Reconfigurable Trusses of Nonlinear Morphing Elements

Reconfigurable mechanisms are capable of changing their behavior during operation and perform different tasks through changes of their configuration. A compliant, multistable, reconfigurable mechanism is introduced which consists of nonlinear morphing elements assembled in a truss-like configuration. These constituent elements are made of composite strips assembled to form a double-helix and exhibit tailorable nonlinear stiffness characteristics, including bistability. The mechanism’s behavior can be tailored by tuning the inherent properties of the helical components, leading to a wide range of responses. This work explores the reconfigurability of the mechanism, based on the ability to change the helical pitch and the resulting stiffness.