DESIGN FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING CONSIDERATIONS FOR COMPLIANT CONSTANT-FORCE MECHANISMS

Compliant Mechanisms are a class of mechanisms that utilize bending to achieve motion. Compliant Constant-Force Mechanisms (CCFMs), a unique subset of compliant mechanisms, can deliver a constant force output over a fixed range of motion; these mechanisms are often planar systems driven by traditional manufacturing design principles and can be generated using a variety of methods. Some methods, such as rigid body replacement, are constrained to pins and linkages whereas those generated with topology optimization may possess more organic shapes. Traditional methods of manufacturing drive a wide variety of these designs. Applying principles dictated by Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) may yield better designs for these complex applications. This paper identifies clear, concise themes that elucidate ways to leverage Additive Manufacturing for CCFMs using examples from existing literature. These identified themes fall within (1) the use of geometric complexity, (2) material considerations, especially between polymers and metals, and (3) the breadth of applications of current CCFMs.