Compliant Mechanism Design

Compliant Mechanism Design is a mechanism that derives at least some or all their motion from the flexing of material. They can provide powerful solutions to tasks requiring high precision, compact footprints, reduced weight, performance in harsh environments including where lubrication is restricted, specific force-deflection properties, energy-storage capabilities, and ease of manufacturability. Compliant mechanisms have been used from macroscale pointing mechanisms to microelectromechanical (MEMS) instruments and devices.

While their potential is powerful, compliant mechanisms can be challenging to analyze and design as large deflections cause commonly-used linear equations to fail.

This course addresses design methods for compliant mechanisms. It highlights where compliant mechanisms can be advantageous, particularly in deployable and space-related mechanisms.

The course addresses fabrication and testing of compliant mechanisms, including guidelines for additive manufacturing compliant mechanisms.