Compliant mechanisms are flexible devices that transfer input forces and displacements to an output force and displacement at another location through elastic body deformation. In other words, these are monolithic (single piece) or jointless structures.
Thus, there is no need for assembly. And, with no joints there is no rubbing or friction between two parts, unlike the traditional rigid body mechanisms that have joints.
Compliant mechanisms are elastic and usually designed using special techniques. New techniques are also being conceived. One popular application of such mechanism technology is to create self-adaptive mechanisms, commonly used for grasping in robotics.
Most importantly, compliant mechanisms offer distinct advantages for use in space that can address many of the issues encountered with current rigid-link space mechanisms. Furthermore, can perform necessary functions in the environments of launch and space.
Many traditional space mechanisms are already highly optimized, but they still experience inherent challenges. It remains unclear if significant improvements in performance can be made by continuing to refine current designs. Compliant space mechanisms promise opportunities to change the fundamental approach to achieving controlled motion.
All satellites, exploration vehicles and the International Space Station require mechanisms to perform mechanical tasks. As the population of space vehicles expands engineers must be aware of the potential advantages of compliant mechanisms. Launchspace is aware of the need for educating space industry professional in the area of compliant mechanism design.
