Compliant joint on 3D printed lightweight structures

• Main Author: Tan, Joseph Shi Wei
• Other Authors: Du Hejun
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/158931
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Conventional joints have been utilized widely across engineering applications. From complex mechanisms in machinery and robotics to door hinges, it is a simple yet vital component that enables the smooth operation of a system. There are, however, certain drawbacks that have been plaguing companies and engineering firms. Hinge degradation will occur over time and periodic maintenance and lubrication is necessary. There are also intrinsic frictional forces to be overcome and the holes and threading have to be designed on the individual links. There is an alternative, namely compliant joints, that can potentially replace conventional and even eliminate the problems that conventional joints suffer from. Compliant joints, as known as flexural hinges, connects links or members together with a flexible material, at times being the same material as the links, that exhibits elastic deformation characteristics. Through this report, the possibility of employing compliant joints will be assessed further by certain mechanical properties and through applications in engineering scenarios.