This thesis investigates the potential benefits and challenges of using compliant mechanisms in the design of haptic interfaces. The benefits and challenges are presented with an emphasis on their inherent springback behavior and an active compensation approach. Design criteria for compliant mechanism joint candidates are reviewed and several joints are surveyed. Quantitative calculations of axial stiffness and maximum stress for five candidates are presented. Generalized analytical models of springback force and compensation torque are created to simulate the implementation of each joint candidate in a two degree-of-freedom planar pantograph. We use these models in the development and discussion of an analytical approach to predict the motor torques needed to actively compensate for the effects of springback. This approach relies on virtual work analyses of the haptic pantograph to determine the springback forces, compensation torques, haptic workspace, and available haptic force after compensation. A key to estimating the available haptic force is knowing that the force capability is different depending on the local springback force. If a component of the desired haptic force aligns with the springback force, then the two can work together, thus increasing the maximum magnitude of available haptic force beyond the nominal amount. Analytical and experimental results are presented. A detailed method of implementation is given along with a hardware demonstration of active compensation.

This thesis investigates the potential benefits and challenges of using compliant mechanisms in the design of haptic interfaces. The benefits and challenges are presented with an emphasis on their inherent springback behavior and an active compensation approach. Design criteria for compliant mechanism joint candidates are reviewed and several joints are surveyed. Quantitative calculations of axial stiffness and maximum stress for five candidates are presented. Generalized analytical models of springback force and compensation torque are created to simulate the implementation of each joint candidate in a two degree-of-freedom planar pantograph. We use these models in the development and discussion of an analytical approach to predict the motor torques needed to actively compensate for the effects of springback.This approach relies on virtual work analyses of the haptic pantograph to determine the springback forces, compensation torques, haptic workspace, and available haptic force after compensation. A key to estimating the available haptic force is knowing that the force capability is different depending on the local springback force. If a component of the desired haptic force aligns with the springback force, then the two can work together, thus increasing the maximum magnitude of available haptic force beyond the nominal amount. Analytical and experimental results are presented. A detailed method of implementation is given along with a hardware demonstration of active compensation.