Design of Compliant Nonlinear Torsional Springs Through Parametric Finite Element Analysis

This paper presents the design and optimisation of compliant nonlinear torsional springs by parametric finite element analysis. The springs are created based on a single B-spline curve, which exhibits a compact, lightweight, and simpler design than existing works. The spring is created by a combination of computational finite element analysis methods and optimisation algorithms that analyse and optimise spring designs. The models and methodology of spring creation are presented with results. The constant-torque spring was able to outperform the generic constant spring design in some aspects as well as cosine-torque spring which perform an outstanding output in term of output accuracy. This thesis explores a new type of nonlinear torsional spring with advantages above generic nonlinear torsional spring as well as difficulties, limitations and recommendations of the spring design method used

Optimum Design of Compliant Nonlinear Torsional Springs Through Parametric Finite Element Analysis

Torsional springs are often created by a single fundamental spring design despite the application differences. The limitation of the spring output is constrained by the low number of fundamental designs of the torsional spring in some aspects, such as manufacturing complexity and limited application. This also leads to limited in the design development of torsional spring. A new torsional spring design is introduced in this paper. B-spline-based torsional springs can provide lower manufacturing complexity compared to generic torsional spring designs. This paper introduces a methodology to create single B-spline torsional springs which can provide the desired spring output. The springs were created by a combination of mathematical and physical simulation tools. A B-spline curve is used to determine a spring shape, while the Genetic algorithm and Finite element analysis are used for design optimization and verification. The present method is used to create two spring types, including constant-torque and cosine-torque, to evaluate the performance of the methods used