A single-input state-switching building block harnessing internal instabilities

A single-input state-switching building block harnessing internal instabilities

ten Wolde, M.A. (TU Delft Mechatronic Systems Design)
Farhadi Machekposhti, D. (TU Delft Mechatronic Systems Design)

2024

Bistable mechanisms are prevalent across a broad spectrum of applications due to their ability to maintain two distinct stable states. Their energy consumption is predominantly confined to the process of state transitions, thereby enhancing their efficiency. However, the transition often requires two distinct digital inputs, implicating the requirement of multiple actuators. Here, we propose an elastic and contactless design strategy for inducing state transitions in bistable mechanisms, requiring only a single digital input. The strategy leverages internal information, interpreted as system state, as an extra input to make a weighted decision for transitioning to the subsequent state. We characterize the behavior using a spring-based rigid-body model, consisting of a column near bifurcation, combined with a non-linear spring connected to a bistable element that represents the information state. The results show that a nonlinear spring with a quadratic stiffness function, i.e., representing internal instability, is crucial for regulating state-switching behavior. We then demonstrate this design strategy by developing a monolithic and compliant design embodiment and experimentally evaluate its behavior.

Bistable mechanism
Compliant mechanism
Elastic instability
Mechanical computing
State switching

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f5b485d0-7b70-494a-82ac-699a13128b48

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105626

0094-114X

Mechanism and Machine Theory, 196

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2024 M.A. ten Wolde, D. Farhadi Machekposhti