Ways to ensure load path through all supports

KuthanC

I was wondering if anyone would have any tips to ensure, when running topology optimization on Inspire software, the load path goes through all the supports/ non-design spaces. Sometimes I try to put a small "artificial" force acting on that support and in multiple directions, but it still abandons that support and leaves hanging on its own instead of connecting the main topology optimized design space to all supports. Is there a rule of thumb or go-to logic people use to judge how much magnitude and what direction to give loads to apply on supports to ensure load path, while maintaining reasonable focus of optimization to the "real" forces?

Thanks