Bistable compliant mechanisms and systems

Abstract

A bistable compliant mechanism for mechanical engagement includes first and second supports fixed relative to one another and disposed in spaced apart and opposing relation relative to one another, a center shuttle disposed between the first and second supports and movable along a movement axis, at least one first band extending between the first support and the center shuttle, and at least one second band extending between the second support and the center shuttle. The at least one first band and the at least one second band are deformable to enable movement of the center shuttle between a first stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a first position along the movement axis, and a second stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a second position along the movement axis.

Description

BISTABLE COMPLIANT MECHANISMS AND SYSTEMSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 636,705, filed on April 19, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 767,444, filed on March 5, 2025, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT

[0002] This invention was made with government support under FA9550-20-1-0256 awarded by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The government has certain rights in the invention.FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to mechanical engagement mechanisms and, more specifically, to bistable compliant mechanisms and systems facilitating mechanical engagement.BACKGROUND

[0004] Traditional fastening mechanisms such as bolts, screws, adhesives, welding, and the like are widely used across industries to assemble components and structures. However, these fastening mechanisms are typically designed for permanent or semi-permanent engagement of components. Indeed, disassembly of these traditional mechanical engagements is often destructive, limiting if not preventing reuse of the previously engaged components and / or the fastening mechanisms. Further, these traditional fastening mechanisms often require timeconsuming assembly, specialized tools, and / or specialized labor.SUMMARY

[0005] To the extent consistent, any of the aspects detailed below may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects detailed hereinbelow. Further, terms including “generally,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like, as utilized herein, are meant to encompass variations, e.g.,manufacturing tolerances, material tolerances, use and environmental tolerances, measurement variations, design variations, and / or other variations, up to and including plus or minus 10 percent.

[0006] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a bistable compliant mechanism for mechanical engagement including first and second supports fixed relative to one another and disposed in spaced apart and opposing relation relative to one another, a center shuttle disposed between the first and second supports and movable along a movement axis, at least one first band extending between the first support and the center shuttle, and at least one second band extending between the second support and the center shuttle. The at least one first band and the at least one second band are deformable to enable movement of the center shuttle between a first stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a first position along the movement axis, and a second stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a second position along the movement axis.

[0007] In aspects, a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the first position to the second position is greater than, equal to, or less than a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the second position to the first position, depending upon a configuration of the bistable compliant mechanism.

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the bistable compliant mechanism is a single, monolithic piece of material.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a first band of the at least one first band includes a first clamp arm and a second band of the at least one second band includes a second clamp arm. In such aspects, in the first stable condition, the first and second clamp arms define a first distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis and in the second stable condition, the first and second clamp arms define a second distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis. In such aspects, the second distance may be less than the first distance.

[0010] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more first bands of the at least one first band includes a side shuttle and wherein one or more second bands of the at least one second band includes a side shuttle.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one first band includes a plurality of first bands and the at least one second band includes a plurality of second bands.

[0012] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the center shuttle includes one of a socket or a prong. Additionally or alternatively, the center shuttle supports at least one of a tool interface or an engagement post.

[0013] A bistable compliant system for mechanical engagement provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes an anchor block defining a slot and secured to a first component, and a bistable compliant mechanism secured to a second component. The bistable compliant mechanism includes first and second supports fixed relative to one another and disposed in spaced apart and opposing relation relative to one another, a center shuttle disposed between the first and second supports and movable along a movement axis, an engagement post extending from the center shuttle, at least one first band extending between the first support and the center shuttle, and at least one second band extending between the second support and the center shuttle. The at least one first band and the at least one second band are deformable to enable movement of the center shuttle between a first stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a first position along the movement axis such that the engagement post is disposed in a retracted position displaced from the anchor block, and a second stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a second position along the movement axis such that the engagement post is disposed in an extended position in engagement within the slot of the anchor block.

[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the first position to the second position is greater than, less than, or equal to a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the second position to the first position, depending upon a configuration of the bistable compliant mechanism.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the bistable compliant mechanism is a single, monolithic piece of material.

[0016] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the at least one first band and at least one of the at least one second band includes a side shuttle disposed thereon.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one first band includes a plurality of first bands and the at least one second band includes a plurality of second bands.

[0018] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the center shuttle further supports a tool interface. The tool interface extends from the center shuttle along the movement axis in a first direction, and the engagement post extends from the center shuttle along the movement axis in a second, opposite direction.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system further includes an assembly tool configured to engage the tool interface such that rotation of the assembly tool moves the center shuttle between the first and second stable conditions.

[0020] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first component is a frame and the second component is a panel such that, in the second stable condition of the center shuttle, the panel is engaged with the frame.

[0021] Another bistable compliant system for mechanical engagement provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a tile and a bistable compliant mechanism. The tile has a body, a neck extending from the body, and a head disposed at a free end of the neck. A recess is defined between the head and the body on first and second opposed sides of the neck. The bistable compliant mechanism is secured to a structure and includes first and second supports fixed relative to one another and disposed in spaced apart and opposing relation relative to one another, a center shuttle disposed between the first and second supports and movable along a movement axis, at least one first band extending between the first support and the center shuttle, at least one second band extending between the second support and the center shuttle, a first clamp arm disposed on a first band of the at least one first band, and a second clamp arm disposed on a second band of the at least one second band. The at least one first band and the at least one second band are deformable to enable movement of the center shuttle between a first stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a first position along the movement axis and the first and second clamp arms define a first distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis to permit insertion of the head of the tile between the first and second clamp arms, and a second stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a second position along the movement axis and the first and second clamp arms define a second distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis and less than the first distance to engage the recesses of the tile and secure the tile relative to the structure.

[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the first position to the second position is less than, greater than, or equal to a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the second position to the first position, depending upon a configuration of the bistable compliant mechanism.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the bistable compliant mechanism is a single, monolithic piece of material.

[0024] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the first clamp arm is supported on a side shuttle of the first band of the at least one first band and the second clamp arm is supported on a side shuttle of the second band of the at least one second band.

[0025] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one first band includes a plurality of first bands and the at least one second band includes a plurality of second bands.

[0026] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the tile is a surface-attached tile and the structure is hull of a vehicle such as a spacecraft or other structure such as a support of a photovoltaic system.

[0027] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the head of the tile includes a first alignment feature and the center shuttle of the bistable compliant mechanism includes a second alignment feature configured to engage the first alignment feature in the second position of the center shuttle to rotationally lock the tile and the bistable compliant mechanism relative to one another. In such aspects, one of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature may be a socket and the other of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature may be a prong.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0029] FIGS. 1A and IB are side views of a bistable compliant mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure in unlocked and locked conditions, respectively;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a graph of experimental results of force versus position for the bistable compliant mechanism of FIG. 1 ;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another bistable compliant mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0032] FIGS. 4A-4C are side views progressively illustrating engagement of a component with the bistable compliant mechanism of FIG. 3;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still another bistable compliant mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a component configured for engagement with the bistable compliant mechanism of FIG. 5;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bistable compliant system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another bistable compliant mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0037] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views of the bistable compliant mechanism of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present disclosure in unlocked and locked conditions, respectively;

[0038] FIG. 10A is a rear view of a plurality of the bistable compliant mechanisms of FIG. 8 secured to a panel;

[0039] FIG. 10B is a rear view illustrating engagement of the panel of FIG. 10A with a frame via the plurality of the bistable compliant mechanisms;

[0040] FIG. 11A is an exploded, perspective view illustrating the bistable compliant mechanism of FIG. 8, a panel, and an assembly tool provided in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 1 IB is a rear view illustrating the assembly tool of FIG. 11A in use transitioning the bistable compliant mechanism between the unlocked and locked conditions to secure the panel in position;

[0042] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a manufacturing instrument for fabricating plural bistable compliant mechanisms from a slab in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0043] FIG. 12B is a top view of the slab with the plurality of bistable compliant mechanisms fabricated therefrom with the manufacturing instrument of FIG. 12 A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The present disclosure provides bistable compliant mechanisms and systems facilitating mechanical engagement for use in various applications. Thus, although the exemplary configurations are detailed below with respect to some applications, the bistable compliant mechanisms of the present disclosure are not limited thereto but, rather, may be utilized in any suitable industry and / or application for facilitating mechanical engagement. The bistable compliant mechanisms of the present disclosure readily enable quick engagement and disengagement without the need for specialized tools and / or specialized labor, without compromising reusability and / or interchangeability, and with equal or superior engagement strength compared to other engagement mechanisms.

[0045] Turning to FIGS. 1 A and IB, a bistable compliant mechanism 100 illustrating the aspects and features of the bistable compliant mechanisms of the present disclosure, is shown. Bistable compliant mechanism 100 may be formed from any suitable material or materials including, without limitation, plastic materials such as polycarbonate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Nylon, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), or polylactic acid (PLA), metal materials such as aluminum, titanium, carbon steel, or stainless steel, or any other suitable material. Combinations of materials are also contemplated. In aspects, bistable compliant mechanism 100 is monolithically formed as a single piece of material such as, for example and without limitation, via molding (e.g., plastic injection molding or metal injection molding (MIM)), stamping, water jet cutting, laser jet cutting, folding and bending, additive manufacturing (including metal filament 3D printing (FDM) and plastic filament 3D printing), subtractive manufacturing, combinations thereof, or via any other suitable manufacturing process. In other aspects, portions of bistable compliant mechanism 100 are separately formed, e.g., according to any of the methods detailed above, and subsequently attached to form bistable compliant mechanism 100.

[0046] Bistable compliant mechanism 100 includes a frame 110 having first and second supports 120, 130 disposed in spaced apart opposing relation relative to one another and fixed relative to one another via a base 140. In aspects, supports 120, 130, and base 140 are integrally formed with or otherwise fixedly engaged with one another.

[0047] Bistable compliant mechanism 100 further includes a center shuttle 150 supported between supports 120, 130 via at least one first band 160 extending between first support 120 and center shuttle 150 and at least one second band 170 extending between second support 130 and center shuttle 150. Although two (2) first bands 160 and two (2) second bands 170 are shown in FIGS. 1A and IB, it is understood that, depending upon a particular purpose, greater or fewer bands 160, 170 may be provided. In aspects, one or more first bands 160 and one or more second bands 170 each includes a side shuttle 180 disposed along the band 160, 170 to provide stabilization and / or enable engagement, as detailed below. Bands 160, 170 define high aspect ratios, thus exhibiting relatively flat and wide shape profiles.

[0048] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1A and IB, bands 160, 170 of bistable compliant mechanism 100 support center shuttle 150 in two stable conditions, an unlocked condition (FIG. 1A) and a locked condition (FIG. IB), and enable movement of center shuttle 150 along a movement axis “Z” between the unlocked condition (FIG. 1 A) and the locked condition (FIG. IB)upon application of sufficient force along the movement axis “Z” to overcome the stable unlocked condition (FIG. 1A) and deform, c.g., elastically deform, hypcr-clastically deform, or deform in another manner, bands 160, 170 or to overcome the stable locked condition (FIG. IB) and deform, e.g., elastically deform, hyper-elastically deform, or deform in another manner, bands 160, 170, depending upon whether center shuttle 150 is moved from the unlocked condition towards the locked condition or from the locked condition towards the unlocked condition, respectively. With additional reference to FIG. 2, more specifically, bistable compliant mechanism 100 is configured such that the magnitude of force “FL” along the movement axis “Z” required to move center shuttle 150 from the locked condition is greater than the magnitude of force “FU” along the movement axis “Z” required to move center shuttle 150 from the unlocked condition. Thus, engagement requires less force than disengagement, facilitating assembly without sacrificing retention strength. In aspects, the magnitude of the force along the movement axis “Z” to move center shuttle 150 from the locked condition is at least 2x, at least 3x, at least 4x, at least 5x, at least 7x, or at least lOx greater than the magnitude of the force along the movement axis “Z” to move center shuttle 150 from the unlocked condition.

[0049] The number, materials, dimensions, and angles of bands 160, 170 and / or the configuration of side shuttles 180 may be selected to achieve desired forces and / or force differentials for movement of support center shuttle 150 between the two stable conditions: the unlocked condition (FIG. 1A) and the locked condition (FIG. IB). More specifically, it has been found that, as band thickness “t” (measured along the movement axis “Z” with the band extending perpendicular to the movement axis “Z”) increases, both the force “FL” required to move center shuttle 150 from the locked condition and the force “FU” required to move center shuttle 150 from the unlocked condition increase; however, the force “FU” required to move center shuttle 150 from the unlocked condition increases at a substantially exponential rate (or more exponential rate) while the force “FL” required to move center shuttle 150 from the locked condition increases at substantially linear rate (or more linear rate). Thus, lower band thicknesses “t” provide bistable compliant mechanism 100 with a relatively greater disengagement force compared to the engagement force.

[0050] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1A, IB, and 2, with respect to band angle “a”, defined as the angle formed between a band 160, 170 and the support 120, 130 to which it is attached in a direction facing base 140, it has been found that an increase in band angle “a”decreases both the force “FL” required to move center shuttle 150 from the locked condition and the force “FU” required to move center shuttle 150 from the unlocked condition at substantially linear rates of substantially equal slope. Thus, forces for engagement and disengagement can be relatively maintained but scaled by varying the band angle “a”. In aspects, the band angle “a” is from about 60 degrees to about 85 degrees.

[0051] With respect to the width “w” of side shuttles 180 (measured along the lengths of bands 160, 170 and perpendicular to the movement axis “Z”), it has been found that both the force “FL” required to move center shuttle 150 from the locked condition and the force “FU” required to move center shuttle 150 from the unlocked condition increase exponentially as the width “w” of side shuttles 180 increase. Thus, greater widths “w” of side shuttles 180 may be provided to increase the engagement and disengagement forces of bistable compliant mechanism 100.

[0052] In aspects, machine learning may be utilized to optimize the various parameters such as the number, materials, dimensions, and band angles of bands 160, 170 and / or the configurations of side shuttles 180 to achieve desired engagement and disengagement forces “FU” and “FL”, respectively, for a particular purpose. Additional or alternative parameters to be optimized include, for example and without limitation, center shuttle height, center shuttle length, band gap, the thickness of the mechanism, etc. Further, in addition to selecting parameters to achieve a desired force profile, the parameters may be selected to achieve a desired throw distance, e.g., the distance the center shuttle travels between the two stable conditions thereof.

[0053] Returning with reference to FIGS. 1A and IB, in aspects, bistable compliant mechanism 100 may include features to facilitate engagement of one or more components with bistable compliant mechanism 100 and / or one another. For example, center shuttle 150 may include one or more features such as interfaces, clamp arms, sockets, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, side shuttles 180 may include one or more features such as interfaces, clamp arms, sockets, or the like. These features of center shuttle 150 and / or side shuttles 180 facilitate engagement of one or more components with bistable compliant mechanism 100, transitioning of bistable compliant mechanism 100 between the locked and unlocked conditions, and / or alignment of the one or more components with bistable compliant mechanism 100, e.g., to inhibit twisting. These features may extend from center shuttle 150 and / or side shuttles 180 in either or both directions along the movement axis “Z” or in any other suitable direction(s). Further, in aspects, frame 110 defines one or more openings or passageways through which one or more features ofcenter shuttle 150 and / or side shuttles 180 extend and / or through which a component is configured to extend to engage center shuttle 150 and / or side shuttles 180.

[0054] Various exemplary bistable compliant mechanisms in accordance with the present disclosure are detailed below. Each of these bistable compliant mechanisms is similar to and operates in a similar manner as bistable compliant mechanism 100 detailed above. Accordingly, unless explicitly contradicted below, the aspects and features of bistable compliant mechanism 100 detailed above likewise apply to the bistable compliant mechanisms detailed below. Further, the features of the bistable compliant mechanisms detailed below are not mutually exclusive but, rather, may be utilized in any suitable combination with one another unless contradictory to one another and explicitly excluded herein.

[0055] Turning to FIG. 3, a bistable compliant mechanism 300 provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown including a frame 310 having first and second supports 320, 330 disposed in spaced apart opposing relation relative to one another and fixed relative to one another via a base 340. A center shuttle 350 is supported between supports 320, 330 via a pair of first bands 360 extending between first support 320 and center shuttle 350 and a pair of second bands 370 extending between second support 330 and center shuttle 350. Center shuttle 350, in aspects, defines a socket 352 therein. Socket 352 may define a polygonal or other suitable configuration to receive a corresponding component is complementary, rotationally fixed engagement with one another. In aspects, socket 352 is centered about the movement axis “Z” of center shuttle 350.

[0056] Bistable complaint mechanism 300 further includes a clamp arm 382 extending from the side shuttle 380 of the upper most band of the pair of first bands 360 and a clamp arm 384 extending from the side shuttle 380 of the upper most band of the pair of second bands 370. Clamp arms 382, 384 are oriented towards one another and are configured to engage a component therebetween, as detailed below. As utilized herein, the term “clamp arm” refers broadly to a structure that cooperates with other structures, e.g., other “clamp arms,” to engage and retain a component therebetween.

[0057] With additional reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, engagement of a component 400 with bistable compliant mechanism 300 is detailed. Component 400 includes a body 410, a neck 420 extending from body 410, and a head 430 disposed at the free end of neck 420. Head 430 defines a width greater than the width of neck 420 such that a recess 440 is defined between head 430 andbody 410 on either side of neck 420. In aspects, head 430 defines a prong 432 extending therefrom. Prong 432 may define a polygonal or other suitable configuration complementary to socket 352 of center shuttle 350 of bistable compliant mechanism 300 such that, with prong 432 at least partially received within socket 352, center shuttle 350 and component 400 are rotationally fixed relative to one another, thus inhibiting twisting of component 400 relative to bistable compliant mechanism 300.

[0058] Initially, as shown in FIG. 4A, bistable compliant mechanism 300 is disposed in the unlocked condition and component 400 is spaced apart from bistable compliant mechanism 300 along the movement axis “Z”. In the unlocked condition of bistable compliant mechanism 300, bands 360, 370 maintain center shuttle 350 in a first position spaced a first longitudinal distance from base 340 along the movement axis “Z”. in this first position, clamp arms 382, 384 of side shuttles 380 are spaced apart a first transverse distance perpendicular to the movement axis “Z”.

[0059] Referring also to FIG. 4B, in order to engage component 400 with bistable compliant mechanism 300, component 400, lead by head 430 thereof, is moved towards bistable compliant mechanism 300 along the movement axis “Z”. As component 400 is moved in this manner along the movement axis “Z”, head 430 eventually contacts center shuttle 350 and, in aspects, where provided, prong 432 extends into socket 352 to rotationally lock component 400 relative to center shuttle 350. Upon further movement of component 400 towards bistable compliant mechanism 300 along the movement axis “Z”, head 430 urges center shuttle 350 from the unlocked condition towards the locked condition, thereby deforming bands 360, 370. In order to accomplish this movement, sufficient force along the movement axis “Z” is provided such that the force retaining center shuttle 350 in the unlocked condition is overcome, thus allowing head 430 to urge center shuttle 350 towards the locked condition.

[0060] With additional reference to FIG. 4C, as head 430 urges center shuttle 350 towards the locked condition, bands 360, 370 are deformed to allow center shuttle 350 to move along the movement axis “Z” from the first position towards a second position spaced a second, smaller longitudinal distance from base 340. Further, clamp arms 382, 384 of side shuttles 380 are moved towards one another perpendicular to the movement axis “Z” as center shuttle 350 is moved towards the second position such that, in the second position of center shuttle 350, clamp arms 382, 384 are spaced apart a second transverse distance less than the first transverse distance, thereby engaging component 400 therebetween. More specifically, upon reaching the lockedcondition of bistable compliant mechanism 300, as shown in FIG. 4C, clamp arms 382, 384 are spaced apart the second transverse distance, which is less than the width of head 430 of component 400 such that clamp arms 382, 384 extend into recesses 440 to engage component 400 and retain component 400 in engagement with bistable compliant mechanism 300 in the stable, locked condition thereof.

[0061] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 3-4C, in aspects, component 400 is a surface- attached tile and bistable compliant mechanism 300 is disposed on a structure that is to support the surface-attached tile. For example, component 400 may be a thermal tile or other suitable surface- attached tile of a spacecraft (or other vehicle such as a submarine, for example) and, in such aspects, bistable compliant mechanism 300 is disposed on a structure of the vehicle, e.g., the hull of the vehicle (spacecraft). As another example, component 400 may be a photovoltaic tile configured to attach to a photovoltaic system support. Other components and structures are also contemplated.

[0062] With respect to a tile of a vehicle, base 340 of frame 310 is engaged with or otherwise secured relative to the hull. In aspects, plural bistable compliant mechanisms 300 are provided on the exterior of the hull of the spacecraft or other vehicle to enable a plurality of components 400 to engage therewith and substantially cover the entire outer surface area of the hull of the spacecraft with the tiles, e.g., thermal tiles. These bistable compliant mechanisms 300 enable secure and rapid installation (or exchange) of the tiles. However, the present disclosure is not limited to thermal tiles on a hull of a spacecraft but may find similar applicability to other suitable tiles and / or panel installation in other vehicles, for construction, furniture manufacturing, photovoltaic systems, etc., and / or to installation or engagement of other suitable components.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another bistable compliant mechanism 500 and component 600 configured for engagement therewith provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure are shown. Bistable compliant mechanism 500 is similar to bistable compliant mechanism 300 (FIGS. 3-4C) except that frame 510 of bistable compliant mechanism 500 defines a square-shaped configuration having four supports 520 and at least one band 560 extends from each support 520 to center shuttle 550 to support center shuttle 550 on frame 510. Thus, center shuttle 550 of bistable compliant mechanism 500 is supported by a first pair of opposing bands 560 and a second pair of opposing bands oriented 90 degrees relative to the first pair of opposing bands 560. Other suitable geometric frame configurations and corresponding pairs of opposingbands supporting the center shuttle are also contemplated, e.g., three pairs of bands supporting the center shuttle 120 degrees apart, five pairs of bands supporting the center shuttle 60 degrees apart, etc. The side shuttle 580 of the upper most band 560 of each of the four sets of at least one band 560 supports a clamp arm 582.

[0064] Component 600 includes a body 610, a neck 620 extending from body 610, and a head 630 disposed at the free end of neck 620. Head 630 defines a width greater than a width of neck 620 such that a recess 640 is defined between head 630 and body 610 on each of four (4) sides thereof each configured for engagement by a clamp ami 582 of the bistable compliant mechanism 500. In aspects, head 630 defines a socket 632 extending therefrom configured complementary to prong 552 of bistable compliant mechanism 500 such that, with prong 552 at least partially received within socket 632, center shuttle 550 and component 600 are rotationally fixed relative to one another, thus inhibiting twisting of component 600 relative to bistable compliant mechanism 500. Alternatively, the prong may extend from head 630 while the socket is defined within center shuttle 550, as detailed above with respect to bistable compliant mechanism 300 and component 400 (FIGS. 3-4C). Likewise, bistable compliant mechanism 300 (FIG. 3) may alternatively employ the socket and prong configuration of bistable compliant mechanism 500 and component 600. Bistable compliant mechanism 500 and component 600 are engaged similarly as detailed above with respect to bistable compliant mechanism 300 and component 400 (FIGS. 3-4C). Disengagement of either is accomplished in the opposite manner, subject to overcoming the increased retention or disengagement force of the locked condition.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, a bistable compliant system 700 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown including a row of a plurality of bistable compliant mechanisms 702. Bistable compliant system 700 may be formed as a single, monolithic unit or bistable compliant mechanisms 702 may be separately formed and subsequently engaged to form bistable compliant system 700. Each bistable compliant mechanism 702 of system 700 may include the features of and operate similarly as bistable compliant mechanism 300 (FIGS. 3-4C). Each bistable compliant mechanism 702 of system 700 may engage a separate component or plural bistable compliant mechanisms 702 of system 700 may cooperate to engage the same component, bistable compliant system 700 is not limited to a single row of bistable compliant mechanisms 702 but, rather, may include a plurality of bistable compliant mechanisms 702 defining an array or any other suitable one, two, or three dimensional arrangements.

[0066] Turning to FIGS. 8-9B, still another bistable compliant mechanism 800 provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown including a frame 810 having first and second supports 820, 830 disposed in spaced apart opposing relation relative to one another and fixed relative to one another via a base 840. A center shuttle 850 is supported between supports 820, 830 via a plurality of first bands 860, e.g., three first bands 860, although greater or fewer are also contemplated, extending between first support 820 and center shuttle 850 and a plurality of second bands 870, e.g., three second bands 870, extending between second support 830 and center shuttle 850. Center shuttle 850 supports a tool interface 852, e.g., a C-shaped hook or other suitable tool interface, extending from center shuttle 850 in a first direction along the movement axis “Z” and an engagement post 854 extending from center shuttle 850 in a second, opposite direction along the movement axis “Z”. Engagement post 854 is slidably disposed through a slot 842 defined within base 840. Bistable complaint mechanism 800 further includes a side shuttle 880 supported on each first band 860 and a side shuttle 880 supported on each second band 870.

[0067] In the unlocked condition of bistable compliant mechanism 800 (FIG. 9A), bands 860, 870 support center shuttle 850 in a first position such that engagement post 854 does not protrude or protrudes only a first longitudinal distance through slot 842 of base 840 along the movement axis “Z”. When bistable compliant mechanism 800 is moved to the locked condition (FIGS. 8 and 9B), bands 860, 870 support center shuttle 850 in a second position such that engagement post 854 protrudes a second longitudinal distance through slot 842 of base 840 along the movement axis “Z” that is greater than the first longitudinal distance. In aspects, this movement of engagement post 854 between the first and second positions of center shuttle 850 translates engagement post 854 into and out of engagement with an anchor block 900 or other suitable retention structure. Further, bistable complaint mechanism 800 is stable in both the unlocked condition (FIG. 9A), wherein engagement post 854 is displaced from anchor block 900, corresponding to the first position of center shuttle 850, and the locked condition (FIG. 9B), wherein engagement post 854 extends into engagement with anchor block 900, corresponding to the second position of center shuttle 850. In aspects, anchor block 900 includes a slot 910 or other suitable engagement feature configured to receive engagement post 854 in the locked condition of bistable compliant mechanism 800 (FIG. 9B).

[0068] Turning to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in aspects, one or more bistable compliant mechanisms 800 and corresponding anchor blocks 900 are utilized to secure a panel 1000 to a frame 1010 suchas, for example, for use in construction (e.g., forming temporary walls or other structures), furniture (e.g., enabling modular assembly of furniture components), and / or for other purposes. In such aspects, four (4) bistable compliant mechanisms 800 may be secured to a backside of panel 1000, e.g., via screws, bolts, adhesives etc., thereby engaging frames 810 of bistable compliant mechanisms 800 with panel 1000. Each bistable compliant mechanism 800 may be positioned towards a corner of panel 1000 and facing outwardly such that both bistable complaint mechanisms 800 towards edge of panel 1000 are oriented with engagement posts 854 facing outwardly in a first direction and such that both bistable complaint mechanisms 800 towards an opposite edge of panel 1000 are oriented with engagement posts 854 facing outwardly in a second, opposite direction.

[0069] Frame 1010 includes four (4) anchor blocks 900 secured thereto, e.g., via bolts and brackets, screws, adhesives etc. such that each anchor block 900 is positioned outwardly of and in substantial alignment with one of the bistable compliant mechanisms 800. More specifically, each anchor block 900 is positioned such that, with panel 1000 aligned on frame 1010, movement of bistable compliant mechanisms 800 from their unlocked conditions to their locked conditions moves each engagement post 854 into engagement within a slot 910 of one of the anchor blocks 900. Thus, with the engagement posts 854 towards one edge of panel 1000 extending outwardly into engagement with the corresponding anchor blocks 900 in the first direction and the engagement posts 854 towards the opposite edge of panel 1000 extending outwardly into engagement with the corresponding anchor blocks 900 in the second, opposite direction, panel 1000 is supported on frame 1010 towards each corner thereof. However, although detailed with respect to positioning four (4) bistable compliant mechanisms 800 towards comers of panel 1000, it is contemplated that any suitable number and / or arrangement of bistable compliant mechanisms 800 may be provided to support panel 1000 on frame 1010. Further, although detailed with bistable compliant mechanisms 800 disposed on panel 1000 and anchor blocks 900 disposed on frame 1010, the opposite is also contemplated as are combinations of bistable compliant mechanisms 800 and anchor blocks 900 disposed on panel 1000 and frame 1010.

[0070] Referring also to FIGS. 11A and 1 IB, in aspects, an assembly tool 1100 is provided to facilitate transitioning bistable compliant mechanisms 800 between the unlocked and locked configurations. More specifically, with each bistable compliant mechanism 800 disposed on the backside of panel 1000, panel 1000 may define a slot 1002 therethrough from the frontside to the backside thereof in alignment with the tool interface 852 of the center shuttle 850 of each bistablecompliant mechanism 800. Thus, an assembly tool 1100 may be inserted through the slot 1002 and manipulated to translate the tool interface 852 and, thus, the corresponding center shuttle 850 between the first and second positions corresponding to the unlocked and locked conditions of the bistable compliant mechanism 800. To this end, assembly tool 1100 may include a shaft 1102 including an engagement lever 1104 disposed at one end thereof and a handle lever 1106 disposed at a second, opposite end thereof wherein engagement lever 1104 and handle lever 1106 extend substantially perpendicularly from shaft 1102 and in opposite directions relative to one another. As such, with assembly tool 1100 inserted through slot 1002 such that engagement lever 1104 extends at least partially into tool interface 852, handle lever 1106 may be manipulated to rotate assembly tool 1100 about the axis of shaft 1102 to thereby rotate engagement lever 1104. The rotation of engagement lever 1104 within tool interface 852 urges the tool interface 852 to translate, thereby translating the center shuttle 850 between the first and second positions to lock or unlock the bistable compliant mechanism 800 (depending upon the direction of rotation of assembly tool 1100).

[0071] With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, in aspects, a plurality of bistable complaint mechanisms 1200 (e.g., in accordance with any of the aspects and features of the present disclosure as detailed above) may be formed from a single slab of material 1210. For example, a manufacturing instrument 1220 such as a water jet cutter, laser cutter, or other suitable manufacturing instrument 1220 is programmed to cut out a plurality of monolithic bistable complaint mechanisms 1200 from a slab of material 1210, e.g., an aluminum slab. The plurality of monolithic bistable complaint mechanisms 1200 may be identical to one another or may include two or more different bistable complaint mechanisms. Other suitable manufacturing methods in accordance with the present disclosure are noted above.

[0072] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variances. The aspects described with reference to the attached drawings are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and / or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A bistable compliant mechanism for mechanical engagement, comprising: first and second supports fixed relative to one another and disposed in spaced apart and opposing relation relative to one another; a center shuttle disposed between the first and second supports and movable along a movement axis; at least one first band extending between the first support and the center shuttle; and at least one second band extending between the second support and the center shuttle, wherein the at least one first band and the at least one second band are deformable to enable movement of the center shuttle between a first stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a first position along the movement axis, and a second stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a second position along the movement axis.

2. The bistable compliant mechanism according to claim 1, wherein parameters of the bistable compliant mechanism are selected such that a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the first position to the second position is one of greater than, less than, or equal to a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the second position to the first position.

3. The bistable compliant mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the bistable compliant mechanism is a single, monolithic piece of material.

4. The bistable compliant mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a first band of the at least one first band includes a first clamp arm and a second band of the at least one second band includes a second clamp arm, wherein, in the first stable condition, the first and second clamp arms define a first distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis, wherein, in the second stable condition, the first and second clamp arms define a second distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis, and wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.

5. The bistable compliant mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein one or more first bands of the at least one first band includes a side shuttle and wherein one or more second bands of the at least one second band includes a side shuttle.

6. The bistable compliant mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first band includes a plurality of first bands and wherein the at least one second band includes a plurality of second bands.

7. The bistable compliant mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the center shuttle includes one of a socket or a prong.

8. The bistable compliant mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the center shuttle supports at least one of a tool interface or an engagement post.

9. A bistable compliant system for mechanical engagement, comprising: an anchor block defining a slot, the anchor block secured to a first component; and a bistable compliant mechanism secured to a second component, the bistable compliant mechanism including: first and second supports fixed relative to one another and disposed in spaced apart and opposing relation relative to one another; a center shuttle disposed between the first and second supports and movable along a movement axis; an engagement post extending from the center shuttle; at least one first band extending between the first support and the center shuttle; and at least one second band extending between the second support and the center shuttle, wherein the at least one first band and the at least one second band are deformable to enable movement of the center shuttle between a first stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a first position along the movement axis such that the engagement post is disposed in a retracted position displaced from the anchor block, and a second stable condition, wherein thecenter shuttle is disposed at a second position along the movement axis such that the engagement post is disposed in an extended position in engagement within the slot of the anchor block.

10. The bistable compliant system according to claim 9, wherein parameters of the bistable compliant mechanism are selected such that a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the first position to the second position is one of greater than, less than, or equal to a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the second position to the first position.

11. The bistable compliant system according to claim 9, wherein the bistable compliant mechanism is a single, monolithic piece of material.

12. The bistable compliant system according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the at least one first band and at least one of the at least one second band includes a side shuttle.

13. The bistable compliant system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first band includes a plurality of first bands and wherein the at least one second band includes a plurality of second bands.

14. The bistable compliant system according to claim 9, wherein the center shuttle further supports a tool interface, wherein the tool interface extends from the center shuttle along the movement axis in a first direction and wherein the engagement post extends from the center shuttle along the movement axis in a second, opposite direction.

15. The bistable compliant system according to claim 14, further comprising an assembly tool, the assembly tool configured to engage the tool interface such that rotation of the assembly tool moves the center shuttle between the first and second stable conditions.

16. The bistable compliant system according to claim 9, wherein the first component is a frame and the second component is a panel such that, in the second stable condition of the center shuttle, the panel is engaged with the frame.

17. A bistable compliant system for mechanical engagement, comprising: a tile having a body, a neck extending from the body, and a head disposed at a free end of the neck, wherein a recess is defined between the head and the body on first and second opposed sides of the neck; and a bistable compliant mechanism secured to a structure, the bistable compliant mechanism including: first and second supports fixed relative to one another and disposed in spaced apart and opposing relation relative to one another; a center shuttle disposed between the first and second supports and movable along a movement axis; at least one first band extending between the first support and the center shuttle; at least one second band extending between the second support and the center shuttle; a first clamp arm disposed on a first band of the at least one first band; and a second clamp arm disposed on a second band of the at least one second band, wherein the at least one first band and the at least one second band are deformable to enable movement of the center shuttle between a first stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a first position along the movement axis and the first and second clamp arms define a first distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis to permit insertion of the head of the tile between the first and second clamp arms, and a second stable condition, wherein the center shuttle is disposed at a second position along the movement axis and the first and second clamp arms define a second distance therebetween transverse to the movement axis and less than the first distance to engage the recesses of the tile and secure the tile relative to the structure.

18. The bistable compliant system according to claim 17, wherein parameters of the bistable compliant mechanism are selected such that a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the first position to the second position is one of greater than, less than, or equal to a force along the movement axis required to move the center shuttle from the second position to the first position.

19. The bistable compliant system according to claim 17, wherein the bistable compliant mechanism is a single, monolithic piece of material.

20. The bistable compliant system according to claim 17, wherein the first clamp arm is supported on a side shuttle of the first band of the at least one first band and wherein the second clamp arm is supported on a side shuttle of the second band of the at least one second band.

21. The bistable compliant system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one first band includes a plurality of first bands and wherein the at least one second band includes a plurality of second bands.

22. The bistable compliant system according to claim 17, wherein the tile is a surface- attached tile and the structure is one of a vehicle or a photovoltaic system.

23. The bistable compliant system according to claim 17, wherein the head of the tile includes a first alignment feature and the center shuttle of the bistable compliant mechanism includes a second alignment feature configured to engage the first alignment feature in the second position of the center shuttle to rotationally lock the tile and the bistable compliant mechanism relative to one another.

24. The bistable compliant system according to claim 23, wherein one of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature is a socket and wherein another of the first alignment feature or the second alignment feature is a prong.

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