Failure analysis and performance comparison of Triple-LET and LET flexure hinges

• We design a new kind of flexure hinge named the Triple-LET.
• We derive the equivalent bending stiffness of the Triple-LET flexure hinge.
• The Triple-LET and the LET with the same overall dimensions will be compared.
• Failure analysis of the Triple-LET and the LET flexure hinges will be conducted.
• We determine the deformation range of the Triple-LET in two different materials.

A new type of flexure hinge named the Triple Lamina Emergent Torsional (Triple-LET) was proposed in this paper. Its 3D structure was designed, and its equivalent bending stiffness was also derived. Based on the equivalent formula and the finite element simulation analysis, the equivalent bending stiffness of the Triple-LET and the LET flexure hinge with the same overall dimensions were analyzed and compared. It was concluded that under the same torque, the Triple-LET flexure hinge can realize larger deformation than the LET flexure hinge. Thus, the proposed new flexure hinge is presented as a compliant joint suitable for applications where large angular rotation is desired. Failure analyses of the Triple-LET and the LET flexure hinges were also carried out, respectively. The analysis results show that the Triple-LET flexure hinge made of polypropylene can reach 180° with no plastic deformation, while the LET flexure hinge with the same overall dimensions will plastically deform once the bending angle is greater than 161.4°. The results also indicate that the range of bending angles of the Triple-LET flexure hinge made of beryllium bronze is from 0° to 128.2°, which is two times larger than that of the LET flexure hinge.