March 7, 2025
Description
This bistable compliant mechanism was developed by the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research group. This model shows the bistable behavior that can be achieved by using a single print compliant mechanism.
The model can either be 3D printed or milled.
For in-depth technical information, see the following publications:
Zirbel, S.A., Tolman, K.A., Trease, B.P., and L.L. Howell, “Bistable Mechanisms for Space Applications,” PLOS ONE, Vol. 11, No. 12: e0168218, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168218, 2016.
Gou, Y., Chen, G., Howell, L.L., “A Design Approach to Fully Compliant Multistable Mechanisms Employing a Single Bistable Mechanism,” Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines, DOI: 10.1080/15397734.2019.1707685, Vo. 49, No. 7, pp. 986-1009, 2021, published online 2020.
Gomm, T., Howell, L.L., and Selfridge, R.H., “In-Plane Linear-Displacement Bistable Microrelay,” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Institute of Physics, Vol. 12, pp. 257-264, 2002.
Jensen, B.D., Parkinson, M.B., Kurabayashi, K., Howell, L.L., and Baker, M.S., “Design Optimization of a Fully-Compliant Bistable Micro-Mechanism,” Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), at the 2001 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, November 2001, IMECE2001/MEMS-23852.
This design was developed by the Compliant Mechanisms Research Group (CMR) from Brigham Young University (BYU). To learn more about compliant mechanisms, see the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research (CMR) website or these books: Compliant Mechanisms, Handbook of Compliant Mechanisms.
The downloadable 3D print files provided here may be used, modified, and enjoyed for noncommercial use. To license this technology for commercial applications, contact:
BYU Technology Transfer Office
3760 Harold B. Lee Library
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
Phone: (801) 422-6266
https://techtransfer.byu.edu/contact
Patent Information
Bistable Micromechanical Devices
By Messenger, R.K., McLain, T.W., Anderson, J.K., Howell, L.L.
U.S. Patent No. 7,554,342
June 2009
License:
Standard Digital File License
BYU CMR
