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Compliant rotary mechanism and method

  • US 8,220,777 B2
  • Filed: 04/27/2006
  • Issued: 07/17/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system, comprising:

  • at least one anchor affixed to a substrate;

    a mass configured for rotary motion parallel to the substrate;

    a plurality of compliant two-position mechanisms attached to the mass and to the at least one anchor, wherein the compliant two-position mechanisms restrict the rotary motion of the mass from a first angular position to a second angular position;

    wherein each of the compliant two-position mechanisms is a bi-stable mechanism, the bi-stable mechanism being in a first stable state of equilibrium when the mass is in the first angular position, and the bi-stable mechanism being in a second stable state of equilibrium when the mass is in the second angular position; and

    wherein the at least one anchor, the mass, and the compliant two-position mechanisms together form a unitary structure.

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