Design and analysis of Lamina Emergent Joint (LEJ) based on origami technology and mortise-tenon structure

Lamina Emergent Mechanisms (LEMs) are an important part of compliant mechanisms, and origami technology can fold simple two-dimensional planes into complex threedimensional geometries. This paper introduces a design method to achieve large deformation of Lamina Emergent torsional (LET) joints in multiple directions through origami technology. A Foldable mortise-tenon structure (FMTS) is proposed to make permanent creases in origami-based mechanisms. The influence of structural parameters of the FMTS on its maximum deformation and maximum stress under tension is studied. Based on the proposed method and structure, a two degree of freedom Lamina Emergent Joint (2DOF-LEJ) is designed. The structural design, equivalent stiffness analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA) of the 2DOF-LEJ are carried out. Experimental tests verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and FMTS on the prototype. Finally, some applications of the proposed method and FMTS in origami-based mechanisms are discussed. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper introduces a design method to achieve large deformation of Lamina Emergent torsional (LET) joints in multiple directions through origami technology, and proposes a Foldable mortise-tenon structure (FMTS). The influence of structural parameters of the FMTS on its maximum deformation and maximum stress under tension is studied. A two degree of freedom Lamina Emergent Joint (2DOF-LEJ) is designed based on the proposed method and structure, and its effectiveness is verified through experimental tests.