Non-linear analytical modeling of planar compliant mechanisms

Abstract Compliant mechanisms are state of the art in technical applications, especially in precision engineering. They mostly achieve their motion due to bending-dominated deformation of their compliant segments, i.e. flexure hinges. Accurately analyzing a compliant mechanism in dependence of specific flexure hinges is still a challenging task due to the monolithic design and non-linearities caused by large deflections. Most existing accurate analytical models are restricted to single hinges. Therefore, this paper presents a non-linear analytical approach to calculate the elasto-kinematic properties of arbitrary planar compliant mechanisms. The approach is based on the theory for large deflections of rod-like structures. As a typical example, a compliant parallel four-bar linkage with varying compliant segments is investigated by means of the proposed analytical approach. The motion and deformation behavior are numerically calculated with the use of MATLAB®. It is shown, that the analytical results are in good correlation with FEM-based simulations and measurements of a manufactured prototype. To demonstrate the generality of the proposed method, two further and more complex mechanism examples are considered. As a result, the implemented modeling approach allows an accurate and fast analysis as well as synthesis of manifold planar compliant mechanisms with distributed or concentrated compliance.

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