Geneva mechanisms have been used for generating intermittent motion for use in indexing and packaging operations. Due to their popularity, cost effectiveness and diversified applications in industry, it is desirable to optimize their design.
Optimization techniques and modifications have been developed to provide long life, trouble-free high-speed indexing and intermittent motion while minimizing the undesirable inherent dynamic characteristics of this class of mechanisms.
A general information base of the motion characteristics and types of geneva mechanisms available has been established. Development of the full spectrum of the required equations, generation of the normalized values of critical design parameters along with the use of high speed computers provides a new strategy for the optimization of the design of standard external geneva mechanisms. In addition, a novel application of external geneva mechanisms is introduced to achieve a certain synchronization processes. This effort will provide the mechanical engineer with new tools and a fresh approach that overcomes certain optimization and synchronization problems
