Abstract:
This paper presents an interval analysis based approach for analysis and optimization of planar mechanisms including the effect of link lengths tolerances and joint clearances. Mathematical models describing the effect of the mechanical errors on the desired output parameters of the mechanism are derived, followed by the commissioning of an ant-gradient based optimization scheme to find the maximum possible deviations in them. A new optimization approach is also devised to design a four bar mechanism with minimal sensitivity to clearances and tolerances. An analysis case study is presented and the results are displayed in the form of fuzzy membership functions and compared with results obtained using a similar approach. An example on optimum synthesis of a four-bar mechanism with joint clearances and link tolerances for hybrid exact-approximate points trajectory is also presented. Insights based on the assessment of the results are introduced. Copyright © 2006 by ASME.