Design and analysis of compliant mechanisms using topology optimization approach

Abstract

A compliant mechanism is a flexible structure that elastically deforms without joints to produce a desired force or displacement. Unlike rigid-body mechanisms, compliant mechanisms gain some of their mobility from the deflection of flexible members rather than from movable joints. The objective of this research work is to formulate the general procedure for the design of compliant mechanism from a given basic geometry. Also to design a compliant amplifier from rectangular, taper and hexogonal basic design domains using topology optimization approach for the displacement amplification of the strain actuator and design of a compliant mechanism to give the specified output displacement. The topology optimization procedure for maximizing the Geometrical Advantage (GA) and Mechanical Advantage (MA) has been chosen. The design has been carried out using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). For optimization Optimality Criteria (OC) method has been employed. The design and analysis have been carried out using ANSYS or MATLAB software. Three types of basic configurations, viz., rectangular, taper and hexagonal are taken for topology optimization approach to design a compliant amplifier. For each case, analysis has been carried out to study the effect of input location, the effect of output location, the effect of applied force, the effect of aspect ratio and the effect of thickness of the domain. Further, a method for designing a compliant mechanism for specific output displacement is developed using a topological optimization approach employing MATLAB software. The maximization of these objectives is accomplished using optimality criteria method. Numerical Experiments for two different design domains are conducted for obtaining the specific output displacement. Such an approach has been developed and compliant mechanisms suitable for operating a proportional valve and for operating the micro vibratory chute are designed. newline