Topology synthesis of large‐displacement compliant mechanisms with specific output motion paths

Abstract

This paper presents the synthesis of large‐displacement compliant mechanisms (CM) with specific output motion paths. For this purpose, a robust and efficient staggered topology optimization scheme, based on the optimality criteria (OC) method and the globally convergent method of moving asymptotes (GCMMA), is proposed, described and implemented to maximize the output motion of the design CM for a user‐specified motion path. Nonlinear geometric effects are taken into account to ensure proper modelling of large displacements occurring in CM. Different setups of a vector‐based formulation are described and benchmarked. Numerical results for a gripping mechanism model problem show that the presented approach generates path‐following compliant mechanisms in an efficient and systematic manner. (© 2012 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)