Single degree of freedom everting ring linkages with nonorientable topology.

ABSTRACT: Linkages are assemblies of rigid bodies connected through joints. They serve as the basis for force- and movement-managing devices ranging from ordinary pliers to high-precision robotic arms. Aside from planar mechanisms, like the well-known four-bar linkage, only a few linkages with a single internal degree of freedom-meaning that they can change shape in only one way and may thus be easily controlled-have been known to date. Here, we present "Möbius kaleidocycles," a previously undiscovered class of single-internal degree of freedom ring linkages containing nontrivial examples of spatially underconstrained mechanisms. A Möbius kaleidocycle is made from seven or more identical links joined by revolute hinges. These links dictate a specific twist angle between neighboring hinges, and the h

SUBMITTER: Schonke J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6320513 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature