Teeth-Number Synthesis of a Multispeed Planetary Transmission Using an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm

Abstract

The gear-teeth number synthesis of an automatic planetary transmission used in automobiles is formulated as a constrained optimization problem that is solved with the aid of an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm. The design parameters are the teeth number of each gear, the number of multiple planets and gear module, while the objective function is defined as the departure between the imposed and the actual transmission ratios, constrained by teeth-undercut avoidance, limiting the maximum overall diameter of the transmission and ensuring proper spacing of multiple planets. For the actual case of a 3+1 speed Ravigneaux planetary transmission, the design space of the problem is explored using a newly introduced hyperfunction visualization technique, and the effect of various constraints highlighted. Global optimum results are also presented.