Parametric Flexture Bearing

This is a demonstration model of a Pivot Bearing called Flexture Pivot. This makes use of the cross hinges flexture principle.
This "Tubular Cross-Axis Flexural Pivot" can be found for example in the Handbook of Compliant Mechanisms (Howel/Magleby/Olsen) p 175 EM-32.


See for example: http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~garfinkm/Pivot.html

Commercially high precision high quality metal bearings are available by the Riverhawk Company.

The model has a height of 30 mm and a external diameter of 30 mm, an internal diameter of 20 mm and has a moving range of approx. +/- 10 degrees.
Since this model is parametric dimensions could be changed in FreeCad.


The model was used to get a visual understanding and haptic feel of how such bearings work. One could observe practically no or very low tilt when turning the upper and lower part.