Due to symmetry, only half the mechanism is shown.
The number of components required for the compliant mechanism are considerably
less than for the rigid mechanism. The reduction in part count may simplify
manufacturing and reduce manufacturing and assembly time and cost.
Compliant mechanisms also have a smaller number of movable joints, such
as pin (turning) and sliding joints. This results in reduced wear and need
for lubrication. These are valuable characteristics for applications where
the mechanism is not easily accessible, or for operation in harsh environments
that may adversely affect joints. The reduction of the number of joints
can also increase mechanism precision since backlash may be reduced or
eliminated. This fact has often been used in the design of instrumentation.
Vibration and noise caused by the turning and sliding joints of rigid-body
mechanisms may also be reduced in some applications by using compliant
mechanisms.
Since compliant mechanisms rely on the deflection of flexible members,
energy is stored in the form of strain energy in the flexible members.
This stored energy is similar to the potential energy in a deflected spring,
and the effects of springs may be integrated into a compliant mechanisms
design. This can be used to easily store and/or
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transform energy to be released at a later time
or in a different manner. A bow and arrow system is a simple example of
this. Energy is stored in the limbs as the archer draws the bow. This potential
energy is then transformed to kinetic energy of the arrow. These energy
storage characteristics may also be used to design for specific force-deflection
properties, or to cause a mechanism to tend to particular positions. These
cases will be discussed in more detail in later chapters.
It is possible to realize a significant reduction in weight by using a
compliant mechanism over their rigid-body counterparts. This may be a significant
factor in aerospace and other applications. Compliant mechanisms have also
benefited companies by reducing the weight and shipping costs of consumer
products.
Another advantage of compliant mechanisms is the ease in which they are
miniaturized . Simple micro structures, actuators, and sensors are seeing
wide usage, and many other microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) show great
promise. The reduction in the total number of parts and joints offered
by compliant mechanisms is a significant advantage in the fabrication of
micro mechanisms. Compliant micro mechanisms may be fabricated using technology
and materials similar to those used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. |
