Design and Analysis of Flexible Slider Crank Mechanism

Authors: Thanh-Phong Dao, Shyh-Chour Huang

Abstract:

This study presents the optimal design and formulation of a kinematic model of a flexible slider crank mechanism. The objective of the proposed innovative design is to take extra advantage of the compliant mechanism and maximize the fatigue life by applying the Taguchi method. A formulated kinematic model is developed using a pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM). By means of mathematic models, the kinematic behaviors of the flexible slider crank mechanism are captured using MATLAB software. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to show the stress distribution. The results show that the optimal shape of the flexible hinge includes a force of 8.5N, a width of 9mm and a thickness of 1.1mm. Analysis of variance shows that the thickness of the proposed hinge is the most significant parameter, with an F test of 15.5. Finally, a prototype is manufactured to prepare for testing the kinematic and dynamic behaviors.

Keywords: Kinematic behavior, fatigue life, pseudo-rigid-body model, flexible slider crank mechanism.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1337163

References:

[1] E. Tanık, "Transmission angle in compliant slider-crank mechanism,” Mechanism and Machine Theory, vol. 46, pp. 1623–1632, 2011.
[2] F. Dirksena, M. Anselmanna, T.I. Zohdi, R. Lammering, "Incorporation of flexural hinge fatigue-life cycle criteria into the topological design of compliant small-scale devices,” Precision Engineering, vol. 37, pp. 531–541, 2013.
[3] Y. Javadi, S. Sadeghi, M. A. Najafabadi, "Taguchi optimization and ultrasonic measurement of residual stresses in the friction stir welding,” Materials and Design, vol. 55, pp. 27–34, 2014.
[4] H. Tari, H.J. Su, "A complex solution framework for the kinetostatic synthesis of a compliant four-bar mechanism,” Mechanism and Machine Theory, vol. 46, pp. 1137–1152, 2011.
[5] Bauchau and S. Han, "Flexible joints in structural and multibody dynamics,” Mech. Sci., vol. 4, pp. 65–77, 2013.
[6] L.L. Howell, Compliant Mechanisms. John Wiley and Sons Inc, New York, 2001, ch. 5.
[7] F. Dirksen and R. Lammering, "On mechanical properties of planar flexure hinges of compliant mechanisms,” Mech. Sci., vol. 2, pp. 109–117, 2011.
[8] H. Gerber. Bestimmung der zulassigen spannungen in eisenkonstruktionen. Zeitschrift des Bayerischen Architeckten und Ingenieur-Vereins, vol. 6, pp. 101–10, 1874.
[9] J. Goodman. Mechanics applied to engineering. London, Longman, Green and Co., 1899.
[10] C. Soderberg. Factor of safety and working stress. Transactions of ASME, vol. 52, pp. 13–28, 1939.
[11] T.P.Dao and S.C.Huang, "Optimization of process parameters and fatigue prediction for flexure-based compliant mechanism,” J. Eng. Technol. Educ., vol 10, no. 2, pp. 204-220, 2013.
[12] J.E. Shigley and C.R. Mischke, Mechanical Engineering Design, 6th ED, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001, ch.6.