This paper introduces the spanning tree theory to the topological synthesis of compliant mechanisms, in which spanning trees connect all the vertices together using a minimum number of edges. A valid topology is regarded as a network connecting input, output, support, and intermediate nodes, which contains at least one spanning tree among the introduced nodes. Invalid disconnected topologies can be weeded out if no spanning tree is included. No further deformation analysis and performance evaluation is needed to invalidate disconnected topologies. Problem-dependent objectives are optimized for topological synthesis of compliant mechanisms. Constraints about maximum input displacement and force, maximum stress and overlapping connections are directly imposed during optimization process. The discrete optimization problem is solved by genetic algorithm with penalty function handling constraints. Two examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed synthesis procedure.
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July 2005
Technical Papers
Topological Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms Using Spanning Tree Theory
Hong Zhou,
Hong Zhou
Research Assistant
Center for Manufacturing Research,
Tennessee Technological University
, Cookeville, TN 38505
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Kwun-Lon Ting
Kwun-Lon Ting
ASME Fellow
Professor
Center for Manufacturing Research,
e-mail: kting@tntech.edu
Tennessee Technological University
, Cookeville, TN 38505
Search for other works by this author on:
Hong Zhou
Research Assistant
Center for Manufacturing Research,
Tennessee Technological University
, Cookeville, TN 38505
Kwun-Lon Ting
ASME Fellow
Professor
Center for Manufacturing Research,
Tennessee Technological University
, Cookeville, TN 38505e-mail: kting@tntech.edu
J. Mech. Des. Jul 2005, 127(4): 753-759 (7 pages)
Published Online: July 28, 2004
Article history
Received:
March 4, 2004
Revised:
July 23, 2004
Accepted:
July 28, 2004
Citation
Zhou, H., and Ting, K. (July 28, 2004). "Topological Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms Using Spanning Tree Theory." ASME. J. Mech. Des. July 2005; 127(4): 753–759. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1900148
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