Is there a way of finding the optimal solution for a given power transmission problem?

[Hisham Maalik]

In such a power transmission problem your objective could be the minimisation of the total mass of the transmission, the cost, space taken. (etc)

and among your decision variables would be shaft layout, gears, pulleys, bearings and all such mechanical power transmission elements.

Your constraints contain:
structural constraints
cost, space, total mass etc
the number of each transmission element available.
etc
the allowable range of torque / rpm at the end of the transmission
the starting power, torque and RPM

your goal is to determine the optimal power transmission layout, elements and their dimensions.

Has something like this been done?

 

[desertfox]

Yes its called a specification based on market research

“Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater.” Albert Einstein

 

[jhardy1]

It's called "engineering"!

http://julianh72.blogspot.com