Design and Analysis of a Contact-Aided Variable Stiffness Flexure Hinge (CVSFH)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shenyuan Dai ◽  
Lifang Qiu ◽  
Qichao Chen ◽  
Yanlin Li
Keyword(s):  
Contact Interaction ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Rectangular Cross Section ◽  
Variable Stiffness ◽  
Theoretical Equation ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Equivalent Mechanical Model ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Motion Characteristics

Abstract Flexure hinges are the basis of compliant mechanisms. The stiffness is one of the important indexes to evaluate the performance of a flexure hinge, and the rotation angle when the stiffness changes affects its motion characteristics. Thus, based on the constant rectangular cross-section flexure hinge and contact interaction, this paper proposed a contact-aided variable stiffness flexure hinge (CVSFH). With the deformation under an external load, the contact interaction with different parts of the CVSFH itself can achieve the purpose of variable stiffness. The equivalent mechanical model is built and the theoretical equation of the stiffness is given. CVSFHs with different dimensions are designed, and a finite element analysis (FEA) is done. The FEA results of the design examples are coincide with the theoretical results, which verifies the feasibility of the design and the correctness of the theoretical equation.

Variable Stiffness Design and Analysis of Flexure Hinge Based on ID-LEJ

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanlin Li ◽  
Lifang Qiu ◽  
Kang Zhou ◽  
Chongxiang Li
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Variable Stiffness ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Bending Performance ◽  
Stiffness Design ◽  
Bending Capacity ◽  
Flexible Mechanism ◽  
Asymmetrically Distributed

Abstract In recent years, compliant mechanisms have attracted more and more attention of scholars at home and abroad, and achieved rapid development. The introduction of flexible variable stiffness design in flexible mechanism can not only improve the safety of human-computer interaction, but also improve the adaptability of the machine. Because the ID-LEJ (Inside-Deployed Lamina Emergent Joint) is a kind of LEMs and has very good bending performance. In this paper, the rotary ID-LEJ flexure hinge is proposed based on ID-LEJ hinge, to maximize the bending capacity of the hinge. In order to realize variable stiffness of rotary ID-LEJ, four sliders are arranged in the rotary ID-LEJ to change the stiffness of the hinge. The variable stiffness of the hinge is analyzed by Equivalent system and Finite element analysis. When the slider is symmetrically divided (yl1=yl2=yr1=yr2) the bending equivalent constant of the variable stiffness hinge varies continuously from 30.8 n · mm / rad ∼ 38.2n · mm / rad. And when the slider is asymmetrically distributed (yl1=yl2≠yr1=yr2) The bending equivalent constant of the variable stiffness hinge varies continuously from 30.8n · mm / rad to 34.2 · mm / rad. The results show that the variable stiffness performance is very flexible and stable.

An Empirically Determined Design Guideline for Rectangular Cross Section Nitinol Flexure Hinges With the Focus on Flexibility-Strength Trade-Off

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Coemert ◽  
M. Olmeda ◽  
J. Fuckner ◽  
C. Rehekampff ◽  
S. V. Brecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Deformation ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Electrical Discharge Machining ◽  
Rectangular Cross Section ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Design Guideline ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Flexure Hinges ◽  
Compliance Modeling

In our group, we are developing flexure hinge based manipulators made of nitinol for minimally invasive surgery. On the one hand, sufficient flexibility is required from flexure hinges to be able to cover the surgical workspace. On the other hand, the bending amount of the flexure hinges has to be limited below the yielding point to ensure a safe operation. As a result of these considerations, it has to be questioned how much bending angle a nitinol flexure hinge with given geometric dimensions can provide without being subject to plastic deformation. Due to the nonlinearities resulting from large deflections and the material itself, the applicability of the suggested approaches in the literature regarding compliance modeling of flexure hinges is doubtful. Therefore, a series of experiments was conducted in order to characterize the rectangular cross section nitinol flexure hinges regarding the flexibility-strength trade-off. The nitinol flexure hinge samples were fabricated by wire electrical discharge machining in varying thicknesses while keeping the length constant and in varying lengths while keeping the thickness constant. The samples were loaded and unloaded incrementally until deflections beyond visible plastic deformation occured. Each pose in loaded and unloaded states was recorded by means of a digital microscope. The deflection angles yielding to permanent set values corresponding to 0.1% strain were measured and considered as elastic limit. A quasilinear correlation between maximum elastic deflection angle and length-to-thickness ratio was identified. Based on this correlation, a minimal model was determined to be a limit for a secure design. The proposed guideline was verified by additional measurements with additional samples of random dimensions and finite element analysis.

scholarly journals Multi-objective optimization of a type of ellipse-parabola shaped superelastic flexure hinge

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijiang Du ◽  
Miao Yang ◽  
Wei Dong
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Pareto Frontier ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Multi Objective Optimization ◽  
Nsga Ii ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Flexure Hinges ◽  
Static Responses ◽  
Motion Range

Abstract. Flexure hinges made of superelastic materials is a promising candidate to enhance the movability of compliant mechanisms. In this paper, we focus on the multi-objective optimization of a type of ellipse-parabola shaped superelastic flexure hinge. The objective is to determine a set of optimal geometric parameters that maximizes the motion range and the relative compliance of the flexure hinge and minimizes the relative rotation error during the deformation as well. Firstly, the paper presents a new type of ellipse-parabola shaped flexure hinge which is constructed by an ellipse arc and a parabola curve. Then, the static responses of superelastic flexure hinges are solved via non-prismatic beam elements derived by the co-rotational approach. Finite element analysis (FEA) and experiment tests are performed to verify the modeling method. Finally, a multi-objective optimization is performed and the Pareto frontier is found via the NSGA-II algorithm.

Circular-Hinge Line Element for Finite Element Analysis of Compliant Mechanisms

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (4) ◽  
pp. 766-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolae Lobontiu ◽  
Ephrahim Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Line Element ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Rectangular Cross Section ◽  
Constant Width ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Total Potential ◽  
Six Degree Of Freedom

A three-node six degree-of-freedom per-node line element that is sensitive to axial, bending, and torsional loading is introduced to model single-axis right circular hinges of constant width that are utilized in compliant mechanisms. The Timoshenko model is applied for bending because this particular configuration is virtually short, and provisions are taken that the element is shear-locking free. The Saint Venant theory, which includes warping, is utilized to model torsion of the variable rectangular cross-section circular hinge. The principle of minimum total potential energy is employed to formulate the elemental stiffness and mass matrices, as well as the elemental nodal vector. Static force deflection and modal simulation that are performed based on this finite element model produce results that are in agreement with simulation by commercially available finite element software. The three-node line element is also compared to an analytical model in terms of stiffness and the results are again concurring.

A Large-Deflection Annulus-Shape Flexure Hinge Based on Curved Beams

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanshan Zhao ◽  
Shusheng Bi ◽  
Jingjun Yu ◽  
Minglei Sun ◽  
Guanghua Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Large Deflection ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Accurate Method ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Curved Beam ◽  
Curved Beams ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Compliant Joint ◽  
Design Tradeoffs

A curved flexure element such as an initially-curved beam can deflect largely and facilely. Using curved flexure elements in compliant mechanisms allows the mechanism to move a longer distance or undergo a larger rotation angle stroke than using conventional notch flexures. This paper presents a novel large-deflection annulus-shaped flexure hinge covering multiple curved-beam flexure elements. It has been shown that geometric symmetry in the constraint arrangement relaxes some of the design tradeoffs, resulting in some improved performances of the flexure hinge. Additional fixed RCM characteristic of isosceles-trapezoidal flexure modules existed in this compliant joint further improve its accuracy. A master-motion pseudo-rigid-body model provides a simple and accurate method to analyze the force-deflection behavior of this new rotary flexure hinge. The accuracy of the model is verified by comparing outcomes to non-linear finite element analysis. The result shows the proposed rotary flexure hinge has a large stroke angle, a low axial and radial stiffness.

scholarly journals Investigation of Circular Flexural Hinge Used in Compliant Mechanism Using FEA Tool.

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-42
Author(s):  
M. M. Sawant ◽  
P. R. Anerao
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Experimental Setup ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Flexural Hinges ◽  
Improve Fatigue

To reduce fatigue failure of compliant mechanism, it is necessary to design and analyze the flexure hinge parametrically. A methodology to design a flexural hinges for compliant mechanism is proposed in this paper to improve fatigue life. Results obtained by finite element analysis shows that used design equations are reliable and easier to be used in the design of such proportion flexural hinges. The proposed analytical model gives a new viewpoint on the design of circular flexure hinge based compliant mechanisms. Circular flexural joint was manufactured by using Al 6061 T6 material and experimental setup is developed to test this flexural hinge. Results obtained by FEA were found to be in good correlation with experimental results. The variation in the results can be attributed to variation in properties of material, actual dimensions of setup etc.

Optimal Structural Design of Micro-Motion Stage with Stiffness Constraints Using Topology and Sizing Optimization Method

2016 ◽  
Vol 679 ◽  
pp. 55-58
Author(s):  
You Dun Bai ◽  
Zhi Jun Yang ◽  
Xin Chen ◽  
Meng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Leaf Spring ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Sizing Optimization ◽  
Flexure Hinges ◽  
Spring Type ◽  
Micro Motion ◽  
Motion Stage

Flexure hinge is widely used in the compliant mechanisms for precision engineering. Generally, compliant mechanisms with flexure hinges are designed using the analytical stiffness formulas, which increases the design complexity. As the development of finite element analysis (FEA) and optimization methods, it is likely to design the flexure hinges directly using the FEA based numerical optimization methods. This paper developed a leaf spring type flexure hinge based micro-motion stage with specific stiffness constraints. Both topology and sizing optimization methods are used in the design of motion stage. The proposed methods is apply to optimal design formed the leaf spring type flexure hinge for a micro motion stage which serves as a guidance mechanism. Further numerical result shows the good stiffness stability of the refined stage.

Design and Analysis of a Compact Piezo-actuated Microgripper with a Large Amplification Ratio

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Fangxin Chen ◽  
Qianjun Zhang ◽  
Yongzhuo Gao ◽  
Wei Dong
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Flexure Hinge ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Compact Structure ◽  
Amplification Ratio ◽  
Parasitic Motion ◽  
Structure Dimension

Abstract Abstract This paper presents a piezo-actuated microgripper characterized by large amplification ratio and compact structure size. The microgripper is actuated by a piezo-stack actuator that is integrated with a two-stage displacement amplifier to achieve large travel range. A new design methodology “flexure hinge individualized design” (FHID) was proposed to realize large amplification ratio. According to this methodology, each flexure hinge was designed personally based on force condition of the piviot to reconfigure the motion stiffness of the compliant microgripper so that the parasitic motion and displacement loss could be eliminated. Consequently, a 52-amplification-ratio amplifier was obtained. The developed microgripper was modeled via kinematics and Castigliano's displacement theorem, respectively. Finite element analysis and the experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the characteristics of the microgripper. The results show that the motion stroke of the gripper-tip is 917 μm, and the structure dimension is 62 mm × 42 mm ×12 mm. The design methodology FHID is generic and can be extended to other compliant mechanisms.

Position-Space-Based Compliant Mechanism Reconfiguration Approach and Its Application in the Reduction of Parasitic Motion

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyang Li ◽  
Guangbo Hao ◽  
Richard C. Kavanagh
Keyword(s):  
Parallel Mechanism ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Geometrical Shape ◽  
Position Space ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Parasitic Motion ◽  
Compliant Parallel Mechanism ◽  
Motion Characteristics ◽  
Cross Axis

This paper introduces a position-space-based reconfiguration (PSR) approach to the reconfiguration of compliant mechanisms. The PSR approach can be employed to reconstruct a compliant mechanism into many new compliant mechanisms, without affecting the mobility of the compliant mechanism. Such a compliant mechanism can be decomposed into rigid stages and compliant modules. Each of the compliant modules can be placed at any one permitted position within its position space, which does not change the constraint imposed by the compliant module on the compliant mechanism. Therefore, a compliant mechanism can be reconfigured through selecting different permitted positions of the associated compliant modules from their position spaces. The proposed PSR approach can be used to change the geometrical shape of a compliant mechanism for easy fabrication, or to improve its motion characteristics such as cross-axis coupling, lost motion, and motion range. While this paper focuses on reducing the parasitic motions of a compliant mechanism using this PSR approach, the associated procedure is summarized and demonstrated using a decoupled XYZ compliant parallel mechanism as an example. The parasitic motion of the XYZ compliant parallel mechanism is modeled analytically, with three variables which represent any permitted positions of the associated compliant modules in their position spaces. The optimal positions of the compliant modules in the XYZ compliant parallel mechanism are finally obtained based on the analytical results, where the parasitic motion is reduced by approximately 50%. The reduction of the parasitic motion is verified by finite-element analysis (FEA) results, which differ from the analytically obtained values by less than 7%.

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