Topology Optimization of a Compliant Gripper Using Hybrid Simulated Annealing and Direct Search

Author(s):  
Mohamed M. Shalaby ◽  
Hesham A. Hegazi ◽  
Ashraf O. Nassef ◽  
Sayed M. Metwalli

The present work introduces a new methodology for solving the topology optimization problem of a compliant gripper. A hybrid optimization technique is developed using simulated annealing as a random search method, while the simplex method (Nelder-Mead) is used as a direct search method. A new modified technique of motion from one search point to another based on the discrete nature of adding and/or removing a structural member is proposed. The traditional continuous simulated annealing technique is used to find the members’ heights. A discrete uni-variant search method is adopted following the simulated annealing and before the simplex method. This corresponds to about 14% of the number used in the old method and in the previous work in the literature, and about 86% of the optimization time is saved. The optimum design of a compliant mechanism is conducted for maximum flexibility and stiffness using the developed hybrid optimization technique.

Author(s):  
Ashraf O. Nassef ◽  
Hesham A. Hegazi ◽  
Sayed M. Metwalli

Abstract The hybridization of different optimization methods have been used to find the optimum solution of design problems. While random search techniques, such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, have a high probability of achieving global optimality, they usually arrive at a near optimal solution due to their random nature. On the other hand direct search methods are efficient optimization techniques but linger in local minima if the objective function is multi-modal. This paper presents the optimization of C-frame cross-section using a hybrid optimization algorithm. Real coded genetic algorithms are used as a random search method, while Nelder-Mead is used as a direct search method, where the result of the genetic algorithm search is used as the starting point of direct search. Traditionally, the cross-section of C-frame belonged to a set of primitive shapes, which included I, T, trapezoidal, circular and rectangular sections. The cross-sectional shape is represented by a non-uniform rational B-Splines (NURBS) in order to give it a kind of shape flexibility. The results showed that the use of Nelder-Mead with Real coded Genetic Algorithms has been very significant in improving the optimum shape of a solid C-frame cross-section subjected to a combined tension and bending stresses. The hybrid optimization method could be extended to more complex shape optimization problems.


2014 ◽  
Vol 592-594 ◽  
pp. 2220-2224 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Ramesh ◽  
Ramalingam Bharanidaran ◽  
V. Gopal

XY positioning stages are fundamental components during precision manipulation of micro sized objects. A compliant mechanism based mechanism is the appropriate choice for the design of XY stage. Topology optimization techniques are utilized to design the compliant mechanism. During the process of topology optimization, senseless regions are appearing from the manufacturability perspective. Senseless regions are staircase boundaries and node to node connectivity which is impossible to manufacture. Interpolation function is included in the topology optimization to minimize the effect of senseless regions. However topologically developed design is post processed to attain the manufacturability. Structural performance of the post processed final design is validated through Finite Element Method (FEM) and experimental technique.


2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Cao ◽  
Allan T. Dolovich ◽  
Wenjun (Chris) Zhang

This paper proposes a topology optimization framework to design compliant mechanisms with a mixed mesh of both beams and flexure hinges for the design domain. Further, a new type of finite element, i.e., super flexure hinge element, was developed to model flexure hinges. Then, an investigation into the effects of the location and size of a flexure hinge in a compliant lever explains why the point-flexure problem often occurs in the resulting design via topology optimization. Two design examples were presented to verify the proposed technique. The effects of link widths and hinge radii were also investigated. The results demonstrated that the proposed meshing scheme and topology optimization technique facilitate the rational decision on the locations and sizes of beams and flexure hinges in compliant mechanisms.


Author(s):  
Jinqing Zhan ◽  
Yu Sun ◽  
Min Liu ◽  
Benliang Zhu ◽  
Xianmin Zhang

Multi-material compliant mechanisms design enables potential design possibilities by exploiting the advantages of different materials. To satisfy mechanical/thermal impedance matching requirements, a method for multi-material topology optimization of large-displacement compliant mechanisms considering material-dependent boundary condition is presented in this study. In the optimization model, the element stacking method is employed to describe the material distribution and handle material-dependent boundary condition. The maximization of the output displacement of the compliant mechanism is developed as the objective function and the structural volume of each material is the constraint. Fictitious domain approach is applied to circumvent the numerical instabilities in topology optimization problem with geometrical nonlinearities. The method of moving asymptotes is applied to solve the optimization problem. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. The optimal topologies of the compliant mechanisms obtained by the proposed method can satisfy the specified material-dependent boundary condition.


2006 ◽  
Vol 306-308 ◽  
pp. 1169-1174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong Hoon Yoo ◽  
Seung Jae Min

Recent trend on the research for the storage devices are focusing the realization of the small size and the increase of the recording density. This study is on the development of the design process of the swing arm type actuator composed of two actuators for tracking and focusing that can be widely used in the mobile storage devices. The coarse actuator for tracking is activated by the voice coil motor (VCM) and the fine actuator is activated by PZT. For the design of such actuators, it is required to maximize the sensitivity (force/unit current) as well as to satisfy the dynamic constraints. This research is focusing to increase the sensitivity of the actuator. As a design methodology, topology optimization to design a compliant mechanism can be used for the design of the coarse actuator as well as the fine actuator since increasing the sensitivity is correlated with maximizing the deformation at a certain point for specified exciting forces. For the coarse actuator design, it is necessary to optimize the VCM to maximize the magnetic force: therefore, the parameter optimization technique is applied for the VCM design. Based on the VCM design, the structural part is designed not only for maximizing the sensitivity but also considering the dynamic characteristics. For the fine actuator design, the compliant mechanism excited by the pressure from PZT is designed by topology optimization to increase the sensitivity. The resulted design is expected to manufacture the prototype of small form factor actuators.


Author(s):  
Gourav Tiwari ◽  
Devendra Dohare

The economic dispatch problem with non smooth cost function has become a major issue with depletion of coal and increasing fuel prices. A proper schedule of available generating units may save millions of dollars per year in production cost. In this paper, Simulated Annealing Optimization (SA) algorithm is proposed for solving economic load dispatch (ELD) problems. Simulated annealing is a random-search technique which exploits an analogy between the way in which a metal cools and freezes into a minimum energy crystalline structure (the annealing process) and the search for a minimum in a more general system; it forms the basis of an optimization technique for combinatorial and other problems Simulated annealing can deal with highly nonlinear models, chaotic and noisy data and many constraints. It is a robust and general technique. Its main advantages over other local search methods are its flexibility and its ability to approach global optimality. In all cases, the proposed algorithm either matches or outperforms the solution reported for the existing algorithms. The proposed technique is also easy to implement and capable of finding feasible near global optimal solution.


Author(s):  
Sherif Aly ◽  
Madara M. Ogot ◽  
Richard Pelz

Abstract A new algorithm based on the simulated annealing (SA) optimization algorithm is presented. This approach, simulated annealing with random search iterative improvement (SAWI), essentially initiates the SA process to locate the neighborhood of the global optimum. Prior to the convergence of SA, the algorithm switches to random search iterative improvement, a local search method, to converge to the optimum. The key to the effectiveness of SAWI is identifying when the premature termination of SA should occur. This paper presents the results of a parametric study conducted on the transition parameter, illustrating the effects of delayed and premature transition to the local search method, on the final solution. Two examples are presented and discussed to illustrate the efficacy of the algorithm. The results of these examples demonstrate that SAWI makes significant reductions in computation time while maintaining the simplicity of the original SA algorithm and without loss in quality of solution.


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