Modeling for ortho-planar flexure based compliant mechanism

This paper presents the design considerations of ortho-planar flexure hinge that has the vertical motions of platform relative to the base boundary with no rotation. The design concept is its non-rotating vertical motion, eliminates the problem of rotation against adjoining surfaces and is less sensitive to variation in the state of assemblies. The design equations are presented to identify different configurations and the force-defection relationships. The objective of this work was to apply the mathematical method to design an ortho-planar flexure hinge while the design should have minimum mass and at the same time satisfy a set of constrained displacement. The mathematical and topological processes showthe layout design under small displacement conditions, the output displacement, maximum stress magnitude, and the maximum stress of linear elastic assumption. However, the mass fraction and the layout as the result of the optimization process may be different. As for larger displacement, the maximum stress of linear elastic material appeared some times higher than the maximum stress of the small displacement model. Thus, the design consideration of topology optimization scheme may be selected by the linear or nonlinear material and deformation models.