Abstract: A switch mechanism has a compliant buckling bar that includes a single fixed end mounted to a mounting surface and a free end that is displaced with respect to the fixed end. The mounting of the fixed end to the mounting surface may constitute the only fixed connection between the bar and the mounting surface. The bar moves between two stable positions in response to a transition force applied transversely to the free end. Residual stress in the bar may be higher when the free end is at each of the stable positions than when the free end is at a neutral position located between the stable positions.

Abstract: A fixed compliant wing system is provided that is coupled to a rigid spar and a rigid stopper. The fixed compliant wing system includes an actuator and at least two compliant rib structures coupled to the rigid spar. The compliant rib structures include an outer compliant contoured structure, a drive member coupled to the outer compliant contoured structure and including a guiding slot consisting of at least two interconnected portions. The guiding slot encompasses and is in a sliding arrangement with the rigid stopper. The drive member is further connected to the actuator. Portions of the outer compliant contoured structures are configured to independently deform when force is applied from the actuator to the drive member thereby moving the rigid stopper from a first portion to a second portion of the guiding slot. The fixed complaint wing system further includes a skin encompassing the compliant rib structures.

Abstract: Reconfigurable skin systems may include a multi-cellular structure, in which individual cells are filled with a shape memory polymer having conductive chains of conductive particles embedded or dispersed therein. The systems are configured such that application of a stimulus to selected cells causes the shape memory polymer to undergo a phase change in the selected cells and impart a textured surface to one side of the multi-cellular structure.

Abstract: A fixed compliant wing system is provided that is coupled to a rigid spar and a rigid stopper. The fixed compliant wing system includes an actuator and at least two compliant rib structures coupled to the rigid spar. The compliant rib structures include an outer compliant contoured structure, a drive member coupled to the outer compliant contoured structure where the drive member is in a sliding arrangement with the rigid stopper. The drive member is further connected to the actuator. The outer compliant contoured structure of the compliant rib structures is configured to deform when force is applied from the actuator to the drive member. The fixed complaint wing system further includes a skin encompassing the compliant rib structures.

Abstract: Reconfigurable skin systems may include a multi-cellular structure, in which individual cells are filled with a shape memory polymer having conductive chains of conductive particles embedded or dispersed therein. The systems are configured such that application of a stimulus to selected cells causes the shape memory polymer to undergo a phase change in the selected cells and impart a textured surface to one side of the multi-cellular structure.