Multistable Compliant Mechanism With Variable Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-fold kaleidocycle compliant mechanisms are limited by their fixed triangular topology, restricting their application scope and design flexibility, particularly in adapting to complex working conditions and achieving multiple stable states.
Innovation Solution
A multistable compliant mechanism is designed with a compact, variable structure formed by connecting multiple basic units with equal-length rigid connection parts and flexible hinges, allowing for monostable, bistable, tri-stable, and quad-stable states, and featuring a method for steady-state analysis that adjusts the number and shape of units and flexible hinge parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed triangular topology structure is used in three-fold kaleidocycle compliant mechanisms, then the mechanism structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the application scope is limited and design flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into multiple identical basic units (n≥3), where each unit consists of two flexible hinges and two rigid connection parts. This segmentation allows the mechanism to maintain structural simplicity while achieving variable topology and expanded application scope by adjusting the number of units
Solution Approach 2:
The basic unit design with two perpendicular flexible hinges and equal-length rigid connection parts creates a universal module that can be replicated to achieve different steady states (monostable, bistable, tri-stable, quad-stable) and adapt to various working conditions, enhancing both manufacturability and versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If more than three units of kaleidocycles are used, then the mechanism achieves multiple steady states and expanded functionality, but the mechanism becomes over-constrained with multiple degrees of freedom and analysis becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific geometric parameters (equal-length rigid connection parts, perpendicular flexible hinges) and mathematical relationships that simplify the analysis of multi-unit mechanisms. By controlling the number of basic units n≥3 and maintaining specific geometric constraints, the mechanism achieves multiple steady states while keeping the analysis manageable through established kinematic relationships
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of basic units is increased to achieve multiple steady states, then the mechanism functionality is enhanced, but the mechanism topology becomes fixed and design changes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism achieves variable topology through dynamic configuration of identical basic units. By adjusting the number of units (n≥3) and their spatial arrangement while maintaining the fundamental unit structure, the mechanism can adapt to different working conditions and achieve different steady states without changing the basic unit design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism can adapt to various working conditions, achieve controlled steady states, and exhibit underactuated performance with spontaneous symmetric rotation, reducing geometric nonlinearity and increasing the working life of flexible hinges and the mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A compliant mechanism refers to a device that transmits input force and displacement through elastic deformations
Data Source
AI summary
A multistable compliant mechanism is formed by connecting sequentially multiple basic units front to end to form a closed annular structure. Each basic unit includes two flexible hinges perpendicular to each other on different planes and two rigid connection parts for connecting the flexible hinges. The two flexible hinges are connected by a rigid connection part, and one of the flexible hinges is connected to a flexible hinge of an adjacent basic unit through the other rigid connection part. Lengths of two rigid connection parts in a same basic unit are equal, but lengths of rigid connection parts of different basic units are not necessarily equal. The multistable compliant mechanism features the continuous rotation and multi-steady state of a tri-compliant mechanism. The multistable compliant mechanism also features variable mechanism topology, an adjustable unit number, easy implementation, and promotion. A method for steady state analysis of the multistable compliant mechanism is also provided.