The Back Porch
The Back Porch
Mr. Flexure
By
Johnathan W. Carson
Originally published July, 2026
Several years ago, the chief mechanical engineer at JPL started referring to me as "Mr. Flexure." I had been designing flexures for decades and had been mentored by one of JPL's finest flexure designers. By then I had used them in countless mechanisms and structures and was mentoring others in their design as well. While I can't argue that I was truly deserving of that title, I did take it as the compliment that it was intended to be. At the same time, I found myself second-guessing my instincts.
Was I too quick to go to flexures? That thought bothered me.
I didn't want to become one of those people. I've seen too many skilled engineers who become far too comfortable with one approach. They become so skilled at that approach that they begin to see that as the solution to every problem. Their expertise was undeniable. It just wasn't always the best answer.
More than once I deliberately explored another approach first, such as a bearing or linkage—not because it was better, but to prove to myself that the flexure really was the right solution. The lesson is simple. Don't get too comfortable with one way of doing things. Just because it's what you're most familiar with or what you're best at doesn't mean it’s the best solution for the problem.
Expertise is valuable.
Attachment is dangerous.
Master as many tools as you can. Just don't become so identified with one that you stop looking for a better answer.
Takeaways
Expertise is earned through experience, but it should never become a substitute for judgment.
The tools you're best at using are often the ones you need to question most.
Deliberately exploring alternatives is one of the best ways to confirm you've chosen the right solution.
Never become so attached to one approach that you stop looking for a better answer.
Explore Further
An Introduction to Flexure Design
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