The size-minimization of planar cam mechanisms

Cam-size minimization is understood here as the process of selecting the ge ometric parameters of a camfollower mechanism of the smallest possible size , while observing constraints on performance indicators such as pressure an gle, cam-profile radius of curvature, etc. In this paper, procedures for th e optimization of planar cam mechanisms under pressure-angle constraints ar e proposed. The problem of cam-area minimization is reduced to solving a se t of nonlinear equations. The proposed procedures are then illustrated with the design of quick-return mechanisms and with the synthesis of a cam mech anism to replace a complex transmission device. A graphic user interface (G UI), which allows the user to perform the optimization interactively, is al so introduced. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.