Abstract:Flexibility and accuracy are two key factors that determine the performance of compliant joints, and also directly affect the application of compliant mechanisms. In fact, the two factors are mutually restricted. In order to improve the axial stiffness and rotation accuracy while maintaining good bending performance of joints in lamina emergent mechanisms (LEMs), a new type compliant joint based on the structure of lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint was proposed, and its structure was designed, named as Nested-LET. The close-form model of the Nested-LET was given, and the equivalent stiffness of bending and tensile-compressive was derived. The modified coefficients were presented to optimize the results, respectively. Comparing the result of theoretical calculation with finite element analysis (FEA), the theoretical formulas and modified coefficients were verified. Comparisons between the Nested-LET and outside LET joints with the same overall dimensions were made. The FEA results showed that bending stiffness of Nested-LET joint was 1.5 times larger, but tensilecompressive stiffness was increased by 30 times, and centershift was reduced by 13%. Two corresponding joints were made of beryllium bronze material. Through the antitensile test, it can be concluded that the FEA results were in good agreement with the experimental results. The Nested-LET joint improved accuracy of the joint, and it can be used in the design of highprecision compliant joint.