Topology optimization design of flexible micro-clamp considering clamp stability

Abstract Flexible micro-clamps induce parasitic displacements at the output port during the clamping process, leading to tilting and instability. This study proposes a multi-constraint topology optimization model, leveraging the variable density method to enhance clamping stability. The objective function aims to maximize the displacement amplification ratio, subject to constraints on parasitic displacements and displacement variations between the two ends of the output port. Sensitivities of both the objective and constraint functions are derived and solved using the method of moving asymptotes, yielding a design that achieves both high amplification and clamping stability. The experimental results show that when an input voltage of 120 V is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic, the flexible micro-clamp exhibits a bidirectional amplification ratio of 8.06, while its relative parasitic displacement and relative parallelism displacement are 0.53% and 0.79%, respectively.