A Multi-Material Joint System as a Three-Dimensional Spring-Damper Compliant Mechanism Toward Functional Versatility

抄録

3D printed material designs have a large capability in the functional aspect. A cross-spring compliant joint is a hot topic in the sense of multipurpose applications in various engineering fields. A combination of flexible materials embedded in the structural form performs a motion of the system according to deformation of parts elastically, which may fit to a specific engineering purpose. In the present study, a traditional cross-spring pivot (CSP) was improved to provide effectively frictionless and wear free in-plane motion. The behavior of the joint was analyzed based on a non-linear FEA computer analysis to focus the properties with various loading conditions. Improved compliant joints will open a new door for designs of high-precision actuators and robotic manipulators.