Multi Criteria Design Optimization of Backhoe Loader Front Mechanism

In this paper the design upgrade of a front shovel mechanism of a backhoe loader is considered. The introduction of computer aided optimization techniques for this task clearly illustrates the complexity of improving a mature and in many ways already optimal design. The design task is formulated as a weighted multi criteria optimization problem where the criteria comprise both kinematic and static performance as well as a substantial set of equality and inequality side constraints. A special purpose computer program has been developed to solve the optimization problem doing the minimization using the well known quasi-Newton method: Davidon-Fletcher-Powell. The work has been carried out in cooperation with the danish company: Hydrema ApS, during a design upgrade of their backhoe loader.