Stiffness Compensation Through Matching Buckling Loads in a Compliant Four-Bar Mechanism

In this paper, a novel alternative method of stiffness compensation in buckled mechanisms is investigated. This method involves the use of critical load matching, i.e., matching the first two buckling loads of a mechanism. An analytical simply supported five-bar linkage model consisting of three rigid links, a prismatic slider joint, and four...

A Flexure-Based Linear Guide With Torsion Reinforcement Structures

In this study, a flexure-based (compliant) linear guide with a motion range comparable to its footprint is presented. The design consists of two-folded leaf springs on which torsion reinforcement structures are added. Due to these structures, only two-folded leaf springs are needed instead of a minimum of five as in preexisting designs. The...