Straight-line metamaterial based on an approximate shear cell embodiment

Mechanical metamaterials are architected structures that exhibit exotic mechanical properties. Metamaterial mechanisms use the engineered properties to make them highly valuable for specific motion and load carrying systems, with diverse applications in machines and robotic technologies across various fields. The development of a straight-line mechanism relies upon compliant and rigid mechanisms which present compactness and precision. However, they often suffer from parasitic motion, limited range of motion and load capacity constraints. This paper introduces a novel planar straight-line metamaterial mechanism based on the use of a shear unit cell. This approach is based on the planar series and parallel tessellation and on the full or partial scaling of the shear cell. Results indicate that tessellation enables tuning the range of motion, stiffness and crosstalk.