Abstract: Arch-profiles of bistable arches, in their two force-free equilibrium states, are related to each other. This bilateral relationship is derived for arches with fixed–fixed boundary conditions in two forms: a nonlinear ...

Abstract: This paper is concerned with a compliant-hinge mechanism that can provide a wide range of torque-angle profiles. The mechanism consists of thin-walled open-section shells that are subjected to combined twisting and bending. ...

Abstract: There are analytical methods in the literature where a zerofreelength springloaded linkage is perfectly statically balanced by addition of more zerofreelength springs. This paper provides a general framework to extend these ...

Abstract: Continuum robots have the potential to form an effective interface between the patient and surgeon in minimally invasive procedures. Magnetic actuation has the potential for accurate catheter steering, reducing tissue ...

Abstract: Current surgical devices are mostly rigid and are made of stiff materials, even though their predominant use is on soft and wet tissues. With the emergence of compliant mechanisms (CMs), surgical tools can be designed to ...

Abstract: In this paper, we present the design and development of a portable, handoperated composite compliant mechanism for estimating the failureload of cmsized stiff objects whose stiffness is of the order of 10 s of kN/m. The ...