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Compliant mechanisms, which use elastic deformation to serve their function, are not new. The medieval crossbow is a prime example. However, systematic design of compliant mechanisms and exploration of newer applications began towards the end of the 20th century. Today, we have numerous designs of compliant mechanisms. Following the tradition of cataloging mechanisms (e.g., Franz Reuleaux, I. I. Artobolevski, F. D. Jones, etc.), we, in the M2D2@IISc, have begun to collect and compile compliant mechanism topologies. The word "topology" is of importance here because it defines the not only the function of the mechanism but also the extent of its performance (e.g., mechanical advantage, geometric advantage) even if the shape and size are changed. Some of the mechanisms in this catalogue were intuitively conceived but many were obtained using topology optimization. They are all taken from the published literature. Explicit citation is not included here with the view that they are available for anyone to be inspired to use them with any modification as they see fit, much like the aforementioned rigid-body mechanism catalogues.

 

Each mechanism has an image, a photograph, a finite element simulation, and a video. Solid Works and COMSOL finite element file are also available for designers to download. Any feedback may please be sent to suresh@iisc.ac.in by email.