ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR TORQUE TRANSMISSION

摘要

Embodiments of the invention can include an articulation link having a body defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the body having a first surface located proximate a first end of the body and a second surface located proximate a second end of the body opposite the first end. A cavity can extend from the first surface to a cavity contact surface located between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the cavity contact surface can extend substantially parallel to the transverse plane. The articulation link can also include a protrusion extending from the second surface away from the first surface to a protrusion contact surface, wherein the protrusion contact surface can be generally curved and configured to engage a cavity contact surface of an adjacent link, and wherein the cavity can include a cavity sidewall extending substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane, and the protrusion can include a protrusion sidewall configured to engage a cavity sidewall of the adjacent link.