A generalized exact gradient method for mechanism synthesis

Currently no single method, analytical or numerical, exists that is well suited for the dimensional synthesis of general mechanisms. One of the main reasons that even the state-of-the-art optimization methods are not utilized for developing a generalized mechanism synthesis methodology is due to the difficulties in obtaining the partial derivatives necessary for optimization. This paper presents the development of a new exact gradient method that offers an efficient, reliable, and accurate solution procedure for the optimal synthesis of generic mechanisms. The application of this exact gradient method is illustrated with the aid of practical six-bar and eight-bar mechanism examples.