Developable Compliant Rolling-Contact Element (D-CORE)

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A CORE, or compliant rolling-contact element, is composed of two cams joined together with multiple complaint flexures. Tension develops in these flexures as the cams roll in contact with another; this holds the cams together. This motion allows the CORE to mimic the rotation of a pin joint. The deployable CORE, or D-CORE, allows this CORE joint to be manufactured from a single sheet and stored in a compact position. Some advantages a D-CORE might have over the traditional pin joint include decrease in friction and wear, the mitigation of backlash, decreased cost of manufacturing, and decreased weight and possibly size. The most sizable difference between the motion of a D-CORE versus a pin joint is the axis of rotation. When a D-CORE rolls, its axis of rotation is moving. The movement of this axis of rotation is calculable but not dismissible; therefore, if an application requires a fixed axis of rotation, the use of a CORE mechanism will likely be impractical.