Prediction of the First Modal Frequency of Compliant Mechanisms Using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Lyon ◽  
P. A. Erickson ◽  
M. S. Evans ◽  
L. L. Howell

The pseudo-rigid-body modeling technique is used to simplify the nonlinear analysis of compliant mechanisms. This paper presents the first work that investigates the possibility of using the pseudo-rigid-body model to predict the first modal response of compliant mechanisms. Four different configurations of the parallel-guiding mechanism are modeled and tested, as well as two configurations of compliant straight-line mechanisms. The model predictions of the first natural frequencies were compared with experimental results for all six mechanism configurations. The model predictions are within 9 percent of the experimental results for all cases.

Author(s):  
Scott M. Lyon ◽  
Mark S. Evans ◽  
Paul A. Erickson ◽  
Larry L. Howell

Abstract The pseudo-rigid-body modeling technique is used to simplify the nonlinear analysis of compliant mechanisms. This paper presents the first work that investigates the possibility of using the pseudo-rigid-body model to predict the dynamic response of compliant mechanisms. Four different configurations of the parallel-guiding mechanism are modeled and tested, as well as two configurations of compliant straight-line mechanisms. The model predictions of the first natural frequencies were compared with experimental results for all six mechanism configurations. The model predictions are within 9% of the experimental results for all cases.


Author(s):  
Andrew J. Nielson ◽  
Larry L. Howell

Abstract This paper uses a familiar classical mechanism, the pantograph, to demonstrate the utility of the pseudo-rigid-body model in the design of compliant mechanisms to replace rigid-link mechanisms, and to illustrate the advantages and limitations of the resulting compliant mechanisms. To demonstrate the increase in design flexibility, three different compliant mechanism configurations were developed for a single corresponding rigid-link mechanism. The rigid-link pantograph consisted of six links and seven joints, while the corresponding compliant mechanisms had no more than two links and three joints (a reduction of at least four links and four joints). A fourth compliant pantograph, corresponding to a rhomboid pantograph, was also designed and tested. The test results showed that the pseudo-rigid-body model predictions were accurate over a large range, and the mechanisms had displacement characteristics of rigid-link mechanisms in that range. The limitations of the compliant mechanisms included reduced range compared to their rigid-link counterparts. Also, the force-deflection characteristics were predicted by the pseudo-rigid-body model, but they did not resemble those for a rigid-link pantograph because of the energy storage in the flexible segments.


Author(s):  
Carl A. Nelson

A compliant suspension linkage based on the Peaucellier mechanism is presented. The suspension uses large-deflection viscoelastic beams to achieve straight-line motion and to provide energy dissipation. Kinematics and force analysis of the linkage are presented. In preparing to simulate the system dynamics, it was noticed that no adaptation of the pseudo-rigid body model for viscoelastic beams had been previously presented. Therefore, a new general approach for modeling viscoelastic, large-deflection beams in compliant mechanisms is described within the context of the pseudo-rigid-body model. This method is applied in simulation of the Peaucellier-based compliant suspension under a variety of input conditions.


1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Saxena ◽  
S. N. Kramer

Compliant members in flexible link mechanisms undergo large deflections when subjected to external loads. Because of this fact, traditional methods of deflection analysis do not apply. Since the nonlinearities introduced by these large deflections make the system comprising such members difficult to solve, parametric deflection approximations are deemed helpful in the analysis and synthesis of compliant mechanisms. This is accomplished by representing the compliant mechanism as a pseudo-rigid-body model. A wealth of analysis and synthesis techniques available for rigid-body mechanisms thus become amenable to the design of compliant mechanisms. In this paper, a pseudo-rigid-body model is developed and solved for the tip deflection of flexible beams for combined end loads. A numerical integration technique using quadrature formulae has been employed to solve the large deflection Bernoulli-Euler beam equation for the tip deflection. Implementation of this scheme is simpler than the elliptic integral formulation and provides very accurate results. An example for the synthesis of a compliant mechanism using the proposed model is also presented.


Author(s):  
A. Saxena ◽  
Steven N. Kramer

Abstract Compliant members in flexible link mechanisms undergo large deflections when subjected to external loads for which, traditional methods of deflection analysis do not apply Nonlinearities introduced by these large deflections make the system comprising such members difficult to solve Parametric deflection approximations are then deemed helpful in the analysis and synthesis of compliant mechanisms This is accomplished by seeking the pseudo-rigid-body model representation of the compliant mechanism A wealth of analysis and synthesis techniques available for rigid-body mechanisms thus become amenable to the design of compliant mechanisms In this paper, a pseudo-rigid-body model is developed and solved for the tip deflection of flexible beams for combined end loads with positive end moments A numerical integration technique using quadrature formulae has been employed to solve the nonlinear Bernoulli-Euler beam equation for the tip deflection Implementation of this scheme is relatively simpler than the elliptic integral formulation and provides nearly accurate results Results of the numerical integration scheme are compared with the beam finite element analysis An example for the synthesis of a compliant mechanism using the proposed model is also presented.


Author(s):  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Ashok Midha

Abstract Compliant mechanisms gain some or all of their mobility from the flexibility of their members rather than from rigid-body joints only. More efficient and usable analysis and design techniques are needed before the advantages of compliant mechanisms can be fully utilized. In an earlier work, a pseudo-rigid-body model concept, corresponding to an end-loaded geometrically nonlinear, large-deflection beam, was developed to help fulfill this need. In this paper, the pseudo-rigid-body equivalent spring stiffness is investigated and new modeling equations are proposed. The result is a simplified method of modeling the force/deflection relationships of large-deflection members in compliant mechanisms. Flexible segments which maintain a constant end angle are discussed, and an example mechanism is analyzed. The resulting models are valuable in the visualization of the motion of large-deflection systems, as well as the quick and efficient evaluation and optimization of compliant mechanism designs.


Author(s):  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Ashok Midha

Abstract The analysis of systems containing highly flexible members is made difficult by the nonlineararities caused by large deflections of the flexible members. The analysis and design of many such systems may be simplified by using pseudo-rigid-body approximations in modeling the flexible members. The pseudo-rigid-body model represents flexible members as rigid links, joined at pin joints with torsional springs. Appropriate values for link lengths and torsional spring stiffnesses are determined such that the deflection path and force-deflection relationships are modeled accurately. Pseudo-rigid-body approximations have been developed for initially straight beams with externally applied forces at the beam end. This work develops approximations for another fundamental type of flexible member, the initially curved beam with applied force at the beam end. This type of flexible member is commonly used in compliant mechanisms. An example of the use of the resulting pseudo-rigid-body approximations in compliant mechanisms is included.


2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. DiBiasio ◽  
Martin L. Culpepper ◽  
Robert Panas ◽  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Spencer P. Magleby

We report on the accuracy of the pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) in predicting the behavior of a nanoscale parallel-guiding mechanism (nPGM) that uses two single-walled (5,5) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the flexural guiding elements. The nPGM has two regions of behavior: region 1 is governed by the bulk deformation of the nanotubes, and region 2 is characterized by hingelike flexing of four “kinks” that occur due to buckling of the nanotube walls. PRBM parameters for (5,5) CNTs are proposed. Molecular simulation results of region 1 behavior match PRBM predictions of (1) kinematic behavior with less than 7.3% error and (2) elastomechanic behavior with less than 5.7% error. Although region 1 is of more interest because of its well-defined and stable nature, region 2 motion is also investigated. We show that the PRBM parameters are dependent on the selection of the effective tube thickness and moment of inertia, the lesson being that designers must take care to consider the thickness and moment of inertia values when deriving PRBM constants.


Author(s):  
Wenjing Wang ◽  
Yueqing Yu

Dynamic effects are very important to improving the design of compliant mechanisms. An investigation on the dynamic characteristics of planar compliant parallel-guiding mechanism is presented. Based on the pseudo-rigid-body model, the dynamic model of planar compliant parallel-guiding mechanisms is developed using the numerical methods at first. The natural frequency is then calculated, and frequency characteristics of this mechanism are studied. The numerical results show the accuracy of the proposed method for dynamic modeling of compliant mechanisms, and the relationships between the natural frequency and design parameters are analyzed clearly.


Author(s):  
Pratheek Bagivalu Prasanna ◽  
Ashok Midha ◽  
Sushrut G. Bapat

Abstract Understanding the kinematic properties of a compliant mechanism has always proved to be a challenge. A concept of compliance number offered earlier emphasized the development of terminology that aided in its determination. A method to evaluate the elastic degrees of freedom associated with the flexible segments/links of a compliant mechanism using the pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) concept is provided. In this process, two distinct classes of compliant mechanisms are developed involving: (i) Active Compliance and (ii) Passive Compliance. Furthermore, these also aid in a better characterization of the kinematic behavior of a compliant mechanism. A more lucid interpretation of the significance of compliance number is provided. Applications of this method to both active and passive compliant mechanisms are exemplified. Finally, an experimental procedure that aids in visualizing the degrees of freedom as calculated is presented.


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