Developable Four-Bar Linkage - Cone

Summary

Developable surfaces are geometric shapes that can be flattened onto a sheet of paper. This property allows for mechanisms like the four-bar to be incorporated into interesting shapes like this cone. To learn more about developable mechanisms, check out: https://compliantmechanisms.byu.edu/developable-mechanisms-explained

This model also features print-in-place living hinges, which mean that no assembly is required for the motion of the mechanism. 

Printing Instructions

This model is designed for standard, 0.4mm nozzles. More specifically, the living hinges require that the wall thickness be set to near 0.4mm in order to properly print.

This model also requires supports to uphold the bottoms of the beams of the four-bar. You may be required to manually paint supports on the circular arc overhangs that lie between the hinges in order to prevent stringing or other print artifacts.

Learn More

This design was developed by the Compliant Mechanisms and Robotics Group (CMR) from Brigham Young University (BYU). Follow us at @byucmr on Instagram, @CompliantMechanismsResearchGroup on Facebook, or visit the BYU Compliant Mechanisms and Robotics (CMR) website to learn more about compliant mechanisms.

Technical Information

For more information and research on developable surfaces, read this paper:

https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.aau5171

Intellectual Property

The downloadable 3D print files provided here may be used, modified, and enjoyed for noncommercial use. To license developable mechanism technology for commercial applications, contact:

BYU Technology Transfer Office
3760 Harold B. Lee Library
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
Phone: (801) 422-6266
https://techtransfer.byu.edu/contact