Design and analysis of a variable stiffness Inside-Deployed Lamina Emergent Joint

Compliant joints are the basis of compliant mechanisms. In this paper, a variable stiffness compliant joint is presented. By sliding the sliders on the flexure segments, the effective length can be changed, which leads to the variation of the joint's stiffness. The closed-form model is given, and the equations needed to calculate the equivalent spring constant are derived. Using these equations, the joint is analyzed theoretically. Furthermore, the model is verified using finite element analysis (FEA). The results obtained through two different ways coincide with each other very well, and the results show that the joint's stiffness can change in a large range. Since the sliders can slide both symmetrically and unsymmetrically, the joint is discussed in two different situations. Finally, an example of application is given, the mechanism can reach different positions by changing the joint's stiffness when the external loads are given. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.