Topology optimization of distributed flexure hinges with desired performance

ABSTRACT

Traditional notch flexure hinges have been widely used in precision engineering, but the lumped notch configuration limits the range of motion. This article presents a synthesis method for designing flexure hinges with distributed configurations using topology optimization. In order to obtain a distributed configuration, an optimization model for the topology optimization of a distributed flexure hinge is developed first. The objective is to maximize the bending displacement while minimizing the axial displacement. The constraint for accomplishing the symmetry requirement is presented. Then flexure hinges having the desired performance are designed on the basis of a distributed configuration. In particular, this work offers optimization models for designing flexure hinges with prescribed compliances and with minimal parasitic motion. This method is implemented based on the popular Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method, and a number of numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. The results of the examples demonstrate that the flexure hinges obtained have distributed configurations and the desired performances (prescribed compliances or minimal parasitic motion).

KEYWORDS:

• Flexure hinges
• topology optimization
• distributed configuration
• compliant mechanism
• SIMP

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant nos. 51665011, 51605166]; the Scientific and Technological Research Project of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education [Grant no. GJJ170404]; the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province [Grant no. 20161BAB206152]; the Open Project of Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Equipment and Manufacturing Technology [Grant no. PEM201704].