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The Compliant Switch

Design bistable mechanisms using flexible beams instead of hinges. Push past the snap-through threshold to toggle between stable states!

STATE: OFF

Stored Elastic Energy

Energy: 0.00 J
Snap Threshold: 0.50 J

Tools

Push: Click & drag beams to deform. Anchor: Fix nodes in place.

Beam Properties

Stress Visualization

Low Medium High

Presets

Actions

Stats

Nodes: 0
Beams: 0
Anchors: 0
Max Stress: 0.00
Snap Count: 0

How to Play

  • Push Mode: Click and drag on beams to apply force and deform the structure
  • Anchor Mode: Click nodes to fix them in place (anchored nodes shown as squares)
  • Release Mode: Click anchored nodes to make them free again
  • Add Node: Click on a beam to add a node, splitting it into two beams
  • Bistable Mechanism: Push past the snap threshold to toggle between stable states
  • Watch the stress colors - red indicates high stress concentration
  • The energy bar shows stored elastic energy - snap occurs when it exceeds threshold

Physics: Compliant mechanisms use flexible elements (living hinges) instead of traditional joints. They store elastic energy when deformed and can have multiple stable configurations (bistability). This is the basis for snap-fit designs, MEMS devices, and even plant movements!