Synthesis of Nonlinear Torque-angle Profile Using Compliant Helicoidal Shell Joint

Compliant mechanisms, particularly helicoidal shell joints, present intriguing possibilities in mechanical design with applications in medical devices, robotics, automotive, and aerospace engineering. This research focuses on the synthesis of nonlinear torque-angle profiles using a compliant helicoidal shell mechanism such as gravity-balancing...

Towards Neutrally Stable Compliant Shells

Elastic neutral stability involves elastic deformation without stiffness or loads. It is a remarkable appearance, since the deformation of materials is normally associated with an increase of potential energy and a resulting opposing reaction force or moment. Neutrally stable mechanisms can be used to overcome unnecessary actuation which makes...

Passive Autonomy: Hygromorphic Rotational Actuators: Design & Evaluation

Inspired by phenomena in the plant world, a<br/>meteoro-sensitive rotational actuator is developed. The design<br/>uses a hygro-active shell, whose water-based swelling is restricted<br/>at selective locations to form a helicoid structure. The influence<br/>of geometrical parameters on the performance is investigated<br/>using a numerical...

Increasing energy storage in compliant tape-spring mechanisms

This thesis studies the possibility of energy increase in tape-spring assemblies through stacking, defined as the practice of placing tape-springs on top of each other in parallel. consists of five chapters. Chapter 2 consists of a paper that presents a theoretical approach to stacking of tape-springs, and studies the potential of energy storage...

Compliant Shell Deformation in Plants: A Designer's Toolbox

The mechanisms that move plants can serve as biological role models for engineers, designers and architects. This practice is slowly being implemented in various engineering fields, with architects often being pioneers. Various methodologies have been written about the subject, but often only from an architectural point of view.<br/>The...

Negative Stiffness in Compliant Shell Mechanisms: To develop a passive stroke rehabilitation device

Present stroke rehabilitation devices for the arm are often difficult to use by the patient himself and cannot be used at home. A compliant shell mechanism could overcome the shortcomings of the current available devices. By the use of monolithic shell mechanisms a simple to use device can be designed, which can be made wearable. It would make...

Scoliosis Brace Design: Utilizing Compliant Shell Mechanisms and Primary Compliance Vector Path Optimization

Existing scoliosis braces preclude spinal movement for activities of daily living, which reduces the willingness to wear the brace and treatment success. This work develops a scoliosis brace that meets corrective requirements while retaining patient mobility.<br/>The primary compliance vector (PCV) captures the predominant kinematic degree of...