Motro, R.: Tensegrity: Structural Systems for the Future. Midha, A., Norton, T.W., Howell, L.L.: On the Nomenclature, Classification, and Abstractions of Compliant Mechanisms. Moulton, T., Ananthasuresh, G.K.: Design and Manufacture of Electro-Thermal-Compliant Micro Devices. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. It is noted here that the contrast among the three mainly arises due to viewing them from the continuum or discrete perspectives. Similarities and differences among the three categories of engineering solid entities are delineated from the viewpoints of function, mobility, analysis, synthesis, materials, fabrication, scaling, and balancing. The question addressed in this note is simple: Are compliant mechanisms really different from stiff structures and rigid-body linkages? If so, how much and in what ways? By discussing the fundamental concepts in structures and linkages, it is argued here that compliant mechanisms are as much similar to stiff structures and rigid-body linkages as they are different from them.
Compliant mechanisms that straddle these two are extensively researched only in the last two decades, barring a few insightful results before that. Stiff structures made of elastic bodies and linkages consisting of rigid bodies are studied for centuries.
