Lightweight design of flexible suction cup connecting beams based on topology optimisation

In order to improve the palletising efficiency of the robotic arm, a lightweight design is carried out for the connecting beam, which is heavier than the end actuator (flexible suction cup). The three-dimensional model of the connecting beam built in SolidWorks is imported into abaqus for static analysis and topology optimisation using the Tosca module, and the optimised results are imported into fe-safe for fatigue analysis, and the redesign is carried out for the parts of the structure with higher stresses and the parts of the structure with the smallest fatigue life. The maximum stress and minimum fatigue life of the final structure are significantly improved, and the mass of the connecting beam is finally reduced by about 70%. The upper speed limit of the robotic arm movement and the fatigue life of the end actuator are improved, so that the efficiency of the robotic arm palletising is increased by about 13%, which provides a design idea for the structural parts that are subject to alternating stresses for a long time.