A novel model of large deflection beams with combined end loads in compliant mechanisms

Based on the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model (PRBM), a new model with three degrees of freedom is proposed for the large deflection beams with combined end loads in compliant mechanisms. The lateral and axial deflections of flexural beams are modeled using four rigid links connected by one prismatic (P) pair with a compression spring and two revolute (R) joints with torsion springs. The flexural cantilever beam subject to end force and moment loads is simulated by PRR pseudo-rigid-body model. The characteristic parameters of the PRR PRBM are determined via the optimization and numerical fitting techniques. Compared with the 2R, PR and 3R models, the new PRR PRBM shows the superiority in simulating the large deflection beams of compliant mechanisms through numerical examples. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.