Summary

This bistable compliant mechanism was developed by the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research group (compliantmechanisms.byu.edu). This model shows the bistable behavior that can be achieved by using a single print compliant mechanism.

Learn More

This design was developed by the Compliant Mechanisms Research Group (CMR) from Brigham Young University (BYU). Follow us at @byucmr on Instagram or visit the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research (CMR) website to learn more about compliant mechanisms.

Also available is a free online course on compliant mechanism design, by Dr. Jonathan B. Hopkins, Ph.D., UNLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4o6-wXmwaQ&list=PLWeErkRyxkhJv-ynwCvM0XxKusTJJQzJl

Technical Information

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. 

To learn more about compliant mechanisms in general, see the BYU Compliant Mechanisms Research (CMR) website or these books: Compliant Mechanisms, Handbook of Compliant Mechanisms 

Intellectual Property

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