3D-printable monolithic joint mechanism

Monolithic Rolling-Contact Joint Mechanism Printable via 3D Printing Without Assembly

This technology is a monolithic joint mechanism that uses 3D printing to output multiple bodies in a separated state, which are then deformed to make contact through external force, maintaining contact and performing rolling motion through the interaction between the connecting parts and guide parts.

When joint parts that come into contact are printed as a single piece using 3D printing, they fuse together, preventing movement. Conversely, printing them separately requires a manual assembly process, which introduces assembly gaps and makes precision control difficult.

This technology proposes a method where multiple bodies are printed as a single piece in a first state, separated by a rolling surface, and then transition to a second state where the bodies come into contact as the connecting part is tensioned by external force, following an arc-shaped guide. This enables the implementation of joints capable of precise rolling motion without any assembly process. It can be applied across various 3D printing-based manufacturing fields, such as medical devices, small robots, and custom mechanical parts, significantly reducing production time and costs by eliminating the need for assembly.

‍

‍

Key Features:

• Multiple bodies printed in a separated first state that deform into a contacting second state
• A connecting part that links the bodies in the first state and supports their contact in the second state
• The multiple bodies include a first body and a second body, each featuring rolling surfaces that contact each other during movement
• A structure printed as a single piece via 3D printer that can be deformed from a first state to a second state by external force to enable movement

‍

This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for the development of biomimetic bionic hand mechanisms.