USE OF ORTHOGONAL ARRAYS IN MECHANISM SYNTHESIS

No single optimization method exists that is best suited to solve all path generation problems effectively [Erdman 1991]. Graphical illustrations of the mechanism design space, given in this paper, attest to the difficulties encountered in the optimization of path generation tasks. An example has also been provided to illustrate the importance of a good initial guess in achieving proper convergence. Use of experimental design techniques that are based on statistically designed orthogonal arrays is suggested in this paper, as an alternate method to solve mechanism design tasks. It will also be beneficial to use this method to obtain a good starting point for the traditional optimal synthesis procedures. Also, when a theoretical solution is translated into physical reality, manufacturing tolerances, joint clearances, and elasticity in link members cause variations in mechanism performance. Orthogonal arrays and the related robust design procedures, suggested here, account for such variations as well. Design examples are given to illustrate the use of orthogonal arrays.