A Study on Nonlinear Torsional Characteristics of Polyimide Hinges

Abstract

This paper reports our study results on nonlinear torsional characteristics of polyimide hinges. The purpose is to design hinge geometry appropriately so that undesirable vibrational characteristics cause by nonlinearity is minimized. Experimental result showed that widening the hinge causes significant nonlinearity, and it was verified by finite element analysis (FEA) without considering material nonlinearity. Dynamic characterization was performed using an optical scanner prototype having nonlinear hinges. The result showed good agreement with that by calculation. Appropriate hinge design has become possible since it can predict both static and dynamic characteristics can be predicted.