This paper presents a design optimization method for continuum compliant structures. The developed optimization tool enables automated design, analysis and optimization of the compliant structures in a single simulation environment. The associated algorithm used automatically analyses the stress distribution occurring under certain loading and deformation conditions of initial designs defined by the user, adjusts a uniform stress distribution among individual flexure hinges by automated dimensioning and finalizes the design by integrating mechanical stops automatically matched with the kinematic capacity of individual hinges. In order to prove the advantages of the proposed optimization method, validation tests were performed under static and dynamic loading conditions. Results of the experiments showed that, compared to the non-optimized ones, optimized structures with the developed tool exhibit more uniform curvatures which indicate more even stress distribution among the individual hinges; up to 25% value increase in terms of maximum bearable load and maximum permissible deflection angle; less plastic deformation in case of overloading and up to 100% increased fatigue life.

本文提出了一种针对连续统一结构的设计优化方法。开发的优化工具可在单个仿真环境中对顺应性结构进行自动化设计，分析和优化。使用的相关算法自动分析在用户定义的初始设计的某些载荷和变形条件下出现的应力分布，通过自动尺寸调整各个挠性铰链之间的均匀应力分布，并通过集成自动匹配运动能力的机械挡块来最终确定设计单个铰链。为了证明所提出的优化方法的优势，在静态和动态载荷条件下进行了验证测试。实验结果表明，与未优化的实验相比，使用开发的工具优化的结构具有更均匀的曲率，这表明各个铰链之间的应力分布更加均匀；在最大可承受载荷和最大允许偏转角方面，最高可增加25％的值；过载情况下的塑性变形较小，疲劳寿命延长至100％。