In this work, we present a new class of tristable mechanism called double Young tristable mechanisms (DYTMs), which connect two prestrained Young bistable mechanisms to create three distinct stable equilibrium positions. A three-degree-of-freedom pseudorigid-body (RPB) model is proposed to accurately predict the kinetostatic behaviors of both Young mechanisms and DYTMs. An optimization-based design method is also presented for DYTMs. Two DYTM prototypes were designed based on the method and machined out of polypropylene sheets. Both of the prototypes exhibit tristability, which demonstrate the feasibility of achieving tristability through connecting two prestrained Young mechanisms. The successful prototyping also indicates that the proposed three degree-of-freedom (3DOF) model is capable of identifying feasible designs for DYTMs.
Issue Section:
Research Papers
References
1.
Howell
, L. L.
, 2001
, Compliant Mechanisms
, Wiley
, New York
.2.
Hafez
, M.
, Lichter
, M. D.
, and Dubowsky
, S.
, 2003
, “Optimized Binary Modular Reconfigurable Robotic Devices
,” IEEE/ASME Trans. Mech.
, 8
(1
), pp. 304
–326
.10.1109/TMECH.2003.8091563.
Pucheta
, M. A.
, and Cardona
, A.
, 2010
, “Design of Bistable Compliant Mechanisms Using Precision-Position and Rigid-Body Replacement Methods
,” Mech. Mach. Theory
, 45
(2
), pp. 304
–326
.10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2009.09.0094.
Zhao
, J.
, Gao
, R.
, Yang
, Y.
, Huang
, Y.
, and Hu
, P.
, 2011
, “A Bidirectional Acceleration Switch Incorporating Magnetic-Fields-Based Tristable Mechanism
,” IEEE/ASME Trans. Mech.
, 99
(2
), pp. 1
–8
.10.1115/DETC2011-476785.
Tolou
, M.
, Estevez
, P.
, and Herder
, J. L.
, 2011
, “Collinear-Type Statically Balanced Compliant Micro Mechanism (SB-CMM): Experimental Comparison Between Pre-Curved and Straight Beams
,” Proceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference
, Aug. 28–31
, Washington, DC
, Paper No. DETC2011-47678.6.
Chen
, G.
, and Zhang
, S.
, 2011
, “Fully-Compliant Statically-Balanced Mechanisms Without Prestressing Assembly: Concepts and Case Studies
,” Mech. Sci.
, 2
(2
), pp. 169
–174
.10.5194/ms-2-169-20117.
Chen
, Y.-H.
, and Lan
, C.-C.
, 2012
, “An Adjustable Constant-Force Mechanism for Adaptive End-Effector Operations
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 134
(3
), p. 031005
.10.1115/1.40058658.
Jensen
, B. D.
, Howell
, L. L.
, and Salmon
, L. G.
, 1999
, “Design of Two-Link, In-Plane, Bistable Compliant Micro-Mechanisms
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 121
(3
), pp. 416
–423
.10.1115/1.28294779.
Hwang
, I.
, Shim
, Y.
, and Lee
, J.
, 2003
, “Modeling and Experimental Characterization of the Chevron-Type Bi-Stable Microactuator
,” J. Micromech. Microeng.
, 13
(6
), pp. 948
–954
.10.1088/0960-1317/13/6/31810.
Qiu
, J.
, Lang
, J. H.
, and Slocum
, A. H.
, 2004
, “A Curved-Beam Bistable Mechanism
,” J. Microelectromech. Syst.
, 13
, pp. 137
–146
.10.1109/JMEMS.2004.82530811.
Masters
, N. D.
, and Howell
, L. L.
, 2003
, “A Self-Retracting Fully Compliant Bistable Micromechanism
,” J. Microelectromech. Syst.
, 12
, pp. 273
–280
.10.1109/JMEMS.2003.81175112.
Wilcox
, D. L.
, and Howell
, L. L.
, 2005
, “Fully Compliant Tensural Bistable Micromechanisms (FTBM)
,” J. Microelectromech. Syst.
, 14
(6
), pp. 1223
–1235
.10.1109/JMEMS.2005.85908913.
Sönmez
, Ü.
, and Tutum
, C. C.
, 2008
, “A Compliant Bistable Mechanism Design Incorporating Elastica Buckling Beam Theory and Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 130
(4
), p. 042304
.10.1115/1.283900914.
Jensen
, B. D.
, and Howell
, L. L.
, 2003
, “Identification of Compliant Pseudo-Rigid-Body Mechanism Configurations Resulting in Bistable Behavior
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 125
, pp. 701
–708
.10.1115/1.162539915.
Jensen
, B. D.
, and Howell
, L. L.
, 2004
, “Bistable Configurations of Compliant Mechanisms Modeled Using Four Links and Translational Joints
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 126
, pp. 657
–666
.10.1115/1.176077616.
Limaye
, P.
, Ramu
, G.
, Pamulapati
, S.
, and Ananthasuresh
, G. K.
, 2012
, “A Compliant Mechanism Kit With Flexible Beams and Connectors Along With Analysis and Optimal Synthesis Procedures
,” Mech. Mach. Theory
, 49
, pp. 21
–39
.10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2011.07.00817.
Han
, J. S.
, Muller
, C.
, Wallrabe
, U.
, and Korvink
, J. G.
, 2007
, “Design, Simulation, and Fabrication of a Quadstable Monolithic Mechanism With X- and Y-Directional Bistable Curved Beams
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 129
, pp. 1198
–1203
.10.1115/1.277157718.
Gerson
, Y.
, Krylov
, S.
, Ilic
, B.
, and Schreiber
, D.
, 2008
, “Large Displacement Low Voltage Multistable Micro Actuator
,” Proceedings of the IEEE 21st International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems
, pp. 463
–466
.19.
Oh
, Y. S.
, and Kota
, S.
, 2009
, “Synthesis of Multistable Equilibrium Compliant Mechanisms Using Combinations of Bistable Mechanisms
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 131
, p. 021002
.10.1115/1.301331620.
Chen
, G.
, Wilcox
, D. L.
, and Howell
, L. L.
, 2009
, “Fully Compliant Double Tensural Tristable Micromechanisms (DTTM)
,” J. Micromech. Microeng.
, 19
, p. 025011
.10.1088/0960-1317/19/2/02501121.
Chen
, G.
, Aten
, Q. T.
, Zirbel
, S.
, Jensen
, B. D.
, and Howell
, L. L.
, 2009
, “A Tristable Mechanism Configuration Employing Orthogonal Compliant Mechanisms
,” ASME J. Mech. Rob.
, 2
(1
), p. 014501
.10.1115/1.400052922.
Pham
, H.-T.
, and Wang
, D.-A.
, 2011
, “A Quadristable Compliant Mechanism With a Bistable Structure Embedded in a Surrounding Beam Structure
,” Sens. Actuators, A
, 167
, pp. 438
–448
.10.1016/j.sna.2011.02.04423.
Chen
, G.
, Gou
, Y.
, and Zhang
, A.
, 2011
, “Synthesis of Compliant Multistable Mechanisms Through Use of a Single Bistable Mechanism
,” ASME J. Mech. Des.
, 133
(8
), p. 081007
.10.1115/1.400454324.
Pendleton
, T. M.
, and Jensen
, B. D.
, 2007
, “Development of a Tristable Compliant Mechanism
,” Proceedings of 12TH IFToMM World Congress
, Vol. A835
, June 18–21
, Besançon, France
.25.
Jensen
, B. D.
, Howell
, L. L.
, and Roach
, G. M.
, 2001
, “Bistable Compliant Mechanism
,” U.S. Patent No. 6,215,081 B1.26.
Su
, H.-J.
, 2009
, “A Pseudorigid-Body 3R Model for Determining Large Deflection of Cantilever Beams Subject to Tip Loads
,” ASME J. Mech. Rob.
, 1
(2
), p. 021008
.10.1115/1.304614827.
Chen
, G.
, Xiong
, B.
, and Huang
, X.
, 2011
, “Finding the Optimal Characteristic Parameters for 3R Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model Using an Improved Particle Swarm Optimizer
,” Precis. Eng.
, 35
(3
), pp. 505
–511
.10.1016/j.precisioneng.2011.02.00628.
Oh
, Y. S.
, 2008
, “Synthesis of Multistable Equilibrium Compliant Mechanisms
,” Ph.D dissertation, The University of Michigan
, Ann Arbor
.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
You do not currently have access to this content.
