Multistable compliant mechanism and a steady-state analysis method thereof

Abstract

A multistable compliant mechanism is formed by connecting sequentially multiple basic units front to end to form a closed annular structure. Each basic unit includes two flexible hinges perpendicular to each other on different planes and two rigid connection parts for connecting the flexible hinges. The two flexible hinges are connected by a rigid connection part, and one of the flexible hinges is connected to a flexible hinge of an adjacent basic unit through the other rigid connection part. Lengths of two rigid connection parts in a same basic unit are equal, but lengths of rigid connection parts of different basic units are not necessarily equal. The multistable compliant mechanism features the continuous rotation and multi-steady state of a tri-compliant mechanism. The multistable compliant mechanism also features variable mechanism topology, an adjustable unit number, easy implementation, and promotion. A method for steady state analysis of the multistable compliant mechanism is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.