The disclosure relates to a joint, which has at least three degrees of rotational freedom, having a rigid carrier element and at least two elastically deformable joint elements formed on the carrier element in an overlapping arrangement, at least in sections. Each joint element can include two rod-shaped web portions arranged on the carrier element and extending therefrom which are arranged either converging or diverging relative to each other, and at their end facing away from the carrier element are connected to each other by way of a contact portion. Two web portions connected to each other extend in a first common plane and two other web portions connected to each other extend in a second common plane, and the first common plane and the second common plane intersect.

Cross beam flexure pivot assembly includes a first housing member having a first arcuate member a second housing member having a second arcuate member wherein the first arcuate member extends into the second housing member and the second arcuate member extends into the first housing member. First, second and, third beams extend in first direction and fourth and fifth beams extend in a second direction all secured to first and second arcuate members. A first axis, second axis and radial axis of the first and second housing members form a common point of intersection. Total of cross section areas of beams extending in first direction and of beams extending in second direction are equal providing equal linear stiffness in both directions. Total moment stiffness about first axis equals total moment stiffness about the second axis.

The disclosure relates to a joint, which has at least three degrees of rotational freedom, having a rigid carrier element and at least two elastically deformable joint elements formed on the carrier element in an overlapping arrangement, at least in sections. Each joint element can include two rod-shaped web portions arranged on the carrier element and extending therefrom which are arranged either converging or diverging relative to each other, and at their end facing away from the carrier element are connected to each other by way of a contact portion. Two web portions connected to each other extend in a first common plane and two other web portions connected to each other extend in a second common plane, and the first common plane and the second common plane intersect.

A coupling device (32) provides a rotary coupling of a pivot shaft (18) of a flap diaphragm (16) of an exhaust gas flap (10) with a drive element (34). The pivot shaft is to be rotated about a pivot axis (A). The coupling device (32) includes a first coupling part (36) with a first coupling area configured for coupling with the pivot shaft (18) and a second coupling part (38) with a second coupling area configured for coupling with the drive element (34). The first coupling part (36) and the second coupling part (38) are in a rotary coupling positive-locking meshing state with one another in the coupled state and are supported on one another in the direction of the pivot axis (A).

A coupling device, for the rotary coupling of a pivot shaft of a flap diaphragm of an exhaust gas flap with a drive element, includes at least one coupling element (36) with a first coupling area (40) configured for coupling to the pivot shaft (18), with a second coupling area (42) configured for coupling to the drive element (34) and with at least one connection area (52, 58) connecting the first coupling area (40) to the second coupling area (42). In the coupled state, the first coupling area (40) and the second coupling area (42) are prestressed in a direction towards one another or in a direction away from one another. The at least one coupling element (36) is formed with sheet material.

A flexural pivot is disclosed. The flexural pivot can include a first flexure support member, a second flexure support member rotatably coupled to the first flexure support member for relative rotation about a first axis, and a third flexure support member rotatably coupled to the second flexure support member for relative rotation about a second axis. In addition the flexural pivot can include a plurality of cross blade flexures rotatably coupling the flexure support members to one another. Each cross blade flexure can have first and second flexible blade units that have flexible blades arranged in a cross configuration. The flexible blade units can have blade supports disposed at opposite ends of the flexible blades to facilitate coupling the flexible blade units to the flexure support members. The flexible blade and the blade supports of each flexible blade unit can form a monolithic structure.

The invention relates to a joint, in particular for use in a parallel kinematic positioning device, which has at least three rotational degrees of freedom, and which has a rigid carrier element and at least two elastically deformable joint devices arranged overlapping one another at least in sections on the carrier element, wherein each of the joint devices comprises two joint elements, and each of the joint elements has an elongated connecting section and a securing section arranged at one end of the connecting section for securing the joint device to a higher level unit, and the two connecting sections of each joint device extend in a direction pointing away from the carrier element in such a way that they cross over one another.

A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.

A flexible coupling includes an input body, an output body offset from the input body, and a flexible lattice body. The flexible lattice body includes a flex beam member coupling the input body to the output body. The flex beam member has a rounded cross-sectional area with a centrally disposed minimum cross-sectional area to reduce peak stress in the flex beam member while transferring torque and accommodating misalignment between the input body and the output body. The flexible coupling is jointless, simplifying fabrication, and has a free-form geometry, reducing weight.

A flexible coupling for transmitting torque between parts of a transmission shaft system comprises a tubular section of continuous-fibre-reinforced composite material which has been modified to form a living hinge section with reduced bending stiffness to allow flexion of the tubular section. The tubular section may be modified through the provision of a pattern of formations within the living hinge section. The formations may be in the form of apertures and/or recesses in the continuous-fibre-reinforced composite material to create a plurality of living hinges in the material between, in particular slots and/or grooves.