given kinematic problem. This research area merges the conceptual and detailed design stages of mechanisms, which are strongly affected by the combinatorial explosion of this kind of problem. In general, an automated conceptual design process often consists of three stages, (i) generation of alternatives or feasible design s, (ii) evaluation of alternatives, and (iii) classification and selection of the best concepts. In terms of linkage mechanisms, the generation stage means to obtain, up to certain complexity, all non isomorphic mechanisms able to satisfy topological and design constraints. Among several design constraints, we consider the given kinematic problem and an allowed space. Alternatives are exhaustively generated by using software for type and dimensional synthesis developed by the authors, already presented in previous AMCA congresses. The evaluation stage consists in the measurement of several indexes related to the satisfaction of discrete (topological) and continuous requirements. The method used for classification is illustrated by means of a path generation example. The classification of solutions aids the designer to evaluate the influence of objectives and design constraints as well as to take complex design decisions. In future works, the selection process will also be systematized.