A NOVEL APPROACH FOR SOLVING GEAR TRAIN OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM

Gear train optimization is a constant subject of research with the goals of its adequate and justified use. One of the more important segments of optimization is the criteria of gear train volume. This paper is oriented on the analysis of the problem of decreasing gear train volume from a gear shaft axis position aspect. A heuristic approach has been developed for positioning shaft axes along a golden spiral contour, and the methodology for this alternative solution of optimization problems was defined. This approach represents an imitation of natural occurrences and development processes in nature. Nature itself achieves optimal processes, therefore this research started under the assumption of convergence towards optima. The process is verified on examples as functional, and results were compared to optimal solutions from literature. Achieved results of volume decrease are directly linked to savings, not only on space, but on housing material for the gear train, costs, speed of forming construction documentation, etc.