Compliant joint on 3D printed lightweight structures

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 a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Tan, Joseph Shi Wei
Other Authors: Du Hejun
Format: Final Year Project (FYP)
Language:English
Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10356/158931
Description
Summary: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.