Efficient Automatic Optimization for Compliant Constant Force Mechanisms Based on Response Surface Method

Compliant constant force mechanisms (CCFMs) have attracted significant attention from researchers in recent years. This paper addresses the challenge of determining the optimal structural parameters to achieve a specified constant force output in CCFMs by proposing an automatic optimization model based on finite element analysis (FEA). The proposed approach overcomes the limitations of conventional optimization methods, such as excessive computational requirements and time-consuming processes, resulting in an accurate and efficient optimization solution that significantly reduces computational and time costs. The optimization model and method consist of two primary stages: 1) a preliminary model design is developed using the principle of stiffness combination, which requires only a set of structural parameters near the target constant force performance; 2) the optimization is performed using the response surface method based on FEA, with a multi-objective genetic algorithm serving as the optimization algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimized CCFM model successfully achieves the specified constant force output of 4N, with a constant force stroke of 2mm, representing a 17.6% improvement in the constant force stroke compared to the preliminary model. Finally, experimental validation is conducted, and a comprehensive discussion is provided, offering valuable insights for future research.