Methodology for the Design of Compliant Mechanisms Employing Type Synthesis Techniques With Example

Abstract Type synthesis of rigid-link mechanisms provides a means to determine mechanism topologies before considering link dimensions. The formulation of design procedures for rigid-body mechanisms has benefited from the application of type synthesis techniques. Therefore, type synthesis is seen as a useful tool in the development of design procedures for compliant mechanisms as well. The focus of this paper is to propose and exemplify a design procedure for compliant mechanisms that employs the type synthesis techniques developed for compliant mechanisms.