Contributions
In this thesis, the key contributions are covered as follows:
Initially, a new multi-response optimization design approach is developed to optimize
the elliptic flexure hinge. The presented framework method is an integration approach of
the Taguchi method (TM), fuzzy logic reasoning, response surface method, and moth flame
optimization (MFO) algorithm. Exploiting Wilcoxon and Friedman tests, the efficiency of
the offered methodology is superior to other methods, such as the atom search optimization
(ASO) algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA). In this study, the elliptic hinge is employed
for positioners in a nanoindentation testing device.
Secondly, three new design alternatives of 01-DOF positioning stages are proposed for
driving the indenter.
– The four-lever displacement intensification structure and beetle-like structure are used
to integrate the first 01-DOF stage. A combination of the advanced ANFIS and TLBO
is proposed for handling the multi-criteria optimization problem. The TM is devoted
to optimize the ANFIS predicting accuracy.
– The second design is built according to a two-lever displacement amplifier, a flexure
shifted structure, and a parallel guiding structure. An offered hybrid optimization
approach that combines the TM, RSM, weight factor computation technique, and
Whale optimization algorithm (WOA) was presented for optimizing the quality
attributes of the second design alternative of a 01-DOF stage. The effectiveness of the
offered combination methodology is confirmed using FEA and experimental results.
– The third 01-DOF stage design is based on a six-lever amplifier and parallel guiding
mechanism. The PRBM method and the Lagrange method are developed to build the
equations of statistics and dynamics which can calculate the displacement
amplification ratio the first natural frequency. Later, the Firefly algorithm is exploited
for optimizing the main parameters for advancing the quality features of the proposed
positioner.
Finally, three new design alternatives are proposed for locating material samples in
nanoindentation testing device as well as precise positioning system.
– The first compliant XY stage is based on four-lever displacement amplifier and guiding
parallel guiding according to zigzag-based flexure spring. An integration optimization
methodology combining TM, RSM, and NSGA-II was offered for conducting the
multi-objective design problem.
– The second design of rotary stage iss based on the profile’s beetle leg, cartwheel hinge
and rotation platform based on three leaf flexure hinges. A new hybrid optimization
approach of TM, RSM, weight factor quantifying technique, and teaching learning-
based optimization (TLBO) algorithm is developed for optimizing the quality
characteristics of the compliant rotary stage. Wilcoxon’s rank signed analysis as well
as Friedman analysis are employed for statistical comparison.
– The second 02-DOF stage is built with a displacement intensification mechanism with
eight levers, elliptic joints, and a parallel guiding mechanism. The kinetostatic
analysis-based method and Lagrange method are developed to formulate the dynamic
equation. Later on, the neural network algorithm is utilized for optimizing the main
parameters for advancing the quality characteristic of the offered positioner.