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Identification Of Macro- And Micro-Compliant Mechanism Configurations Resulting In Bistable Behavior, Brian D. Jensen
Identification Of Macro- And Micro-Compliant Mechanism Configurations Resulting In Bistable Behavior, Brian D. Jensen
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to identify the configurations of several mechanism classes which result in bistable behavior. Bistable mechanisms have use in many applications, such as switches, clasps, closures, hinges, and so on. A powerful method for the design of such mechanisms would allow the realization of working designs much more easily than has been possible in the past. A method for the design of bistable mechanisms is especially needed for micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) because fabrication and material constraints often prevent the use of simple, well-known bistable mechanism configurations. In addition, this knowledge allows designers to take advantage …
A Self-Retracting Fully-Compliant Bistable Micromechanism, Nathan D. Masters
A Self-Retracting Fully-Compliant Bistable Micromechanism, Nathan D. Masters
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to present a class of Self-Retracting Fully-compliant Bistable Micromechanisms (SRFBM). Fully-compliant mechanisms are needed to overcome the inherent limitations of microfabricated pin joints, especially in bistable mechanisms. The elimination of the clearances associated with pin joints will allow more efficient bistable mechanisms with smaller travel. Small travel, in a linear path facilitates integration with efficient on-chip actuators. Tensural pivots are developed and used to deal with the compressive loading to which the mechanism is subject. SRFBM are modeled using the Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model and finite element analysis. Suitable configurations of the SRFBM concept have been …