Design of a Compliant Mechanism to Generate an Arbitrary Nonlinear Force-Deflection Profile
Abstract
This paper presents a compliant mechanism that can generate a wide range of force-deflection profiles. This partially compliant mechanism is comprised of a wedge cam with a compliant follower. The designer specifies the material and geometric properties of the compliant segment, as well as a desired force-deflection profile. A cam surface is then synthesized that helps generate this profile. The synthesis method is validated experimentally with the help of two case studies. Some possible areas of application include robotics, variable stiffness actuators, electrical connectors, design for automotive crashworthiness, and variable resistance exercise equipment.
Recommended Citation
K. Buschkoetter and A. Midha, "Design of a Compliant Mechanism to Generate an Arbitrary Nonlinear Force-Deflection Profile," Proceedings of the ASME 2018 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference (2018, Quebec City, Canada), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Aug 2018.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2018-86360
Meeting Name
ASME 2018 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2018 (2018: Aug. 26-29, Quebec City, Canada)
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Cams; Crashworthiness; Design; Electric connectors; Mechanisms; Robotics; Case-studies; Electrical connectors; Force deflection; Material and geometric properties; Nonlinear force; Synthesis method; Variable resistance; Variable stiffness; Compliant mechanisms
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-0-7918-5180-7
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2018 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Aug 2018
Comments
The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Vamsi Lodagala and Pratheek B. Prasanna for their brainstorming, technical writing advice, prototyping advice, and contributions to the development of the synthesis method. The authors would also like to extend regards to Sreekar Karnati for his assistance with experimentation. The facilities in the Innovative Additive Manufacturing (IAM) Laboratory, as well as the support from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the Product Innovation and Creativity Center (PICC) at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO are gratefully acknowledged.