Design of bistable compliant mechanisms using precision-position and rigid-body replacement methods

A systematic approach to the synthesis of compliant mechanisms starting from the problem requirements is proposed. The method uses as topological solution space several atlases of compliant mechanisms specialized from rigid kinematic chains. Graph Theory is used to solve the type synthesis stage, while the rigid analytical synthesis combined with the well-known process of rigid-body replacement synthesis is used to synthesize the flexible members. Using these tools, we show that the initial and final equilibrium positions of partially compliant mechanisms can be designed from simple topological and kinematic considerations. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.