Design Optimization of a Cross-type Compliant Translational Joint

This thesis studies the design of a three-dimension compliant translational joint (CT joint). First, the literature search is performed to understand the characteristic of various CT joint and the pros and cons between notch-type and leaf-type joint are studied, in order to define the design guidelines of joint. Second, principles of design are determined according to the equation of the literature and the benchmarking index of joint. In order to realize the precision of effect of the dimension, this study uses the orthogonal design method to analyze significant level of the dimension. To improve the precision of the motion of CT joint, the structural optimization is performed via CAE’s optimization tool. A prototype is built and the experiments is conducted to obtain the benchmarking index. Finally, comparison of the simulation and experimental result, the design of the CT joint is verified.