Optimization Design of a Compliant Tension Spring

This study presents an optimization design for a compliant tension spring. Structure of the proposed spring is designed based on foldable mechanism to reach a large range of deformation. To improve the performances of the spring, a computational optimization process is implemented by an integration of the response surface method, finite element method, and multi-objective genetic algorithm. First of all, a 3D model of the spring is created. Then, design of experiments is built by central composite design. Simulations are performed to collect the numerical datasets. Subsequently, Kriging metamodel is used to approximate a relationship between the design parameters and the deformation. And then, the multi-objective genetic algorithm is utilized to search the Pareto-optimal set for the spring. The sensitivity of design parameters is analyzed. Finally, the predicted results are validated through finite element analysis.