Adjustable compliant mechanism
AssigneesThomas Sugar, Dhiraj Nahar
InventorsThomas Sugar, Dhiraj Nahar
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Abstract
Constant force mechanisms and adjustable constant force mechanisms are described having tow movable sliders constrained along two perpendicular axes and each abutting a resilient member. The mechanisms are adapted to produce an output force that is constant for a given input force. However, when an equilibrium position of one of the two resilient members is adjusted for a given mechanism, a different output force will result. Micro-compliant mechanisms are also described in which the resilient members may be made from one or more different elastomers.
Claims29
A compliant mechanism comprising two support structures each comprising a translational axis mounted perpendicular to one another;
- a resilient member comprising a length attached to a slidable structure positioned on each support structure;
- a first link pivotally connected directly or indirectly to each of the slidable structures, and an adjustment block attached to one of the structures for changing the length of the resilient member of that structure.
A compliant mechanism comprising an input structure, two resilient members each comprising a length connected directly or indirectly to the input structure and wherein the two resilient members are mounted parallel to one another along a lengthwise direction, a third resilient member comprising a length mounted directly or indirectly to the input structure with its length generally perpendicularly to the lengths of the two resilient members;
- and a plurality of links connected directly or indirectly to the input structure.
A compliant mechanism for producing a constant force during a range of motion of the mechanism comprising:
- a first structure comprising a first movable slider adapted to move along a first linear direction, a first resilient member comprising a length acting on the first slider so that the first slider experiences a pushing force from the first resilient member during movement of the first slider along at least a portion of the first linear direction,
- a second structure comprising a second movable slider adapted to move along a second linear direction, a second resilient member comprising a length acting on the second slider so that the second slider experiences a pushing force from the second resilient member during movement of the second slider along at least a portion of the second linear direction;
- a link comprising a length in pivotable relationship, either directly or indirectly, with both the first slider and the second slider;
- and
- an adjustment mechanism mechanically coupled to either the first resilient member or the second resilient member for adjusting the length of the first resilient member or the second resilient member.
A compliant mechanism comprising a slider connected to a first link by a first joint, the first link connected to a second link by a second joint, and the second link connected to a third link by a third joint, wherein
- the first link and second link are at a first angle to one another during a first position;
- the third joint is fixed to a first base;
- the slider is movable over a second base;
- and
- the first angle is adjustable to a second angle by moving either the first base or the second base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.