Analytical Modeling and Application for Semi-Circular Notch Flexure Hinges

Flexure-based compliant mechanisms can be used to achieve bio-imitability and adaptability in the applications of biomedical engineering. However, a nonlinear load-displacement profile increases the design complexity of this type of compliant mechanism, especially when the cross-section of the flexu...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied sciences 2023-08, Vol.13 (16), p.9248
Main Authors: Meng, Qiaoling, Chen, Zhongzhe, Kang, Haolun, Shen, Zhijia, Yu, Hongliu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
artificial finger
Biomedical engineering
Case studies
Compliance
compliant characteristics
Deformation
Design
Finite element analysis
Optimization
rotation angle
semi-circular notch flexure hinge
stress analysis
Stress concentration
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Flexure-based compliant mechanisms can be used to achieve bio-imitability and adaptability in the applications of biomedical engineering. However, a nonlinear load-displacement profile increases the design complexity of this type of compliant mechanism, especially when the cross-section of the flexure hinge is not constant. This paper proposes two general analytical models by analyzing the compliance and stress characteristics of the semi-circular notch flexure hinge undergoing large deflections, which is a typical variable cross-section of a flexure hinge, based on the Castigliano’s second theorem and the finite elements analysis method. As a case study for verification, three compliant four-bar linkage mechanisms are designed based on the proposed design approach, the design method proposed by Howell, and the equations proposed by Lobontiu, respectively. The results show that the design accuracy is improved 36% in comparison with designs from Howell and Lobontiu. Finally, a flexure-based artificial finger is designed and manufactured based on the proposed optimization approach. The performance test of the prototype shows that the artificial finger has good bio-imitability and adaptability with respect to joint movements.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app13169248