ReLink: Computational Circular Design of Planar Linkage Mechanisms Using Available Standard Parts

TL;DR

ReLink is a computational framework that designs planar linkage mechanisms using only available standard parts, promoting sustainability by minimizing the need for new components through generative and inverse design methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach for circular mechanism design that emphasizes reuse of standardized parts, integrating sustainability into kinematic synthesis.

Findings

ReLink effectively generates mechanisms from existing parts inventories.

The framework balances kinematic performance with CO2 footprint considerations.

It addresses combinatorial challenges in sustainable mechanism design.

Abstract

The Circular Economy framework emphasizes sustainability by reducing resource consumption and waste through the reuse of components and materials. This paper presents ReLink, a computational framework for the circular design of planar linkage mechanisms using available standard parts. Unlike most mechanism design methods, which assume the ability to create custom parts and infinite part availability, ReLink prioritizes the reuse of discrete, standardized components, thus minimizing the need for new parts. The framework consists of two main components: design generation, where a generative design algorithm generates mechanisms from an inventory of available parts, and inverse design, which uses optimization methods to identify designs that match a user-defined trajectory curve. The paper also examines the trade-offs between kinematic performance and CO2 footprint when incorporating new parts. Challenges such as the combinatorial nature of the design problem and the enforcement of valid solutions are addressed. By combining sustainability principles with kinematic synthesis, ReLink lays the groundwork for further research into computational circular design to support the development of systems that integrate reused components into mechanical products.