Session Details

Speaker(s): Jonathan Hopkins

Date: February 03, 2026

Video Recording

Presentation Slides

Session Abstract

This session will introduce the fundamental principles underlying the Freedom and Constraint Topologies (FACT) Design approach and explain how it enables the design of compliant mechanisms of any complexity. FACT utilizes a comprehensive library of geometric shapes, called freedom and constraint spaces, which represent the mathematically complete design space of all compliant mechanisms. Designers are guided in navigating shapes to rapidly visualize and generate the most promising compliant concepts that meet the desired functional requirements. The mathematics underlying the FACT approach enables it to create solutions with six orders of magnitude more efficiency than competing approaches (e.g., topology optimization and generative design). A preliminary version of our SOLIDWORKS FACT-based Add-in will be demonstrated through practical examples.

Design Mechanical Design Education & Learning High Tech 3DEXPERIENCE Structures