Type Synthesis of Complaint 5-bar Mechanisms with Application to Mechanical Disc Brakes

Scott H. Brooks, Spencer P. Magleby, Peter Halverson, and Larry L. Howell

ABSTRACT: This paper presents the results of applying type synthesis to generate the possible configurations of a compliant 5-bar mechanism. The synthesis approach is described and demonstrated. Application of the approach resulted in the generation of 58 non-isomorphic configurations that are described and illustrated. While the paper is motivated by the potential application of selected members of the configuration set in development of mechanisms for grasping with special focus on mechanical disc brake systems, the principles may be applied to provide a broad range of mechanisms for evaluation and for intellectual property protection

KEYWORDS: Compliant mechanisms, Type synthesis

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