Comparison of Methodologies for Conceptual Design of Mechanisms

In the design phase of mechanisms, which is the most important step, the information with which the designer has to start with is the set of given specifications. These specifications are classified into three different categories viz. structural requirements, functional requirements, and design constraints. In the long course of history, designers and researchers are in pursuit of the systematic approach for the conceptual design of mechanisms, which would enable them to establish direct relationship between these given set of specifications and the candidate mechanism under consideration. This paper reviews and compares four methodologies for the conceptual design of mechanisms.