A monolithic compliant large-range gravity balancer. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Radaelli, G.; Herder, J.L.
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 102(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Compliant mechanisms -- Static balancing -- Constant force generator; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2016.03.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Abstract: A new monolithic fully compliant gravity balancer is designed with help of a design approach based on shape optimization. The balancer consists of one single clamped–clamped complex-shaped beam on which a weight is attached. The beam is modeled as a planar isogeometric Bernoulli beam. The goal function of the optimization consists of an energy based evaluation of the load path of the beam which is compared with a desired response. The best result of the shape optimization has been constructed out of polycarbonate sheet and out of glass-fiber reinforced plastic laminate. Both have been tested on a compression test bench. The theoretical model has good resemblance with the experimental results.