Automatic Procedures as Help for Optimal Cam Design

ABSTRACT In this work we suggest a synthesis of recent results obtained on the application of soft-computing techniques to solve typical automatic machines design problems. Particularly, here we show an optimization method based on the application of a specialized algorithms ruled by a generalized software procedures, which appears able to help the mechanical designer in the first part of the design process, when he has to choose among different wide classes of solutions. In this frame, among the different problems studied, we refer here about the choice of the best class of motion profiles, to be imposed to a cam follower, which must satisfy prefixed design specifications. A realistic behaviour of the system is considered and the parameter model identification is set up by a soft computing procedure. The design, based on theoretical knowledge, sometimes is not sufficient to fulfil desired dynamical performances, in this situation, a residual optimization is achieved with the help of another optimizing method. The problem of a cam-follower design is presented. A class of motion profiles and the best theoretical motion profile is selected by an evolutionary algorithm. A realistic model is considered and its parameter identification is achieved by a genetic algorithm. The residual optimization is achieved by a servomotor optimized by another genetic algorithm. Evolutionary approach is used during all the design process and, as was shown, it allows really interesting performance in terms of simplicity of the design process and in terms of performance of the product.