This paper describes how problems in machine design can be tackled by computer modelling of the constraints that exist due to the design specification and the conceptual solutions themselves. The design strategy proposed is one of identifying the most important constraints first and trying to satisfy these. This provides an acceptable solution. It is then possible to investigate less critical constraints which, in general, will have the effect of improving the performance of the machine. The case study example is taken from the food processing industry and involves the design of a highspeed mechanism to cut extruded dough into uniform blocks.
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