Structural optimization for flexure-based parallel mechanisms–Towards achieving optimal dynamic and stiffness properties
2015
Article
pi
Flexure-based parallel mechanisms (FPMs) are a type of compliant mechanisms that consist of a rigid end-effector that is articulated by several parallel, flexible limbs (a.k.a. sub-chains). Existing design methods can enhance the FPMs’ dynamic and stiffness properties by conducting a size optimization on their sub-chains. A similar optimization process, however, was not performed for their sub-chains’ topology, and this may severely limit the benefits of a size optimization. Thus, this paper proposes to use a structural optimization approach to synthesize and optimize the topology, shape and size of the FPMs’ sub-chains. The benefits of this approach are demonstrated via the design and development of a planar X − Y − θz FPM. A prototype of this FPM was evaluated experimentally to have a large workspace of 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm × 6°, a fundamental natural frequency of 102 Hz, and stiffness ratios that are greater than 120. The achieved properties show significant improvement over existing 3-degrees-of-freedom compliant mechanisms that can deflect more than 0.5 mm and 0.5°. These compliant mechanisms typically have stiffness ratios that are less than 60 and a fundamental natural frequency that is less than 45 Hz.
Author(s): | Lum, Guo Zhan and Teo, Tat Joo and Yeo, Song Huat and Yang, Guilin and Sitti, Metin |
Journal: | Precision Engineering |
Volume: | 42 |
Pages: | 195--207 |
Year: | 2015 |
Month: | May |
Day: | 26 |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Department(s): | Physical Intelligence |
Bibtex Type: | Article (article) |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.precisioneng.2015.04.017 |
BibTex @article{lum2015structural, title = {Structural optimization for flexure-based parallel mechanisms--Towards achieving optimal dynamic and stiffness properties}, author = {Lum, Guo Zhan and Teo, Tat Joo and Yeo, Song Huat and Yang, Guilin and Sitti, Metin}, journal = {Precision Engineering}, volume = {42}, pages = {195--207}, publisher = {Elsevier}, month = may, year = {2015}, doi = {10.1016/j.precisioneng.2015.04.017}, month_numeric = {5} } |