Modified chain algorithm to study planar compliant mechanisms

InteractivesimulationsinVirtualReality,suchas hapticinteraction,aremoreandmoreusedtotestoroptimize nonlinear mechanical systems subjected to large deformations. FE algorithms are often not suitable for such purposes due to the high computational burden and the long simulation times. This paper provides a modified version of the classic chain algorithm, referred to as modified chain algorithm (MCA), to overcome some convergency issues and reducethesimulationtime.Theproposedalgorithmisableto reduce the number of iterations estimating two kind of average moment laws. The MCA is then integrated into a design optimization procedure for the synthesis of a double slidercrankcompliantmechanismtobeusedasopeningsystemfor anadjustablebicyclesaddle.Finally,aX-YlayeredABSprototype is manufactured by rapid prototyping technique and 3-D printer. Experimental setup to test the deflection of the prototype revealed in good accordance with results coming from the MCA.