Analytical Description of Transversally Symmetric Hinges with Semicircular Contours

Compliant mechanisms are becoming increasingly important, especially in force measurement and weighing technology, due to their zero backlash, wear resistance, and zero friction. Their deformation under external forces can be analyzed well with analytical calculations and FEM simulations. Analytically, only mechanisms with symmetrical and longitudinally symmetrical hinges are described. This paper presents a method that allows transversally symmetric hinges to be described analytically. The model must be computed numerically due to the built neutral fiber and the nonlinearities in the used calculation method. The developed method is then compared with FEM calculations in a parameter study and considered to be validated. Finally, outlooks are formulated on how the created method can for instance be used to develop load cells for later calculations. Moreover, it is shown to what extent it is possible to implement this method for general calculations of compliant mechanisms.