Topology Optimization of Large-Displacement Flexure Hinges

Author(s):  
Min Liu ◽  
Xianmin Zhang ◽  
Sergej Fatikow

Research on topology optimization of compliant mechanisms is extensive but the design of flexure hinges using topology optimization method is comparatively rare. This paper deals with topology optimization of flexure hinges undergoing large-displacement. The basic optimization model is developed for topology optimization of the revolute hinge. The objective function for the synthesis of large-displacement flexure hinges are proposed together with constraints function. The geometrically nonlinear behaviour of flexure hinge is modelled using the total Lagrangian finite element formulation. The equilibrium is found by using a Newton-Raphson iterative scheme. The sensitivity analysis of the objective functions are calculated by the adjoint method and the optimization problem is solved using the method of moving asymptotes (MMA). Numerical examples are used to show the validity of the proposed method and the differences between the results obtained by linear and nonlinear modelling are large.


Author(s):  
Claus B. W. Pedersen ◽  
Thomas Buhl ◽  
Ole Sigmund

Abstract This paper describes the use of topology optimization as a synthesis tool for the design of large-displacement compliant mechanisms. An objective function for the synthesis of large-displacement mechanisms is proposed together with a formulation for synthesis of path-generating compliant mechanisms. The responses of the compliant mechanisms are modelled using a Total Lagrangian finite element formulation, the sensitivity analysis is performed using the adjoint method and the optimization problem is solved using the Method of Moving Asymptotes. Procedures to circumvent some numerical problems are discussed.



Author(s):  
Zhaokun Li ◽  
Xianmin Zhang

Since compliant mechanism is usually required to perform in more than one environment, the ability to consider multiple objectives has to be included within the framework of topology optimization. And the topology optimization of micro-compliant mechanisms is actually a geometrically nonlinear problem. This paper deals with multiobjective topology optimization of micro-compliant mechanisms undergoing large deformation. The objective function is defined by the minimum compliance and maximum geometric advantage to design a mechanism which meets both stiffness and flexibility requirements. The weighted sum of conflicting objectives resulting from the norm method is used to generate the optimal compromise solutions, and the decision function is set to select the preferred solution. Geometrically nonlinear structural response is calculated using a Total-Lagrange finite element formulation and the equilibrium is found using an incremental scheme combined with Newton-Raphson iterations. The solid isotropic material with penalization approach is used in design of compliant mechanisms. The sensitivities of the objective functions are found with the adjoint method and the optimization problem is solved using the Method of Moving Asymptotes. These methods are further investigated and realized with the numerical example of compliant microgripper, which is simulated to show the availability of this approach proposed in this paper.



2013 ◽  
Vol 706-708 ◽  
pp. 864-877
Author(s):  
Zhao Kun Li ◽  
Xian Min Zhang ◽  
Hua Mei Bian ◽  
Xiao Tie Niu

Multiple degree-of-freedom compliant mechanisms are widely used in the fields of micro-positioning and micro-manipulation. This paper deals with multiobjective topology optimization of multi-input and multi-output compliant mechanisms undergoing large deformation. The objective function is defined by the minimum compliance and maximum geometric advantage to meet both stiffness and flexibility requirements. The suppression strategy of input and output coupling terms is studied and the expression of the output coupling terms is further developed. The weighted sum of the conflicting objectives resulting from the norm method is used to generate the optimal compromise solutions, and the decision function is set to select the preferred solution. Geometrically nonlinear mechanism response is calculated using the Total-Lagrange finite element formulation and the equilibrium is found using an incremental scheme combined with Newton-Raphson iterations. The solid isotropic material with penalization approach is used in design of compliant mechanisms. The sensitivities of the objective functions are found with the adjoint method and the optimization problem is solved using the Method of Moving Asymptotes. Numerical examples of multiple inputs and outputs are presented to show the validity of the new method. Simulation results show that the compliant mechanisms can be deformed in the desirable manner and the coupling output displacements are suppressed significantly by using the presented method.



2014 ◽  
Vol 556-562 ◽  
pp. 4422-4434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao Kun Li ◽  
Hua Mei Bian ◽  
Li Juan Shi ◽  
Xiao Tie Niu

A new reliability-based topology optimization method for compliant mechanisms with geometrical nonlinearity is presented. The aim of this paper is to integrate reliability and geometrical nonlinear analysis into the topology optimization problems. Firstly, geometrical nonlinear response analysis method of the compliant mechanisms is developed based on the Total-Lagrange finite element formulation, the incremental scheme and the Newton-Raphson iteration method. Secondly, a multi-objective topology optimal model of compliant mechanisms considering the uncertainties of the applied loads and the geometry descriptions is established. The objective function is defined by minimum the compliance and maximum the geometric advantage to meet both the stiffness and the flexibility requirements, and the reliabilities of the compliant mechanisms are evaluated by using the first order reliability method. Thirdly, the computation of the sensitivities is developed with the adjoint method and the optimization problem is solved by using the Method of Moving Asymptotes. Finally, through numerical calculations, reliability-based topology designs with geometric nonlinearity of a typical compliant micro-gripper and a multi-input and multi-output compliant sage are obtained. The importance of considering uncertainties and geometric nonlinearity is then demonstrated by comparing the results obtained by the proposed method with deterministic optimal designs, which shows that the reliability-based topology optimization yields mechanisms that are more reliable than those produced by deterministic topology optimization.



2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Zhou

The hybrid discretization model for topology optimization of compliant mechanisms is introduced in this paper. The design domain is discretized into quadrilateral design cells. Each design cell is further subdivided into triangular analysis cells. This hybrid discretization model allows any two contiguous design cells to be connected by four triangular analysis cells whether they are in the horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction. Topological anomalies such as checkerboard patterns, diagonal element chains, and de facto hinges are completely eliminated. In the proposed topology optimization method, design variables are all binary, and every analysis cell is either solid or void to prevent the gray cell problem that is usually caused by intermediate material states. Stress constraint is directly imposed on each analysis cell to make the synthesized compliant mechanism safe. Genetic algorithm is used to search the optimum and to avoid the need to choose the initial guess solution and conduct sensitivity analysis. The obtained topology solutions have no point connection, unsmooth boundary, and zigzag member. No post-processing is needed for topology uncertainty caused by point connection or a gray cell. The introduced hybrid discretization model and the proposed topology optimization procedure are illustrated by two classical synthesis examples of compliant mechanisms.



2021 ◽  
pp. 179-189
Author(s):  
Benliang Zhu ◽  
Yuanrong He ◽  
Fahua Qu ◽  
Jintao Chen ◽  
Rixin Wang ◽  
...  


Author(s):  
Hima Maddisetty ◽  
Mary Frecker

A topology optimization method is developed to design a piezoelectric ceramic actuator together with a compliant mechanism coupling structure for dynamic applications. The objective is to maximize the mechanical efficiency with a constraint on the capacitance of the piezoceramic actuator. Examples are presented to demonstrate the effect of considering dynamic behavior compared to static behavior, and the effect of sizing the piezoceramic actuator on the optimal topology and the capacitance of the actuator element. Comparison studies are also presented to illustrate the effect of damping, external spring stiffness, and driving frequency. The optimal topology of the compliant mechanism is shown to be dependent on the driving frequency, the external spring stiffness, and if the piezoelectric actuator element is considered as design or non-design. At high driving frequencies, it was found that the dynamically optimized structure is very near resonance.



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.



2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Radaelli ◽  
Just L. Herder

Abstract. This work is dedicated to the study of the large-displacement behaviour of a spiral spring. Parameters that influence the local torsion stiffness of the beam that constitutes the spiral are varied and their effect is studied. Cross-sectional shape, orthotropic material orientation and prestress are the three classes of parameters that are varied. The effect that the local change in torsional stiffness has on the overall behaviour is illustrated in a linearised way by comparing in-plane and out-of-plane stiffnesses, and nonlinearly, by inspecting a graphical representation of the potential energy field of the system. Several embodiments composed of multiple spirals are showed to illustrate how the understanding of the nonlinear behaviour could be exploited in conceptual design of compliant mechanisms.



Compliant mechanisms and its systems are the focus of the active research. It describes a single elastic continuum used to transfer the motion and force mechanically. Their flexibility and stabilities are significant. Topology optimization Method is taken for designing the compliant mechanisms. It is a Material distribution approach for finding the optimum size and shape of the structure. The Author focused mainly on automotive application of Compliant Mechanism.i.e Design and implement of compliant clutch fork using topology optimization. Dimensional data is gathered in order to model the actual clutch fork. Compliant clutch fork designs are developed by reducing the weights compare to actual clutch fork with the help of topology optimization to get optimal compliant design. Experiments are directed to confirm the functionality of compliant clutch fork.



Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document