An exploration by analytical method has been made herein for a mechanism‐based structure that involves a two‐dimensional array of rings and a three‐dimensional array of double‐rings, with short fixed rods and long sliding rods attached at the outer and inner surfaces of the rings, respectively. Based on the theory of thin rings, effective Poisson's ratio and effective coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) models have been obtained for single‐ring structures, pole‐loaded double‐ring structures, and equator‐loaded double‐ring structures. Results establish a very strong correlation between these effective properties with the ring radius and rod lengths. In addition, the analysis of four of the double‐ring structures reveals that the sign of Poisson's ratio is dependent on the direction of loading. An example application is demonstrated herein in which positive thermal expansion rings, used in conjunction with rigid rods, enable the design of an overall zero thermal expansion structure (i.e., minimal thermal stress) with tunable negative thermal expansion internal microstructure for use as sieve. Finally, it is herein shown that, by judicious positioning of the short fixed rods and/or long sliding rods, one may possibly obtain various combinations of positive and negative CTEs with positive and negative Poisson's ratio.