Higher Order Mechanisms:



This transmission consists of a series connection of cross-flexure joints, with additional interconnecting beam flexures. When one cross-flexure joint is rotated, each of the remaining joints exhibits rotation as well. As before, the entire device is fabricated as one continuous piece. The transmission also demonstrates another anticipated feature of flexonics: modular construction. The flexonic transmission is essentially a repeated pattern of cross-flexure joints. Although this is only a one-dimensional pattern, we might design other devices which contain a different modular unit and employ two- or three-dimensional configurations.

Traditional motion generation mechanisms can be redesigned within the flexonics design space. As an example, consider the Peaucellier linkage pictured below. The function of the linkage is to convert rotational motion into pure translation. Under traditional design methods, the links are separate parts, connected to each other via pivots at their ends. The flexonic counterpart, however, can be one continuous piece, with traditional pivots being replaced by small-length flexures (also called notch flexures or "living hinges").


Mechanisms for specific functions like gripping are also relatively easy to design. One such possibility is shown above. Instead of discrete regions of flexion as used above in the Peaucellier linkage, we implement distributed flexion along the gripper "fingers". A simple translation of the center rigid beam brings both fingers together.

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