Adjustable, Constant Force Mechanism

Mechanisms using linear springs have been widely known and researched to give increased force outputs with greater input displacements. In many applications, however, the output force may be desired to be constant regardless of input displacement. Such situations arise in applications such as robotic grasping, biomedical applications, haptic devices, and micro-grasps.Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a constant-force mechanism ('CFM') suitable for use at all scales from macro to micro. Additionally, the level of constant force supplied by the mechanism can be actively adjusted. A controllable, compliant constant-force mechanism is now available.