Creative design of planetary gear-cam mechanisms

Abstract

This study aims to develop new structures for planetary gear-cam mechanisms (PGCMs) using a newly modified creative design methodology. To begin, the design requirements and constraints are outlined based on the kinematics of PGCMs already in use. The structural synthesis theory is then used to make 110 PGCMs by adding different joints to spanning trees to create viable specialized chains. Each viable chain is then turned into its matching PGCM. Furthermore, two illustrated examples are provided, and the design's feasibility is validated through computer simulation using LINKAGE software. The new solutions can provide a wider variety of non-uniform motion, which is necessary for driving variable speed input mechanisms. In addition, the results validated the methodology as an effective tool for developing new variations of PGCMs in addition to improving the existing ones.