Automated Conceptual Design of Multiple Input and Multiple Output Mechanical Transmission System

Abstract

Conceptual design of mechanical transmission system is an early stage in the product design process, which has an essential effect on product innovation. This paper is devoted to presenting a systematic approach to automated conceptual design of multiple input and multiple output mechanical transmission system, based on the functional decomposition strategy. The transmission functional representations, and the integration of motional function matrix with mechanical transmission knowledge base, are proposed. After the method of single input and single output system is proposed, multiple input and single output system, and single input and multiple output system are simplified into single input and single output system. Then the multiple input and multiple output can be also solved by functional decomposition strategy. The mechanical transmission system of a robot is given as an example, which demonstrates that the methodology is obviously helpful for product innovation.