Topology optimization of compliant mechanism based on minimum manufacturing constraints

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a method for the topology optimization of compliant mechanism. The proposed method employs the minimum manufacturing constraints to realize the non-linearly mapping between the qualities of nodes and unit volume fraction in order to void the narrow hinge-like section in compliant mechanism which is difficult to be manufactured. The method and implementation are illustrated through numerical experiment of compliant grasper. The result shows that minimum structure size could be controlled by the topology optimization including the non-linearly mapping method. At the same time, the use of the minimum manufacturing constraints reduces the maximum stress level of grasper, and makes the stress distribution tends to be homogenization. But this method would reduce the output displacement of the structure in a certain extent.