Abstract: A method for designing and optimnizing compliant mechanisms is provided, in addition to bistable compliant mechanism designs. According to the method, a selected compliant structure may be modeled analytically, and the characteristics of the analytical model may be optimized. Multiple recursive optimization algorithms may be used, for example, to determine the general location of a global optimum, and then to determine the values of the analytical model characteristics that obtain the global optimum or a feasible configuration for the selected compliant structure. Geometric characteristics of the selected compliant structure may be derived from the values of the analytical model characteristics. Bistable compliant designs may have a shuttle disposed between a pair of base members. The shuttle (20) may be linked to the base members (22, 24) by a pair of legs (30, 32), via flexural pivots. The base members may have cantilevered mounting beams to create deformable mounts that receive and store potential energy.

Abstract: A method for designing and optimnizing compliant mechanisms is provided, in addition to bistable compliant mechanism designs. According to the method, a selected compliant structure may be modeled analytically, and the characteristics of the analytical model may be optimized. Multiple recursive optimization algorithms may be used, for example, to determine the general location of a global optimum, and then to determine the values of the analytical model characteristics that obtain the global optimum or a feasible configuration for the selected compliant structure. Geometric characteristics of the selected compliant structure may be derived from the values of the analytical model characteristics. Bistable compliant designs may have a shuttle disposed between a pair of base members. The shuttle (20) may be linked to the base members (22, 24) by a pair of legs (30, 32), via flexural pivots. The base members may have cantilevered mounting beams to create deformable mounts that receive and store potential energy.

Abstract: A compliant, bistable mechanism has a plurality of segments coupled end-to-end in a series to form a continuous chain of segments. The plurality of segments includes at least two rigid segments and at least one relatively flexible and resilient segment. Adjacent rigid segments are coupled by flexible joints or pin joints. The flexible and resilient segment is coupled to adjacent segments either fixedly or by pin joints. There are at least four pin joints, flexible joints, and/or flexible and resilient segments. The joints allow relative movement of the segments while the flexible and resilient segment resists movement and biases the segments. The segments move between first and second stable equilibrium positions. The segments have a pseudo-rigid-body model resembling a four-bar linkage. The segments and flexible joints may be integrally formed. First and second electrical contacts may be coupled to the segments to form an electrical connection as the segments move to one of the positions.

Abstract: A compliant overrunning ratchet and pawl clutch mechanism with centrifugal throwout comprising a ratchet wheel and a one-piece pawl wheel. The ratchet wheel has plurality of angled teeth disposed about its perimeter. The pawl wheel comprises a one-piece circular hub concentrically surrounding the ratchet wheel, and has a plurality of elongate compliant biasing members extending from its inside surface toward the ratchet wheel. The biasing members each terminate in a pawl configured for engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the pawl wheel rotates in a first engaging direction, and for sliding over the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the pawl wheel rotates in a second overrun direction. The biasing members and clutch pawls are integrally formed as a single piece from the material of the pawl hub, and the pawls may comprise either compression or tension members.