Articles | Volume 17, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-245-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-245-2026
Research article
 | 
18 Mar 2026
Research article |  | 18 Mar 2026

A locking and unlocking mechanism integrating compliant and rigid structures for modular vehicles

He Gou, Xiaobiao Shan, Yan Wang, Xiaopeng Yang, and Wupeng Liu

Cited articles

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Short summary
A new locking and unlocking mechanism was developed by combining rigid parts with flexible components. This design is compact and reliable, and it reduces friction while handling heavy loads. Analytical models have been derived, and a prototype and tests confirmed its performance. The mechanism can be motor-driven for automatic use, offering a simple and effective solution for connecting and disconnecting modular vehicle systems.
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