Summary of 3D PRINTED JOYSTICK USING SPHERICAL FLEXURE JOINT
This article highlights a 3D-printed joystick utilizing spherical flexure joints developed by Delft University of Technology. The design employs tetrahedron-shaped elements to mimic ball-and-socket movement. A specific variant, Tetra 2, is suitable for FDM printers and uses an HMC5883 magnetometer with an Arduino to detect rotation. The project demonstrates applications like SolidWorks control and a chicken-headed pen holder.
Parts used in the 3D Printed Joystick:
- Spherical flexure joints
- Tetra 2 joint design files
- HMC5883 3-axis magnetometer
- Small magnet
- Arduino microcontroller
- PC computer
- FDM 3D printer
- Controller housing
One of the many advancements brought about by 3D printing is the rapid development of compliant mechanisms and flexure joints. One such example is [jicerr]’s joystick, which uses a pair of spherical flexure joints recently developed by researchers from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, See the videos after the break.
Both flexure joint designs make use of tetrahedron-shaped elements, allowing an object to pivot around a fixed point in space like a ball-and-socket joint. One of the joints, named Tetra 2, is perfect for printing on a standard FDM printer, and the 3D files were uploaded to Thingiverse by [Jelle_Rommers], one of the researchers. [jicerr] took the design and created a base to mount an HMC5883 3-axis magnetometer a short distance from the focal point, which senses the rotation of a small magnet at the focal point. An Arduino takes the output from the magnetometer, does the necessary calculation, and interfaces to a PC as a joystick. Demonstrates this by using it to rotate and pan the design in Solidworks. One thing to keep in mind with this design is that it needs a fixed base to prevent it from moving around. It should also be possible to integrate the design directly into the housing of a controller.
Another amusing application is to turn it into a pen holder with a chicken head on the front, as demonstrated by [50Pro]. If you have any ideas for other applications, drop them in the comments.
Compliant mechanisms have a number of interesting applications, including harmonic drives, dial indicators and thrust vectoring mounts.
Source: 3D PRINTED JOYSTICK USING SPHERICAL FLEXURE JOINT
- What type of joints are used in this 3D printed joystick?
The joystick uses spherical flexure joints made with tetrahedron-shaped elements that pivot around a fixed point. - Can the Tetra 2 joint be printed on a standard FDM printer?
Yes, the Tetra 2 joint design is perfect for printing on a standard FDM printer. - How does the joystick sense rotation?
An HMC5883 3-axis magnetometer senses the rotation of a small magnet located at the focal point. - What component processes the sensor data?
An Arduino takes the output from the magnetometer and performs the necessary calculations before interfacing with a PC. - Where can the 3D files for the joint be found?
The 3D files were uploaded to Thingiverse by Jelle_Rommers, one of the researchers. - Does the design require a fixed base?
Yes, the design needs a fixed base to prevent it from moving around during operation. - What other applications are mentioned for compliant mechanisms?
Compliant mechanisms have interesting applications including harmonic drives, dial indicators, and thrust vectoring mounts. - Can the joystick design be integrated into a controller housing?
Yes, it should be possible to integrate the design directly into the housing of a controller.
