Design and Simulation the Compliant Linear-Rotary Mechanism with Thermal Actuator

Abstract

A compliant mechanism to convert linear motion to rotary motion is developed.The means to achieve the linear-to-rotary motion transduction is attributed to an asymmetric arrangement of two linear motion inputs. V-beam thermal actuators provide the linear motion. The device operates with Joule heating effects and the current is applied. Finite element analyses were carried out to predict behaviors of the transduction mechanism. A transduction ratio of nearly 0.5 degrees/mm is achieved. The simulation results also reveal that a more uniform temperature distribution along the thermal actuator allows for a more extended overall thermal expansion and a larger linear motion, which adds to the rotary motion output.