Trajectory optimization of a walking mechanism having revolute joints with clearance using ANFIS approach

Clearance as a real joint characteristic leads to deviation from desired trajectory in articulated mechanisms. This phenomenon makes the kinematic and dynamic performances of the mechanism worse. In this study, kinematic analysis of a Jansen’s mechanism used in a walking machine is performed. The model mechanism having two revolute joints with clearance is investigated for the trajectory analysis of the output link. It is clear that the mechanism’s trajectory is very sensitive to the clearance joint characteristics even if the clearance size is small. The adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is used to model the characteristics of joints with clearance. By using the suitable design variables and constraints, minimization of the trajectory errors arising from clearance is considered as an optimization problem. Optimization techniques are used to solve this problem for adjusting the optimum values of design variables. The obtained link dimensions show the success of the proposed modeling and optimization approach.