Dynamic synthesis of energy-efficient mechanisms

Motion systems (MS) form part of many different production machines, for example weaving machines, printing machines or packaging machines. This contribution focuses on MS that consist of mechanisms that are driven by a servo-motor. In many cases, the energy-efficiency of the MS is crucial for the profitability of production machines. Often, the servo-motor has to apply a considerable part of the driving power to change the level of kinetic and potential energy in the system. When a mechanism is driven in its so-called Eigenmotion, no energy-input for changing the energy-level has to be applied. The energy-level of the system stays constant during the complete motion. In this contribution, the basic principles of energy-efficient mechanisms with a constant level of energy during its operation are discussed. A new method for the synthesis of such mechanisms is presented. The application of this method is shown by means of an example.