This work introduces metrics for large-displacement linear-motion compliant mechanisms (LLCMs) that evaluate the performance tradeoff between displacement and off-axis stiffness. These metrics are nondimensionalized, consisting of relevant characteristics used to describe displacement, off-axis stiffness, actuation force, and size. Displacement is normalized by the footprint of the device, transverse stiffness by a new performance characteristic called virtual axial stiffness, and torsional stiffness by the characteristic torque. These metrics account for the variation of both axial and off-axis stiffness over the range of displacement. The metrics are demonstrated for several microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that are sensitive to size because of high cost and off-axis stiffness because of function. The use of metrics in design is demonstrated in the design of an LLCM; the resulting design shows increased values for both the travel and transverse-stiffness metrics.
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e-mail: allen.mackay@byu.net
e-mail: david.gar.smith@gmail.com
e-mail: lhowell@byu.edu
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January 2012
Research Papers
Metrics for Evaluation and Design of Large-Displacement Linear-Motion Compliant Mechanisms
Allen B. Mackay,
e-mail: allen.mackay@byu.net
Allen B. Mackay
Medical Products Division
, W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff
, AZ 86001
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David G. Smith,
David G. Smith
Compliant Mechanism Research,
e-mail: david.gar.smith@gmail.com
Brigham Young University
, Provo
, UT 84602
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Larry L. Howell
Larry L. Howell
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
e-mail: lhowell@byu.edu
Brigham Young University
, Provo
, UT 84602
Search for other works by this author on:
Allen B. Mackay
Medical Products Division
, W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff
, AZ 86001e-mail: allen.mackay@byu.net
David G. Smith
Compliant Mechanism Research,
Brigham Young University
, Provo
, UT 84602e-mail: david.gar.smith@gmail.com
Larry L. Howell
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Brigham Young University
, Provo
, UT 84602e-mail: lhowell@byu.edu
J. Mech. Des. Jan 2012, 134(1): 011008 (9 pages)
Published Online: January 4, 2012
Article history
Received:
August 18, 2009
Revised:
March 29, 2011
Online:
January 4, 2012
Published:
January 4, 2012
Citation
Mackay, A. B., Smith, D. G., Magleby, S. P., Jensen, B. D., and Howell, L. L. (January 4, 2012). "Metrics for Evaluation and Design of Large-Displacement Linear-Motion Compliant Mechanisms." ASME. J. Mech. Des. January 2012; 134(1): 011008. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004191
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