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This thesis presents elliptical rolling contact joints as an alternative to circular rolling contact and conventional revolute joints where high quality force transmission "low friction and backlash" with variable output are desired. Parameters specific to the joint and its position are developed in terms of relative link angles and elliptical surface geometry. These parameters are used to generate the basic forward kinematics for elliptical rolling link toggle mechanisms with oscillatory motion and high mechanical advantage. As large compressive loads are characteristic of such mechanisms, stress conditions are identified and principles for joint stability with variable, precision outputs are discussed. Finally, application is made to self-adjusting passive force closures with a case study of the MUSCLE Brake (Multi-toggle Self-adjusting Connecting-Linked Electromechanical) disc brake caliper. Elliptical rolling contact joints are shown to offer several benefits over circular rolling contact, including: reduced Hertz contact stresses and flexure bending stresses, variable output velocity, maximum use of contact interface by distributing small rotations across surfaces of small curvature, reduced forces on stabilizing members, increased mechanical advantage due to eccentricity, and no-slip pure rolling provided exclusively by connecting links (or flexures) without the need for gear teeth or friction.

Die Architektur des 21. Jahrhunderts ist geprägt von der freien Formfindung, wobei Ressourceneinsparung in Kombination mit Funktionsintegration immer stärker in den Fokus effizienter Bauweisen rücken. Klassische Werkstoffe, wie z. B. Stahlbeton, stoßen hinsichtlich organischer Formen und Funktionalisierung schnell an ihre Grenzen. Darüber hinaus sind beim Stahlbeton aufgrund der Korrosionsneigung der Stahlbewehrung hohe Betonüberdeckungen gefordert, was der Umsetzung filigraner Bauweisen mit geringen Dicken entgegensteht (s. etwa [1], [2]). Daher ist die Erforschung von neuartigen Betonstrukturen mit Leichtbaueigenschaften unter Anwendung von textilen Bewehrungen seit einigen Jahren Gegenstand intensiver wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten, z. B. in den DFG-SFB 528 und 532, im BMBF-Vorhaben C³ und zahlreichen internationalen Projekten, z. B. [1], [3]–[5]). [Aus: Ausgangsfragen und Zielsetzung] / The architecture of the 21st century is characterized by free form finding, whereby saving resources in combination with functional integration are increasingly important for efficient construction methods. Classic materials, such as steel reinforced concrete, quickly reach their limits in terms of organic shapes and functionalization. In addition, due to the corrosion tendency of the steel reinforcement, high concrete coverings are required, which prevents the implementation of filigree construction methods with small thicknesses (see e.g. [1], [2]). Therefore, the research of new types of concrete structures with lightweight properties using textile reinforcement has been the subject of intensive scientific work for some years, e.g. DFG–SFB 528 and 532, BMBF project C³ and numerous international projects, e.g. [1], [3]–[5]). [Off: Initial questions and objectives]