A compliant mechanism kit with flexible beams and connectors along with analysis and optimal synthesis procedures

Limaye, Padmanabh and Ramu, G and Pamulapati, Sindhuja and Ananthasuresh, GK (2012) A compliant mechanism kit with flexible beams and connectors along with analysis and optimal synthesis procedures. In: Mechanism and Machine Theory, 49 . pp. 21-39.

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Abstract

We present a compliant mechanism kit as a parallel to the kits available for rigid-body mechanisms. The kit consists of flexible beams and connectors that can be easily hand-assembled using snap fits. The mechanisms assembled using the kit accurately capture the aspects of the topology, shape, and size of joint-free compliant mechanisms. Thus, the kit enables designers to conceive and design new, practicable, single-piece compliant mechanisms that do not require assembly. The concept of the kit also resolves a discrepancy in the finite element (FE) modeling of beam-based compliant mechanisms. The discrepancy arises when two or more beams are joined at one point and thus leading to increased stiffness. After resolving this discrepancy, this work extends the topology optimization to automatically generate designs that can be assembled with the kit for quick and easy validation instead of time-consuming prototyping. Thus, the kit and the accompanying analysis and optimal synthesis procedures comprise a self-contained educational as well as a research and practice toolset for compliant mechanisms. The paper also illustrates how human creativity finds new ways of using the kit beyond the original intended use and how it enables even a novice to design compliant mechanisms. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Mechanism and Machine Theory
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Science.
Keywords:	Compliant mechanism kit;Beam finite element analysis; Topology optimization;Building blocks;Fillets
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	27 Jan 2012 06:16
Last Modified:	27 Jan 2012 06:16
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/43131

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