Compliant mechanisms find use in numerous applications in both microscale and macroscale devices. Most of the current compliant mechanisms base their behavior on beam flexures. Their range of motion is thus limited by the stresses developed upon deflection. Conversely, the proposed mechanism relies on elastically nonlinear components to achieve large deformations. These nonlinear elements are composite morphing double-helical structures that are able to extend and coil like springs, yet, with nonlinear stiffness characteristics. A mechanism consisting of such structures, assembled in a simple truss configuration, is explored. A variety of behaviors is unveiled that could be exploited to expand the design space of current compliant mechanisms. The type of behavior is found to depend on the initial geometry of the structural assembly, the lay-up, and other characteristics specific of the composite components.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
October 2019
Research-Article
Multistable Morphing Mechanisms of Nonlinear Springs
Chrysoula Aza,
Chrysoula Aza
1
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
e-mail: chrysoula.aza@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol
,Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
UK
e-mail: chrysoula.aza@bristol.ac.uk
1Corresponding author.
Search for other works by this author on:
Alberto Pirrera,
Alberto Pirrera
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
e-mail: alberto.pirrera@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol
,Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
UK
e-mail: alberto.pirrera@bristol.ac.uk
Search for other works by this author on:
Mark Schenk
Mark Schenk
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
e-mail: m.schenk@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol
,Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
UK
e-mail: m.schenk@bristol.ac.uk
Search for other works by this author on:
Chrysoula Aza
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
e-mail: chrysoula.aza@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol
,Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
UK
e-mail: chrysoula.aza@bristol.ac.uk
Alberto Pirrera
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
e-mail: alberto.pirrera@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol
,Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
UK
e-mail: alberto.pirrera@bristol.ac.uk
Mark Schenk
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
e-mail: m.schenk@bristol.ac.uk
University of Bristol
,Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS),
Bristol BS8 1TR,
UK
e-mail: m.schenk@bristol.ac.uk
1Corresponding author.
Contributed by the Mechanisms and Robotics Committee of ASME for publication in the Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics. Manuscript received January 29, 2019; final manuscript received July 3, 2019; published online August 5, 2019. Assoc. Editor: Andrew P. Murray.
J. Mechanisms Robotics. Oct 2019, 11(5): 051014 (14 pages)
Published Online: August 5, 2019
Article history
Received:
January 29, 2019
Revision Received:
July 3, 2019
Accepted:
July 8, 2019
Citation
Aza, C., Pirrera, A., and Schenk, M. (August 5, 2019). "Multistable Morphing Mechanisms of Nonlinear Springs." ASME. J. Mechanisms Robotics. October 2019; 11(5): 051014. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4044210
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Announcing the Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics 2023 Best Paper Award
J. Mechanisms Robotics
An Undulating Kirigami Pattern with Enhanced Tear Strength
J. Mechanisms Robotics
Related Articles
Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model for the Flexural Beam With an Inflection Point in Compliant Mechanisms
J. Mechanisms Robotics (June,2017)
An Evolutionary Soft-Add Topology Optimization Method for Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms With Maximum Output Displacement
J. Mechanisms Robotics (October,2017)
A General Approach to the Large Deflection Problems of Spatial Flexible Rods Using Principal Axes Decomposition of Compliance Matrices
J. Mechanisms Robotics (June,2018)
Characterization of Spatial Parasitic Motions of Compliant Mechanisms Induced by Manufacturing Errors
J. Mechanisms Robotics (February,2016)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Introduction and Definitions
Handbook on Stiffness & Damping in Mechanical Design
Data Tabulations
Structural Shear Joints: Analyses, Properties and Design for Repeat Loading
Supports
Process Piping: The Complete Guide to ASME B31.3, Fourth Edition