| 摘要 |
A flexible structural joint or "flex joint" for use in an articulated structure is disclosed. The articulated structure has a first section and a second section which are located along a longitudinal axis of the structure, the first section being subject to lateral or transverse loads. The flex joint is located between the first and second sections and accommodates lateral pivoting of the first section with respect to the second section through elastic flexing or bending of certain of its members. No moving parts are used. In a first embodiment. the flex joint consists of an elongated axial load member and at least three shear and torsion links oriented so as to lie substantially in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure. Each of the links is connected at one of its ends to the first section by a first support member and at its other end to the second section by a second support member. In a second embodiment of the invention, four shear and torsion links are joined to form a shear and torsion frame which lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure. The frame is connected to the first section of the structure by a first pair of support members and to the second section by a second pair of support members. The first pair of support members are attached, respectively, to the frame at opposite ends of a first diametral line lying in the plane of the frame. Similarly, the second pair of support members are attached, respectively, to the frame at opposite ends of a second diametral line lying in the plane of the frame. Preferably, the first and second diametral lines are substantially mutually perpendicular. |
