scholarly journals Characteristic Analysis and Optimization of a Four-bar Compliant Mechanism with Single Flexible Member

Author(s):  
Shanzeng Liu ◽  
Zhaopeng Sun ◽  
Gang Shen ◽  
Yunwang Li

Abstract The characteristics and optimization analysis of a four-bar compliant mechanism with one flexible member (or flexible joint) are carried out. Firstly, based on the pseudo-rigid body model theory of the compliant mechanism, the kinematics relationship, system kinetic energy and potential energy of the general four-bar compliant mechanism are analyzed, and the dynamic model of the four-bar compliant mechanism is established by using Lagrange's equation. Secondly, through the creation of the energy equation of the four-bar compliant mechanism and the analysis of the first and second derivatives of the input variables, the parametric conditions for the existence of the bistable characteristics of the four-bar compliant mechanism with one flexible member are proposed. Then, taking the compliant bistable switch as an example, the internal relations between the driving characteristics of the four-bar compliant mechanism, the initial motion position of the mechanism and the parameters of the flexible member are explored. Finally, based on the improvement of the performance of the compliant bistable switch, the optimization analysis of the maximization of the motion range of the driving link and the maximization of the deformation energy of the flexible member are carried out. The research provides a theoretical basis for the product development and control of a bistable four-bar compliant mechanism.

Author(s):  
Giovanni Berselli ◽  
Rocco Vertechy ◽  
Gabriele Vassura ◽  
Vincenzo Parenti Castelli

The interest in actuators based on dielectric elastomer films as a promising technology in robotic and mechatronic applications is increasing. The overall actuator performances are influenced by the design of both the active film and the film supporting frame. This paper presents a single-acting actuator which is capable of supplying a constant force over a given range of motion. The actuator is obtained by coupling a rectangular film of silicone dielectric elastomer with a monolithic frame designed to suitably modify the force generated by the dielectric elastomer film. The frame is a fully compliant mechanism whose main structural parameters are calculated using a pseudo-rigid-body model and then verified by finite element analysis. Simulations show promising performance of the proposed actuator.


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.


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.


2012 ◽  
Vol 490-495 ◽  
pp. 1104-1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Cai Shan ◽  
Wei Ming Wang ◽  
Shu Yuan Ma ◽  
Shuang Liu

To increase the stroke of precision positioning system, a novel series compliant mechanism is presented which is based on elliptical flexure hinges. Pseudo-rigid-body model and energy method are applied to establish the theoretical model of stiffness and maximum stress, which are critical parameters for the large stroke compliant mechanism. The relationships are analyzed between geometric parameters of the series complaint mechanism, stiffness and maximum stress. According that, the series compliant mechanism is designed with the stroke more than 5mm and stiffness less than 3.2N/mm. The difference is less than 5% between the results of finite element analysis and theoretical model computation, which proves the correctness of the application design.


Author(s):  
J. Zou ◽  
L. G. Watson ◽  
W. J. Zhang

Abstract This paper discusses one type of commonly used parallel manipulator mechanism for the generation of micro-motion. This mechanism is designed as a compliant mechanism. The design and control of such a compliant mechanism is an important issue. This paper focuses on kinematic issues with consideration of future real-time control of the system. In particular, a constant-Jacobian method to approximate the kinematics, which is based on a pseudo rigid body model of the compliant mechanism, is further validated. This validation is based on the difference between this approximate method and the finite element method to the actual device, for an actuator range of 0–15 μm. The computational time with this approximate method is nearly 50 times less than that with the finite element method. It is expected that this approximation method will be far superior to the finite element method in terms of real-time control.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 168781402091147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Chen ◽  
Zilong Deng ◽  
Siya Hu ◽  
Xingjun Gao ◽  
Jinhai Gao

The microgripper based on the principle of lever amplification is easy to realize; however, the theoretical amplification factor is limited by the space size and the structure is not compact enough. The microgripper based on the triangular amplification principle has a compact structure and high amplification factor, but it is not conducive to miniaturization design. Considering compactness, parallel clamping, high magnification, and miniaturization design, a three-stage amplifier consisting of a semi-rhombic amplifier and lever amplifiers is designed. To begin with, the theoretical amplification ratio and the relationship between input variables and output variables are calculated by energy method. Furthermore, the finite element analysis software is used to optimize the structural parameters and analyze the performance of the model. Lastly, the experimental verification is carried out. At 150 V of driving voltage, the maximum output displacement was 530mm, and the actual magnification was 24 times. Microparts can be gripped in parallel and stably, which confirms the validity of the design.


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