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Study of active joint mechanisms
Active structures are structures that respond and adapt itself to best utilize its environment. This type of motion reacts to environmental pressure. We would like to investigate the different mechanisms and assess their applicability to multi-material 3D printing.
Keywords: 4d printing, active structures, compliant mechanism
In biological systems, many types of motion are in response to environmental change. For example, sun-flower turns its head to face the sun in order to raise its temperature and increase pollination (heliotropism). In contrast with tropisms (which are slow movements), there exist rapid plant movements (RPM) which last fractions of a second. It would be beneficial to adapt these behavior in mechanical systems to achieve a wide range of motion without external power source.
In biological systems, many types of motion are in response to environmental change. For example, sun-flower turns its head to face the sun in order to raise its temperature and increase pollination (heliotropism). In contrast with tropisms (which are slow movements), there exist rapid plant movements (RPM) which last fractions of a second. It would be beneficial to adapt these behavior in mechanical systems to achieve a wide range of motion without external power source.
This study intends to understand and categorize the different types of motion responses, and investigate the link between these biological motions to mechanical devices. Starting with a simple two bar truss, a design should be proposed and simulated and fabricated with a multi-material 3D printer. The designs should be load bearing and predictable.
Deliverables of this project include:
- Prototypes of different activation mechanisms
- Simplified simulation that predicts the behavior
- A summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the different mechanisms
This study intends to understand and categorize the different types of motion responses, and investigate the link between these biological motions to mechanical devices. Starting with a simple two bar truss, a design should be proposed and simulated and fabricated with a multi-material 3D printer. The designs should be load bearing and predictable.
Deliverables of this project include:
- Prototypes of different activation mechanisms
- Simplified simulation that predicts the behavior
- A summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the different mechanisms