Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

Canted Spring; Compliant Mechanisms; Constant Force; Constant-Force Mechanisms; High-Load Bearing Systems; Uniform Pressure Distribution

Abstract

"The evolution of compliant mechanisms propelled the development of constant-force mechanisms (CFMs) for various applications because of their unique characteristics. Many research endeavors have presented different techniques that often involve some optimization to design the CFMs. However, the mechanics of the generation of constant force at the elemental level is not well understood. This research effort theorizes and validates that simple, compliant segment with different boundary conditions, subjected to axial loading, produce near-constant force without the need for design optimization. Analytical models are developed based on the pseudo-rigid-body model (PRBM) concept to predict their force-displacement behavior, and to establish that beams exert constant force in their post-buckling stage. The results are validated experimentally for these rudimentary compliant segment types, which exemplify that they are the very kernel for generating constant load by CFMs. With this premise, an investigation is conducted on the design of a novel compliant mechanism, the Canted Spring. A type synthesis of the canted spring identifies eight possible configurations. The PRBM concept, along with the virtual work principle, is utilized to predict their force-displacement behavior, as well as for dimensional synthesis. They exhibit nonlinear force-displacement characteristics, with two configurations showing the best potential for exerting constant load; these are optimized to produce more exact constant force. A methodology is formulated to help design a canted spring from these optimized mechanisms. CFM systems, i.e., modular units and array structures, are developed with examples for high load-bearing and uniform pressure distribution applications"--Abstract, p. iii

Advisor(s)

Midha, A. (Ashok)

Committee Member(s)

Dharani, Lokeswarappa R.
Chandrashekhara, K.
Du, Xiaoping
Kinzel, Edward C.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Mechanical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Pagination

xvi, 173 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 162-172)

Rights

© 2023 Vamsi Lodagala, All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12323

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