Dimensional Synthesis of Compliant Constant-Force Slider Mechanisms

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Ashok Midha ◽  
Morgan D. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Design Procedure ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Dimensional Synthesis ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Output Force ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Constant Output ◽  
Force Mechanism ◽  
Constant Force Mechanism

Abstract Constant-force mechanisms produce a constant output force for a range of input displacements. Such mechanisms are important in applications with a varying displacement but a constant resultant force required. Constant-force mechanism designs have been limited to rigid-link mechanisms, but the design of compliant, or flexible link, constant force mechanisms could increase the number of applications by taking advantage of the unique characteristics of compliant mechanisms. Murphy (1993) developed type-synthesis theories for compliant mechanisms and applied them to generate possible configurations for compliant constant-force slider mechanisms. This paper concentrates on the dimensional synthesis of several of the resulting topologies. Optimization and the pseudo-rigid-body-model concept are employed in the design procedure. An example application as an electrical connection for use in electronic chip carriers is also illustrated.

Design and Evaluation of Compliant Constant-Force Mechanisms

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisa J. Millar ◽  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
James N. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Strain Energy ◽  
Experimental Validation ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Dimensional Synthesis ◽  
Output Force ◽  
Simplified Method ◽  
Constant Output ◽  
Force Mechanism ◽  
Constant Force Mechanism

Abstract Compliant constant-force mechanisms combine the effects of mechanical advantage and stored strain energy of flexible members to obtain constant output forces for a large range of input displacements. This paper extends and compliments previous work by accomplishing the following: i) dimensional synthesis is performed for a number of compliant constant-force mechanism configurations, ii) a simplified method of determining the magnitude of the constant output force is presented, and iii) experimental validation of the theory is addressed by reporting the results of testing three constant-force configurations. The results of i) and ii) are presented in a manner to be easily used by engineers designing such mechanisms. The results of iii) show that the mechanisms do follow a nearly constant force for a large input displacement, as predicted.

A Two-Dimensional Adjustable Constant-Force Mechanism

2019 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Ling Kuo ◽  
Chao-Chieh Lan
Keyword(s):  
Limited Range ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Output Force ◽  
Constant Output ◽  
Force Variation ◽  
Force Mechanism

Abstract Constant-force mechanisms (CFMs) can produce an almost invariant output force over a limited range of input displacement. Without using additional sensor and force controller, adjustable CFMs can passively produce an adjustable constant output force to interact with the working environment. In the literature, one-dimensional CFMs have been developed for various applications. This paper presents the design of a novel CFM that can produce adjustable constant force in two dimensions. Because an adjustable constant force can be produced in each radial direction, the proposed adjustable CFM can be used in applications that require two-dimensional force regulation. In this paper, the design formulation and simulation results are presented and discussed. Equations to minimize the output force variation are given to choose the design parameters optimally. A prototype of the two-dimensional CFM is tested to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of adjustable force regulation. This novel CFM is expected to be used in machines or robots to interact friendly with the environment.

A Load-Adjustable Constant-Force Mechanism

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Hasara ◽  
Craig Lusk
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Force ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Degree Of Freedom ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Force Output ◽  
Constant Output ◽  
Force Mechanism ◽  
Constant Force Mechanism ◽  
Novel Design ◽  
Second Degree

This paper outlines the design of a compliant crank slider with adjustable constant-force output. Constant-force mechanisms (CFM) are used to maintain a constant output reaction force throughout a large range of compressive motion. This novel design improves on existing CFM by introducing a second degree of freedom that adjusts the mechanism’s output without changing its kinematic structure. This second degree of freedom is the rotation of a compliant beam about its longitudinal axis as it is constrained to the initial plane of bending. The resulting change in the beam’s stiffness allows for adjustment to a specifiable range of constant-force outputs.

scholarly journals A Versatile 3R Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model for Initially Curved and Straight Compliant Beams of Uniform Cross Section

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatasubramanian Kalpathy Venkiteswaran ◽  
Hai-Jun Su
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Revolute Joints ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Uniform Cross Section ◽  
Optimized Model ◽  
Force Mechanism ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Constant Force Mechanism

Rigid-body discretization of continuum elements was developed as a method for simplifying the kinematics of otherwise complex systems. Recent work on pseudo-rigid-body (PRB) models for compliant mechanisms has opened up the possibility of using similar concepts for synthesis and design, while incorporating various types of flexible elements within the same framework. In this paper, an idea for combining initially curved and straight beams within planar compliant mechanisms is developed to create a set of equations that can be used to analyze various designs and topologies. A PRB model with three revolute joints is derived to approximate the behavior of initially curved compliant beams, while treating straight beams as a special case (zero curvature). The optimized model parameter values are tabled for a range of arc angles. The general kinematic and static equations for a single-loop mechanism are shown, with an example to illustrate accuracy for shape and displacement . Finally, this framework is used for the design of a compliant constant force mechanism to illustrate its application, and comparisons with finite element analysis (FEA) are provided for validation.

Crank-Slider With Spring Constant Force Mechanism

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart D. Frischknecht ◽  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Spencer P. Magleby
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Spring Element ◽  
Translational Spring ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Force Mechanism ◽  
Constant Force Mechanism ◽  
Opening Up

This paper explores the development and performance of new constant-force compliant mechanisms that involve the addition of a translational spring element to slider-crank constant force mechanisms. The translational spring element has the additional requirement that, similar to a slider, it resists off-axis loads sufficiently to permit translation along only one axis. Geometric and energy storage parameters have been determined by optimization for five classes of mechanisms. The results of the optimization are values for geometric and energy storage parameters for each mechanism class for various levels of the translational spring parameter and various levels of constant-force behavior. The new configurations experience decreasing performance with increasing translational spring stiffness. The potential to implement a translational spring that also acts as a slider link provides the motivation for the new configurations. Such a spring would have the potential to completely remove friction from the mechanism and provide a constant-force solution that could replace current solutions such as hydraulic or pneumatic devices. The new configurations also have the potential to be manufactured as one piece or in layers, opening up new arenas for compressive constant-force mechanisms. Prototyping and testing of one of the new configurations are included as an example to demonstrate the use of the behavioral model.

Synthesis of Single-Input and Multiple-Output Port Mechanisms with Springs for Specified Energy Absorption

1994 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 937-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. G. Jenuwine ◽  
A. Midha
Keyword(s):  
Energy Absorption ◽  
Output Port ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Plane Symmetry ◽  
Multiple Precision ◽  
Linear Spring ◽  
Single Input ◽  
Force Mechanism ◽  
Closure Method ◽  
Constant Force Mechanism

A means of synthesis of single-input and multiple-output port mechanisms for specified energy absorption is formulated for multiple precision points. The synthesis presented makes use of an extension of the loop closure method which includes expressions for energy absorption by linear spring elements. The configuration considered locates spring elements at two output ports of a multi-loop, planar mechanism. Economies realized for the symmetric mechanism are discussed for both one- and two-plane symmetry. Synthesis examples are included for both the general and symmetric mechanism. Special applications presented include synthesis of a constant force mechanism and synthesis of a mechanism suited to the energy absorption requirements of an automotive crashworthiness system.

Evaluation of Equivalent Spring Stiffness for Use in a Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model of Large-Deflection Compliant Mechanisms

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry L. Howell ◽  
Ashok Midha
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Large Deflection ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Spring Stiffness ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Body Model ◽  
Rigid Body Model ◽  
Body Joints

Abstract Compliant mechanisms gain some or all of their mobility from the flexibility of their members rather than from rigid-body joints only. More efficient and usable analysis and design techniques are needed before the advantages of compliant mechanisms can be fully utilized. In an earlier work, a pseudo-rigid-body model concept, corresponding to an end-loaded geometrically nonlinear, large-deflection beam, was developed to help fulfill this need. In this paper, the pseudo-rigid-body equivalent spring stiffness is investigated and new modeling equations are proposed. The result is a simplified method of modeling the force/deflection relationships of large-deflection members in compliant mechanisms. Flexible segments which maintain a constant end angle are discussed, and an example mechanism is analyzed. The resulting models are valuable in the visualization of the motion of large-deflection systems, as well as the quick and efficient evaluation and optimization of compliant mechanism designs.

The Design and Analysis of a Compliant Constant-Force Mechanism

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongtian Xie ◽  
Lifang Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Constant Force ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Fea Model ◽  
Electrical Connector ◽  
Force Mechanism ◽  
Input Motion ◽  
Operational Range ◽  
Constant Force Mechanism

Compliant constant-force mechanisms (CFM) are a type of compliant mechanism which produce a reaction force at the output port that does not change for a large range of input motion. This paper describes a new compliant CFM, introduces its design and configuration-improvement process. A finite element analysis (FEA) model of the compliant CFM was created to evaluate its constant force behavior. The FEA result shows that when the displacement is Δ = 4 mm, the compliant CFM maintains a nearly constant force in the operational displacement range of 1.31 mm to 4 mm with an error of 5.05%. The operational range accounts for 67% of the total motion. This compliant CFM can be used to regulate the contact force of a robot end-effector or as an electrical connector.

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