Optimized flexural hinge shapes for microsystems and high-precision applications

Positioning devices based on flexural hinges are often used in microsystems and precision mechanisms. In this work a nonlinear parametric optimization of flexural hinge shapes is performed. Predefined and freeform parametric shapes are compared in terms of compliance, strength, stress concentration factors and parasitic shifts. Transversal and axial compliances and stress concentration factors are also calculated, permitting design guidelines to be established. It is shown that optimized hinge shapes lead to far better performances with respect to conventional circular notches.