Development of a Fully Compliant Bistable Mechanism Based on Circular Beams with Enhanced Pitch Stiffness

Compliant bistable mechanisms with planar configurations demonstrate two in-plane stable states through the nonlinear deformations of flexible segments, which are widely used in field shock sensors and threshold sensors. In these mechanisms, consistent dynamic static behaviors difficult to maintain under influence an out-of-plane load. This is limited some applications where precise displacement required. To this end, we developed a mechanism circular beams instead conventional straight beams, such that enhanced robustness against external loads region obtained. An analytical kinetostatic model established predict behavior proposed mechanism, further verified using finite element simulations experimental results. Compared prototype straight-beam-based circular-beam demonstrates improved pitch stiffness along rotation off-axis load conditions. The design can be extended subjected loads.