Objective Design a notch flexible turning structure applied to electric stapler and study its turning performance. Methods Design and model the notched flexible turning structure. Established the kinematics and statics models of the turning structure and performed simulation calculations. Using finite element simulation, the stress, deflection angle, top displacement and driving force of three groups of structures under equal and variable stiffness of symmetrical notches are studied. An experimental platform for the performance test of the turning structure was built to verify the simulation results and model. Results The theoretical model of the turning structure in the bending process is basically consistent with the experimental results. With the optimization of the stiffness of the symmetrical notch, the maximum stress of the variable stiffness turning structure has been reduced by 20.64% and 39.20% respectively. The variable stiffness structure (S3) requires the smallest tensile force during bending, which is 33.41% lower than that of an equal stiffness structure, and the tip displacement along the bending plane is the smallest, with a value of 30.8mm. The maximum deflection angle of the three turning structures can reach 90°. Conclusion The kinematics and statics model of the turning structure can be used for the calculation of its tension and position changes. The turning performance of the structure with variable stiffness using symmetrical notch is better than that of equal stiffness structure. The notched flexible turning structure meets the design requirements and meets the turning needs of the electric stapler.