LEGO Compatible Bistable Compliant Mechanism
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This model shows the bistable behavior that can be achieved by using a single-print compliant mechanism.
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Model information
- Source
- Printables
- Category
- Building Toys
- License
- Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial
This design is a LEGO-compatible bistable compliant mechanism. The center shuttle passes to a stable equilibrium point, resulting in bistable behavior. This model shows the bistable behavior that can be achieved by using a single-print compliant mechanism. Take advantage of the LEGO compatibility to turn it into something exciting, such as a LEGO Brick launcher or a switch.
See our related article in Nature Communications.
Print Settings
Print Resolution: 0.4mm Nozzle
Supports: No
You will need good adhesion to the build plate to print the standard model with LEGO-compatible connections on the bottom. If adhesion is difficult with your printer, use the "Simple" model with a solid bottom surface.
Despite overhangs, the model was designed to be printed without supports for simplification and speed.
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.
This design was developed with 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.