Modified Hooke-Jeeves optimization of operating parameters for required slider speeds and displacements in a feeder slider-crank mechanism

Abstract

In such applications as in the case of feeders in which a slider-crank mechanism equipped with a rotational spring on its crank is driven by a constant force and a lumped mass at the crank-connecting rod joint center, the slider is required to take on desired speeds and displacements. For this purpose, after obtaining and solving the dynamic model of the slider-crank mechanism, the output of this model is subjected to a modified Hooke-Jeeves method resulting in the development of a procedure for the optimization of selected set of operating parameters. The basic contribution involved in the so-called Hooke-Jeeves method is the procedure by which a cost-effective advancement towards a target optimum point is accomplished in a very short time. A user-friendly interface has also been constructed to support this procedure. The optimization procedure has been illustrated on a numerical example. The validation of the resulting dynamic model has also been demonstrated.