Compliance in motion systems - from design to function

Prof. L. Zentner

In many areas of technology, compliance in mechanical structures represents an undesirable property whose effects must be eliminated or compensated for by special design or control measures. In macro technology as well as in miniaturized technology in particular, however, solutions are known which require a specific compliance of mechanical structures to fulfill their function. A desired compliance can be achieved by the specific complementation of material and geometric properties. Within the scope of this project, the interaction of compliance distribution achieved by geometry (design) and material properties will be investigated in the animal world and in technical motion systems. New motion transmission solutions with compliant structures are to be developed and presented in a systematized way, whereby a functionality of a high degree is to be guaranteed by constructive design and not by considerable sensory effort.

For medical applications in particular, compliant systems are needed that allow movements with a high degree of freedom while not damaging the environment. Examples of applications include inner ear implants or peristaltic probes for minimally invasive operations in body cavities. Due to their high resistance to aggressive substances (in the case of silicone structures) and their monolithic design, compliant structures can also be used in high-voltage technology, the chemical industry, clean room technology and rooms exposed to radiation. Furthermore, microtechnical applications are conceivable in which high demands are placed on the integration of gears and actuators, such as in micromanipulators and dosing devices.

01/2006 - 12/2006

BMBF - Federal Ministry of Education and Research