Synthesis of compliant mechanisms in force measurement and weighing technology for precision applications

Prof. L. Zentner
Hannes Jahn, M. Sc.

Compliant mechanisms with flexure hinges have a wide range of applications for high-precision measuring systems in force measurement and weighing technology due to their advantages. As of today, there are no known synthesis methods aimed at the design of compliant mechanisms in measurement systems. However, some general approaches and guidelines exist with respect to the synthesis of compliant mechanisms, mainly from precision engineering, which could find conditional application in measurement systems. Non-negligible influences on accuracy are taken by elastic aftereffects and thermal perturbations, causing time-dependent deformations and temperature-dependent material properties. In current synthesis methods, these effects are mostly not considered. Research is needed to close this gap and thus improve the accuracy and temporal independence of measurement processes.

The aim of the project is the development and experimental validation of model-based synthesis methods and synthesis guidelines for compliant mechanisms in force measurement and weighing technology. For the first time, an analytical model will be formed based on fundamental research of physical effects, such as elastic aftereffects and temperature dependencies. Based on the analysis of the state of research, it is clear that synthesis approaches for compliant mechanisms exist, but not for deformation bodies in force measurement and weighing technology according to current knowledge. With the aid of new synthesis methods and guidelines, known mechanism structures are to be evaluated and then novel structured mechanisms developed.

TU Ilmenau - Compliant Systems Group
TU Ilmenau - Process Measurement Technology Group

01/2021 - 01/2024

DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; Projekt: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/461797997
DFG - reference number: ZE714/22-1