On February 19, 2008, the National Science Foundation awarded the Compliant Mechanisms Research Lab a three-year research grant for developing a new class of mechanisms called "Lamina Emergent Mechanisms" (LEMs). LEMs are compliant mechanisms which are fabricated from one or more planar layers of material (lamina). When actuated, LEMs emerge from their initial planar state.
Funds from the grant will be used in developing technology for applications in both macro-scale compliant mechanisms and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Specific applications may include orthopedic implants, where smaller insertion sizes of devices are desirable, and micro systems.
Additional project objectives include creating a catalog of fundamental mechanisms, documentation of research results, and continuing educational opportunities for engineering students and pre-service teachers. For an abstract about the project and more information about the grant, click here.