Motion control of cam mechanisms

Abstract In this paper, optimal control theory is applied to create a theoretical frame of ‘Active Control of Cam Mechanisms.’ The investigation presented here deals with the problem of ‘Motion Control’ which is the foundation of ‘Active Control.’ It is shown that, from a kinematics point of view, the motion characteristics of the follower can be improved by applying an optimal control to the cam speed. Some examples are given to demonstrate the procedure.