• Mechanical stability at multiple positions • High reliability • Flexible mechanism footprint • Simple customization procedure
USF inventors have developed a substantially linear bi-stable compliant crank-slider-mechanism that requires no certain amount of rigid and flexible segments to perform its intended function, as well as design guidelines with step-by-step procedures for customization. The mechanism produces predictable and controllable length changes allowing the design to morph between multiple shapes. This type of design can be used in Shape Shifting Surfaces as an attachment to provide bi-stability to its surfaces. Common applications for bi-stable mechanisms include switches, self-closing gates, hinges, and closures.
Intermediate States of a Mechanism with Various Segment Bends and Buckles