Design of Deployable Structures by Using Bistable Compliant Mechanisms

Abstract

A deployable structure can significantly change its geometric shape by switching lattice configurations. Using compliant mechanisms as the lattice units can prevent wear and friction among multi-part mechanisms. This work presents two distinctive deployable structures based on a programmable compliant bistable lattice. Several novel parameters are introduced into the bistable mechanism to better control the behaviour of bistable mechanisms. By adjusting the defined geometry parameters, the programmable bistable lattices can be optimized for specific targets such as a larger deformation range or higher stability. The first structure is designed to perform 1D deployable movement. This structure consists of multi-series-connected bistable lattices. In order to explore the 3D bistable characteristic, a cylindrical deployable mechanism is designed based on the curved double tensural bistable lattice. The investigation of bistable lattices mainly involves four types of bistable mechanisms. These bistable mechanisms are obtained by dividing the long segment of traditional compliant bistable mechanisms into two equal parts and setting a series of angle data to them, respectively. The experiment and FEA simulation results confirm the feasibility of the compliant deployable structures.

Does Bistability Improve Swimming Performance in Robotic Fish?

“…Although this work primarily focuses on oscillatory swimmers, the concept of bistability and its influence on oscillating motion extends to various mechanisms, robots, and machines. Gaining a better understanding of bistability and its effective utilization may lead to significant advancements in diverse fields, including energy‐efficient transportation systems, [ 20 ] adaptive structures, [ 21 ] and innovative medical devices. [ 22 ]…”

“…Although this work primarily focuses on oscillatory swimmers, the concept of bistability and its influence on oscillating motion extends to various mechanisms, robots, and machines. Gaining a better understanding of bistability and its effective utilization may lead to significant advancements in diverse fields, including energy-efficient transportation systems, [20] adaptive structures, [21] and innovative medical devices. [22] Appendix 1: Magnet force model To get accurate data for design, the magnets used in the bistable actuator were tested in an Instron tensile testing machine, and a force curve was fitted to the resulting data (Figure A1).…”

Elasto-Kinematics and Instantaneous Invariants of Compliant Mechanisms Based on Flexure Hinges

“…In the last two decades, compliant mechanisms [1][2][3] have produced a growing interest in academic and industrial fields [4,5]. These types of mechanisms manifest their motion through the deformation of some very slender parts [6][7][8] instead of kinematic pairs. Compliant mechanisms have some advantages when compared to lumped pairs: they do not require lubrication or maintenance as they have a monolithic form (directly replaceable if failure occurs); can be made via low-cost additive manufacturing; are not affected by clearance, friction and wear on contacting parts; and they can be very light.…”

Numerical and Experimental Studies on 3D Printed Compliant Mechanisms in Gripper Applications

“…These mechanisms reduce the use of moving connections that require elements such as bearings, pins, screws, and hinges. As a result, a complex mechanism can often be replaced by a compliant mechanism consisting of only one part [2]. Compliant mechanisms are definitely simpler and often much cheaper to produce than their classical equivalents.…”