Abstract
This paper proposes a structural optimization-based design method for compliant mechanism scissors considering usability based on Universal Design principles. First, a new design optimization problem formulation is developed that aims to reduce users' physical effort by ensuring that the location of the center of gravity the object or tool to be used is as close to the hand grip as possible. Second, an additional formulation is developed to facilitate designs that can accommodate as wide a range of users as possible, to develop structures that are stable despite different directions of input loading applied by different users. Finally, the design of a gripper that approaches a universal design was developed using the proposed formulations, and evaluated to assess the efficacy of the proposed methodology.
