Optimal design of micromechatronic systems

Optimal design of 3D micromechatronic systems

Context and objectives

Nowadays, the design of micro-mechatronic systems using smart material gives rise to an important challenge in terms of design. Due to their high-density of integration, such systems require to deal with the coupling between the structure and the functional mechanisms through an overall strategy of optimization.

To address this issue, we propose here to take advantages of form optimization, especially topology optimization methods. The objective is to develop a methodology with an appropriate framework for optimal design of micro mechatronic systems.

Proposed approach

Form optimization techniques (size, shape and topology optimization) have been successfully utilized to design compliant mechanical structure. Most widespread ones rely on topology optimization using different methods such as homogenization, set level, SIMP (Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization) and heuristic methods. This technique consists to optimize the structure topology in order to match the required specifications for a well-defined complex engineering problem. Taking advantages of this technique, we propose to use SIMP method to design micro-mechatronic systems.

Preliminary result

To demonstrate the interest of SIMP method, it was applied to seek for an optimal passive 2D structure able to amplify the displacement of a piezostack actuator (only the structure is optimized here while the displacement is provided by an external actuator). Unlike the conventional nested or rainbow architecture, SIMP leads to a complex topology with an amplification ratio of 4 which is large than the classical structures.

Future works

The next step will focus on the optimization of an embedded actuation with the SIMP method. In this case, multi-phase (passive and active materials) topology optimization will be considered. Another improvement will concern the control criteria that may be considered to simplify the control of the resulted structure. Finally, 3D printing constraints will be integrated in order to simplify the realization of the outcome optimal structures.

To summarize, three steps will be considered to improve SIMP method and make it suitable to design 3D micro mechatronic systems: (i) Integration of smart material, (ii) Automatic control criteria, (iii) Additive manufacturing (3D printing)

Involved people:

• Abdnebi Mohand-Ousaid, Associate professor
• Micky Rakotondrabe, Associate professor/HDR
• Thomas Schlinquer, PhD student, “Optimal Design of micromechatronic systems”, 2016-2019
• Abbas Hamlayoni, PhD student, “Methodology of design of Piezoelectric energy harvesting devoted to power

small animal tracking devices using control theory tools”, 2017-2021