Topology Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms Using Moving Morphable Components with Flexure Hinge Characteristic

This paper presents a compliant mechanisms synthesis method using moving morphable components (MMC) topology optimization with a view of replacing de facto hinges by specific flexure hinge characteristic. The shape of a common used corner-filleted hinge is embed into the profile of quadratically varying thickness component. The geometric parameters of the hinge is treated as design variables, participate in the optimization process directly. To obtain relatively stable topological configurations in different spring stiffness, keynodes connectivity preservation is applied which can provide a forced connection between components and input, output and fixed ports. The validity of the method is demonstrated using numerical examples.