Fast mobility analysis for generative design applications through a real vector space representation of mobilities

• Published in: Mechanism and machine theory 2024-11, Vol.203, p.105790, Article 105790
• Main Authors: Lang, Guilain, Rouvinet, Julien
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Generative design; Guiding mechanisms; Mobility analysis; Optimization; Precision mechanisms
• ISSN: 0094-114X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105790

During the early stages of design, mechanisms are commonly modeled as perfect joints assembled with infinitely rigid bodies. This representation enables the prediction of the system’s mobilities through a mobility analysis. However, traditional mobility analysis tools can be computationally expensive or lack critical information, such as the type or direction of mobilities. It hinders the generation of topology and configuration through generative design schemes. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach to mobility analysis based on a real vector space representation of mobilities. Our method provides relevant information for early design steps while being computationally effective through a novel formulation of series and parallel assembly topological operations. A benchmark on four selected use cases highlights an acceleration of 3 to 4 orders of magnitude compared to traditional approaches. Additionally, design rules on the joints’ positions can be automatically generated with our approach. It enables the automation of the complete design process, including topology and configuration. As such, we provide guidelines to develop a generative design scheme dedicated to the synthesis of guiding mechanisms. •Mobility analysis tool based on a real vector space representation of mobilities.•Speeds up DOF computations by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude.•Enabling the automation of the topology and configuration synthesis.•Guidelines for generative design schemes dedicated to guiding mechanisms.