Balancing of a wire rope hoist using a cam mechanism

Abstract

To design machines that perform their mechanical functions with minimal power consumption is an important and challenging issue. It may be obtained by applying a gravity balanced mechanical systems. The objective of the paper is to design a cam-roller follower mechanism to gravity balance a wire rope hoist for lifting loads. It is analysed how various geometric features affect the applicability of the cam mechanism (jerks, pressure angle, roller radius). The paper provides the method to synthesize cams with different geometries realizing the same performance, among which a designer can choose the one that is optimal with respect to strength properties.