On the Design of Compliant Mechanisms Using Topology Optimization*

TLDR

The paper proposes a method for optimally designing compliant mechanism topologies. The method uses continuum‑type topology optimization to determine optimal compliant mechanism topologies within a design domain, constraining input displacement to control maximum stress. The method’s ability to produce mechanisms with complex output behavior is demonstrated by several examples, including macro‑ and microscale fabricated prototypes. Communicated by P.

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper presents a method for optimal design of compliant mechanism topologies. The method is based on continuum-type topology optimization techniques and finds the optimal compliant mechanism topology within a given design domain and a given position and direction of input and output forces. By constraining the allowed displacement at the input port, it is possible to control the maximum stress level in the compliant mechanism. The ability of the design method to find a mechanism with complex output behavior is demonstrated by several examples. Some of the optimal mechanism topologies have been manufactured, both in macroscale (hand-size) made in Nylon, and in microscale (<.5mm)) made of micromachined glass. Notes *Communicated by P. Pedersen