An approach for the global search for top-quality six-bar dwell linkages

Abstract

A complete approach for the search of top-quality six-bar linkages based on four-bar linkages generating coupler curves with circular regions has been developed. The approach includes a robust algorithm to search for high-accuracy circular regions in coupler curves and a fitness function able to evaluate the quality of the resulting linkage. The approach is used to explore the design space in order to search for optimal dwell linkages and to identify the types of linkages that provide the best dwells according to the established criteria. Then, the global optimum is searched by means of an evolutionary algorithm. The results demonstrate the efficiency and versatility of the approach, that can be customized for specific applications, and the existence of a high number of six-bar linkages with long output dwells. A highly probable global optimum is identified.