System and method for reducing galvanometer swing

Abstract

The invention discloses a limited rotation motor system. The limited rotation motor system comprises a stator located in a housing; a rotor rotatably coupled within the stator by a first bearing system at a proximal end and a second bearing system at a distal end, each of the first bearing system and the second bearing system coupled at an inner side thereof to the rotor and at an outer side thereof to the housing; a compression system applying a compression force in an axial direction between the first bearing system and the second bearing system; and a damping system adjacent to either one of the first bearing system and the second bearing system, the damping system being such that a component force deviating from the axial direction caused by the compressive force is absorbed by the damping system.

Description

Priority

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 416,106, filed on October 14, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to motor systems and, more particularly, to limited rotation motor systems.

[0003] Limited rotation motor systems (e.g., galvameter systems) can be used in galvanometer-based optical scanners. Galvanometer-based optical scanners were invented in the 19th century. For many years, their use was mostly limited to scientific applications. Since the invention of the laser, their use in industrial, scientific, medical, and entertainment applications has increased.

[0004] Many of these applications require the optical scanner to be able to perform at higher speeds and precision levels to meet improved production volume and performance requirements. To meet these more stringent requirements, the materials used to manufacture the scanner are carefully selected to make the scanner faster and more performant. Generally, lighter and harder materials are chosen. These materials raise the resonance frequency to a level higher than what the application will easily excite. The growing demand for the production volume of optical scanners has led to faster scanning systems that are more easily excited at their natural resonance frequencies, either by directly driving the product at its resonance or by operating at fractional increments (or harmonics) of the resonance frequency, thus exciting it near the resonance frequency.

[0005] When the resonance frequency is excited, it causes the optical scanner to move its scan point outside the desired axially controlled motion range. This unwanted motion is called wobble, which describes its transverse axis oscillatory vibration.

[0006] The demand for high performance in applications using optical scanners continues to grow. To meet these needs, it is necessary to control wobble, either by reducing it to an acceptable level or eliminating it entirely. For many users of optical scanners, this is the key to their ability to successfully manufacture and use optical scanning systems and remain competitive in the market. There is still a need to further reduce wobble in galvanometer-based optical systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a limited rotation motor system, comprising: a stator located within a housing; a rotor rotatably coupled within the stator by a first bearing system at a proximal end and a second bearing system at a distal end, each of the first bearing system and the second bearing system being coupled to the rotor on its inner side and to the housing on its outer side; a compression system that applies a compressive force in an axial direction between the first bearing system and the second bearing system; and a damping (vibration damping) system adjacent to either the first bearing system or the second bearing system, the damping system absorbing the dispersive force caused by the compressive force and deviating from the axial direction by the damping system.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a limited rotation motor system, the system comprising: a stator located within a housing; a rotor rotatably coupled within the stator by a first bearing system at a proximal end and a second bearing system at a distal end, each of the first bearing system and the second bearing system being coupled to the rotor on its inner side and to the housing on its outer side; a compression system that applies a compressive force in an axial direction between the first bearing system and the second bearing system; and a damping system located between the rotor and the housing and absorbing the dispersive force caused by the compressive force and deviating from the axial direction by the damping system.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a limited rotation motor. The method includes: providing a stator within a housing; providing a rotor rotatably coupled within the stator by a first bearing system at a proximal end and a second bearing system at a distal end, each of the first bearing system and the second bearing system being coupled to the rotor on its inner side and to the housing on its outer side; applying a compressive force in an axial direction between the first bearing system and the second bearing system; and damping the dispersive force deviating from the axial direction caused by the compressive force by absorbing the dispersive force using an elastomeric member between the rotor and the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following description can be further understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a limited rotation motor system according to one aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of the proximal end of the system of;

[0013] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A schematic enlarged view of the distal end of the system of;

[0014] Figure 4 shows Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the forces applied in the system of;

[0015] Figure 5 shows a schematic enlarged view of the distal end of a system according to one aspect of the present invention, the system including an axially compressed O-ring;

[0016] Figure 6 shows a schematic enlarged view of the distal end of a system according to one aspect of the present invention, the system including an elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section;

[0017] Figure 7 shows a schematic enlarged view of the distal end of a system according to one aspect of the present invention, the system including an elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section, the material being disposed outside a bearing system;

[0018] Figure 8 shows a schematic enlarged view of the distal end of a system according to one aspect of the present invention, the system including a thrust washer and a plurality of O-rings;

[0019] Figure 9 shows a schematic enlarged view of the distal end of a system according to one aspect of the present invention, the system including an annular elastomeric material bonded to an inner surface of an inner ring of a bearing system; and

[0020] Figure 10 shows a schematic enlarged view of the distal end of a system according to one aspect of the present invention, the system including an annular elastomeric material bonded to an outer surface of an inner ring of a bearing system.

[0021] The figures shown are for illustrative purposes only. Detailed Description

[0022] The design of a galvanometer-based optical scanner consists of a stationary member and a rotating member. The rotating member is held within the stationary member by a low-friction rotating mechanism that confines the motion within a desired axis of rotation. Due to the rigidity of the materials commonly used, the system may have significant mechanical resonance frequencies. These resonances can be excited by the intended motion of the rotating member. If not damped, these resonant vibrations can cause unwanted motion outside the plane of the intended motion. In the construction of an optical scanning system, by appropriately applying materials with vibration damping characteristics, a scanning system can be constructed that can significantly reduce these vibrations to a level where they do not affect the precise performance expected of the system. The goal of the system design is to reduce or eliminate unwanted cross-axis resonant motion in a galvanometer-based optical scanner to a degree where it no longer degrades the expected accuracy of the system.

[0023] The magnetically driven optical scanner consists of a rotating element constrained within a housing. The example shown employs preloaded face-to-face ball bearings to precisely hold and constrain the movement of the rotating element such that it rotates along a precisely controlled axis.

[0024] The preload force is generated by a compressed spring against the outer ring of the rear ball bearing. This axial force is decomposed into axial and radial components through the angular interface of the bearing raceway and the spherical balls it contains. The compression of the balls transmits some of this force, which radially drives the balls to the edge of the raceway, thereby eliminating "play" and occupying the internal mechanical clearance within the ball bearing structure. The axial component transmits its force through the length of the rotor, and in the direction of the rotor length, it similarly passes through a second ball bearing symmetrically arranged with the first ball bearing.

[0025] For example, Figure 1 Shown is a limited rotation motor system 10 according to one aspect of the present invention, which includes a rotor 12 located within a stator 14, and the stator 14 is located inside a housing 16. The rotor 12 includes a magnet 18, which is contained between a proximal cap 20 located at the proximal end 24 and a distal cap 22 located at the distal end 26. A tool such as a mirror 28 is coupled to the distal cap 26.

[0026] Further referring to Figure 2 (which shows an enlarged view of the proximal end) and Figure 3 (which shows an enlarged view of the distal end), each end cap is coupled to the housing 16 via one of a proximal bearing system 36 and a distal bearing system 38. The proximal end 24 includes a compressed spring 30 held by a closing plate 34, and the closing plate 34 exerts a compressive force on a retaining ring 32 located at the proximal end. At the distal end, the axial force pushed by the distal end of the distal bearing system 38 is blocked by the retaining ring 32 held within the housing 16. This is the design of an optical scanner constructed using two preloaded deep groove radial ball bearings arranged in a "face-to-face" manner. Generally, all materials used in such a compression stack are rigid solid materials.

[0027] Generally, this construction technique results in an optical scanner system consisting of two mainly rigid solid components: a rotating element 12 and a stationary component 14 (a set of closely wound conductive coils). Each of these components has a resonance frequency determined by the geometric layout, material, and binding forces of the structure. Generally, these resonance frequencies should be higher than the frequencies that may occur during product operation. However, in some cases, it is difficult to avoid these resonances excited by the designed operation of the scanner.

[0028] These resonant frequency oscillations cause the scanner system to vibrate and result in motion outside the desired uniaxial rotation range. In the optical scanning industry, this unwanted motion is colloquially referred to as wobbling. The mirror element of an optical scanner is designed to rotate purely about the axis of rotation of the scanner such that an angularly addressable position is generated to trace out a motion trajectory in a single plane, thereby forming a straight line. When the mirror / axis assembly vibrates at or near its resonant frequency, the resonant frequency excites the flat mirror in a cantilever mode, causing the scanned area of the light field to now be at a position outside the desired perpendicular point within the plane of rotation. In a side cross-sectional view of the mirror surface, this motion resembles that of a diving board bending as a swimmer is about to jump off. This unwanted up-and-down motion in an optical scanner system is called wobbling. If this uncontrolled motion is undesirable for system performance, then it must be suppressed.

[0029] Referring again to Figure 2 , the proximal end 24 also includes a compliant thrust washer 40 located between the proximal bearing system 36 and the proximal cap 20, and one or more compliant O-rings 42 also located between the proximal bearing system 36 and the proximal cap 20. Similarly, referring again to Figure 3 , the distal end 24 also includes a compliant thrust washer 44 located between the distal bearing system 38 and the distal cap 22, and one or more compliant O-rings 46 also located between the distal bearing system 38 and the distal cap 22.

[0030] By adding the above compliant materials to a preloaded force-stack, the excitation of the rotational member resonance can be attenuated. The preloaded force is transmitted through the compliant thrust washers 40, 44 during its transfer from the shaft assembly to the inner race of the front ball bearing, as shown in the close-up views of Figure 2 (showing the proximal end) and Figure 3 (showing the distal end). A compliant radial member (O-ring) is added between the inner surface of the inner diameter of the shaft assembly 12 and the bearing system. A slightly compressed O-ring is used in this example to maintain the front diameter of the rotating shaft assembly centered within the inner diameter of the bearing. By including a gap between the rigid surfaces of the bearing and the shaft, the resonant vibration in the radial direction is minimized by allowing micro-motion to occur at this interface and is absorbed by the compliant material properties of the O-rings 42, 46 rather than through rigidly bonded shaft-to-bearing contact. Silicone rubber can also be selected as a good material for use in the compliant thrust washers 40, 44 and the radially compressed O-rings 42, 46. Under radial pressure, the O-rings 42, 46 can be retained within the limited rotation motor system 10.

[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 3The compliant thrust washers 40, 44 bear against shoulders (41, 45 respectively) of end caps 20, 22. Although shoulders 41, 45 are provided in the axial direction, they are radially offset from the central regions of the end caps, and a compressive force (Fc) is applied to the central regions of these end caps. Figure 3 A distal schematic view of system 10 is shown, showing the compressive thrust washers 40, 44 and compressive O-rings 42, 44 (three each) between rotor 12 and housing 16 on the inner sides of bearing systems 36, 38. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected, while the dispersive forces are at least partially absorbed by the compliant thrust washers 40, 44. Similarly, O-rings 42, 46 are offset from the central regions of the end caps, and a compressive force (Fc) is applied against the central regions of these end caps. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, and the dispersive forces are also at least partially absorbed by the compressed O-rings 42, 46.

[0032] As Figure 4 shown, the compressive force (Fc) applied by compression spring 30 on the retaining rings (32, as Figure 3 shown) may cause dispersive forces (Fd) deviating from the axial direction. According to one aspect, these dispersive forces are absorbed by the compression system of the present invention, which includes compliant force washers and compliant radial members such as O-rings.

[0033] By increasing the number of O-rings 42, 46 used and the clearance between the bearing and the shaft diameter, enhancing the O-rings for reducing vibration will not have a negative impact on the compression of the system's stiffness in the axial direction. By adding such compliant material, the minute vibrations in the rotating shaft assembly are absorbed. By allowing such vibrations to be absorbed by a material with damping characteristics, the amplitude of the resonant vibrations can be reduced to an acceptable level or eliminated.

[0034] Figure 5 A distal end 27 of a limited rotation motor system according to another aspect of the present invention is shown, which includes axially compressed O-rings 45 to replace the thrust washers ( Figures 1 to 3of the system). Similarly, the limited rotation motor system includes a rotor 12 having a stator 14 inside a housing 16. The rotor includes magnets 18 contained between proximal and distal caps (distal cap 22 as shown), and a mirror 28 is mounted on the magnets 18. The O-ring 46 is radially offset from the central region of the end cap, and a compressive force (Fc) is applied to the central region of the end cap. The O-rings 45, 46 are disposed on the inner surface of the bearing system 38. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, and the dispersive force is also at least partially absorbed by the compressed O-ring 46. The O-ring 46 can be compressed and can be provided as one, two or three O-rings (as shown). The compressed O-ring 45 is mounted against the axial shoulder 61 of the distal cap 22.

[0035] Similarly, although the shoulder 61 is disposed in the axial direction, it is radially offset from the central region of the end cap 22, and the compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap 22. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected, and the dispersive force is at least partially absorbed by the axially compressed O-ring 45.

[0036] Any number of O-rings can be used, for example, including one, two or three O-rings (as shown) at each end of the limited rotation motor system. Further, Figures 1 to 4 the O-rings shown are adjacent to the inner races of the bearing systems 36, 38 and contact the end caps 20, 22. According to another aspect, the O-rings can be positioned radially outward such that these O-rings can be adjacent to the outer races of the bearing systems and contact the housing 16 (as referred to below Figure 8 as shown). Any number of compressed O-rings can be used, for example, including one, two or three O-rings (as shown) at each end of the limited rotation motor system. Further, Figures 1 to 4 the O-rings shown are adjacent to the inner races of the bearing systems 36, 38 and contact the end caps 20, 22. According to another aspect, the O-rings can be positioned radially outward such that these O-rings are adjacent to the outer races of the bearing systems and contact the housing 16 (as referred to below Figure 8 as shown). Similarly, the proximal end of the limited rotation motor system can include radial O-rings (e.g., 46) and axially compressed O-rings (e.g., 45) against the shoulders on the proximal end cap.

[0037] Figure 6 The distal end 29 of a limited rotation motor system according to another aspect of the present invention is shown, which includes an elastomeric material 47 having an L-shaped cross-section to replace the Figures 1 to 4 thrust washer and axial O-ring of the system). As Figure 6As shown, the elastomeric material 47 having an L-shaped cross-section is disposed inside the bearing and abuts against the shaft. This feature can be a molded part that is installed or formed in place as shown between the shaft and the bearing, or a feature overmolded on the surface of the shaft. Similarly, a limited rotation motor system includes a rotor 12 having a stator 14 inside a housing 16. The rotor includes magnets 18 contained between proximal and distal caps (shown as distal cap 22), and the magnets 18 have a mirror 28 mounted thereon. The elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section is offset from the central region of the end cap, and a compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, and the dispersive force is at least partially absorbed by the elastomeric material 37 having an L-shaped cross-section, which provides axial and radial absorption. The L-shaped cross-section material abuts against the axial shoulder 63 of the distal cap 22. Also, although the shoulder 63 is disposed in the axial direction, it is radially offset from the central region of the end cap 22, and the compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap. The elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section is disposed on the inner surface of the bearing system 38. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, and the dispersive force is at least partially absorbed by the material 47 having an L-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the proximal end of the limited rotation motor system can include an elastomeric material (e.g., 47) having an L-shaped cross-section that abuts against a shoulder on the proximal end cap.

[0038] Figure 7 Shown is the distal end 31 of a limited rotation motor according to another aspect, the system including an elastomeric material 49 having an L-shaped cross-section that is disposed on the outer surface of the bearing system 38 and has a shorter length on the distal side of the bearing. Similarly, a limited rotation motor system includes a rotor 12 having a stator 14 inside a housing 16. The rotor includes magnets 18 contained between proximal and distal caps (shown as distal cap 22), and the magnets 18 have a mirror 28 thereon. The elastomeric material 49 having an L-shaped cross-section is offset from the central region of the end cap (even outside the bearing system), and a compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap.

[0039] Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, and the dispersive force is also at least partially absorbed by the elastomeric material 49 having an L-shaped cross-section, which provides axial and radial absorption. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected, and the dispersive force is at least partially absorbed by the material 49 having an L-shaped cross-section. Similarly, the proximal end of the limited rotation motor system can include a similarly mounted elastomeric material (e.g., 49) having an L-shaped cross-section. Figure 7The elastomer 49 with an L-shaped cross-section is positioned outside the bearing and abuts against the housing 16. This feature can be a molded part installed as shown, or formed in place between the shaft and the bearing, or an overmolded feature on the surface of the shaft.

[0040] Figure 8 The distal end 33 of a limited rotation motor system according to another aspect is shown. The system includes a thrust washer 51 mounted against the axial distal end of the bearing system 28, and one or more (e.g., one, two, or three) O-rings 53 (e.g., having a circular or polygonal cross-sectional shape) mounted on the outer ring of the bearing system 38. Both the thrust washer 51 and the O-rings 53 are disposed on the outer surface of the bearing system 38. In particular, the thrust washer 51 is positioned between the side wall of the bearing outer ring and the retaining ring 32. Similarly, the limited rotation motor system includes a rotor 12 having a stator 14 inside the housing 16. The rotor includes magnets 18 contained between a proximal end cap and a distal end cap (shown as distal end cap 22), and a mirror 28 is mounted on the magnets 18. The O-rings 53 are offset from the central region of the end cap (even outside the bearing system), and a compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, while the dispersive forces are at least partially absorbed by the elastomer material 51 and the O-rings 53, and the elastomer material 51 and the O-rings 53 provide axial and radial absorption. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected, while the dispersive forces are at least partially absorbed by the material 51 and the O-rings 53. Similarly, the proximal end of the limited rotation motor system may include an elastomer material (e.g., 1) with an L-shaped cross-section and similarly mounted O-rings 53.

[0041] The positions of the compression thrust washer and the compression O-rings are moved to the outside of the bearing. The limited rotation motor system includes a rotor 18 located within a stator 14 inside the housing 16. Also, the system includes compliant thrust washers and compression O-rings (e.g., three each), which are located between the rotor end cap and the housing on the outside of the bearing system. Similarly, the dispersive forces (Fd) deviated from the circumferential direction are absorbed by the compliant thrust washers and one or more compliant radial members, such as compliant O-rings.

[0042] Figure 9Shows the distal end 35 of a limited rotation motor system according to another aspect, the system including an annular elastomeric material 55 that is bonded to the inner surface of the inner race of a bearing system. For example, such bonding can be provided by a silicone room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) adhesive. Similarly, the limited rotation motor system includes a rotor 12 having a stator 14 within a housing 16. The rotor includes magnets 18 contained between a proximal cap and a distal cap (shown as distal cap 22), the magnets 18 having a mirror 28 mounted thereon. The elastomeric material 55 is radially offset from the central region of the end cap, and a compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, while the dispersive force is also at least partially absorbed by the elastomeric material 55, which provides axial and radial absorption. The elastomeric material 55 is also mounted against an axial shoulder 65 of the distal cap 22. Again, although the shoulder 65 is disposed in the axial direction, it is offset from the central region of the end cap 22, and the compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap 22. The elastomeric material is disposed on the inner surface of the bearing system 38. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected, while the dispersive case is at least partially absorbed by the elastomeric material 55. Similarly, the proximal end of the limited rotation motor system can include an elastomeric material (e.g., 55) that abuts a shoulder on the proximal cap and is bonded to the proximal bearing system.

[0043] The elastomeric material 55 is bonded between the inner race of the bearing and the shaft. The area near the shoulder 65 does not have elastomer (compressed) to withstand the axial force. The material 55 adheres to the inner race of the bearing and the outer surface of the shaft. The bonding strength of this material has sufficient strength to withstand the shear force of the axially directed preloading force.

[0044] Figure 10Shows the distal end 35 of a limited rotation motor system according to another aspect, the system including an annular elastomeric material 57 that is bonded to the outer surface of the inner race of a bearing system. For example, the bonding can be provided by a silicone room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) adhesive. Similarly, the limited rotation motor system includes a rotor 12 that has a stator 14 inside a housing 16. The rotor 12 includes a magnet 18 contained between a proximal and a distal end cap (shown as distal end cap 22), and the magnet 18 has a mirror 28 mounted thereon. The elastomeric material 57 is radially offset from the central region of the end cap, and a compressive force (Fc) is disposed against the central region of the end cap. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected again, while the dispersive forces are at least partially absorbed by the elastomeric material 57, which provides axial and radial absorption. Thus, the axial compression in the force stack is not affected, while the dispersive forces are at least partially absorbed by the elastomeric material 57. Similarly, the proximal end of the limited rotation motor system can include an elastomeric material (e.g., similar to 57) that is mounted at the proximal end.

[0045] A retaining ring (also having a circular or polygonal cross-sectional shape) can be used with the above system, although a retaining ring may not be required for a system that includes an annular elastomeric material bonded in place. Referring again to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , according to various aspects of the present invention, a limited rotation motor system can include any combination of the above damping elements as part of a dynamic damping system, e.g., different combinations of O-rings (axial and radial), thrust washers, L-shaped cross-section materials, and annular elastomeric materials at the proximal and distal ends, all of which are mounted radially inward or outward.

[0046] Also, according to various aspects of the present invention, each of the above elastomeric features can be provided at either or both of the proximal and distal ends of a limited rotation motor system. These elastomeric features can be molded parts that are mounted or formed in place between the shaft and the bearing or overmolded features on the surface of the shaft or the inner surface of the housing.

Claims

1. A limited rotation motor system, comprising: A stator located within a housing; A rotor rotatably coupled within the stator by a first bearing system at a proximal end and a second bearing system at a distal end, each of the first bearing system and the second bearing system being coupled to the rotor on its inner side and to the housing on its outer side; A compression system that applies a compressive force in an axial direction between the first bearing system and the second bearing system; And A damping system adjacent to either the first bearing system or the second bearing system, the damping system absorbing a dispersive force deviating from the axial direction caused by the compressive force.

2. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein The damping system includes an elastomeric washer positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

3. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 2, wherein The elastomeric washer is positioned between a shoulder on the rotor and an inner ring of either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

4. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein The damping system includes an elastomeric washer positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

5. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein The damping system includes at least one O-ring positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

6. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one O-ring is compressed.

7. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein The damping system includes at least one O-ring positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

8. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein, The damping system includes a plurality of O-rings adjacent to either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

9. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein The damping system includes an elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

10. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping system includes an elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

11. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein The damping system includes an annular elastomeric material positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

12. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein, The damping system includes an annular elastomeric material positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

13. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, wherein The compressive force is provided by a spring against a retaining ring.

14. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 13, wherein, The compressive force is provided by a spring at the distal end of the first bearing system against the retaining ring of the second bearing system.

15. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping system includes an elastomeric material that is either a molded part mounted on the surface of other components of the system or formed in place, or an overmolded feature.

16. A limited rotation motor system, comprising: A stator located within a housing; A rotor, wherein the rotor is rotatably coupled within the stator by a first bearing system at a proximal end and a second bearing system at a distal end, each of the first bearing system and the second bearing system being coupled to the rotor on its inner side and to the housing on its outer side; A compression system that applies a compressive force in an axial direction between the first bearing system and the second bearing system; And A damping system that is located between the rotor and the housing and absorbs a dispersive force that deviates from the axial direction caused by the compressive force.

17. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, wherein, The damping system includes an elastomeric washer that is positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

18. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 17, wherein: The elastomeric washer is positioned between a shoulder on the rotor and an inner ring of either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

19. The limited rotation motor system of claim 16, wherein: The damping system includes an elastomeric washer that is positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

20. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The damping system includes at least one O-ring that is positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

21. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 20, wherein, The at least one O-ring is compressed.

22. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, wherein, The damping system includes at least one O-ring that is positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

23. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The damping system includes a plurality of O-rings that are adjacent to either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

24. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, wherein The damping system includes an elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section that is positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

25. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, wherein The damping system includes an elastomeric material having an L-shaped cross-section that is positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

26. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, wherein The damping system includes an annular elastomeric material that is positioned between the rotor and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

27. The limited rotation motor system of claim 16, wherein: The damping system includes an annular elastomeric material that is positioned between the housing and either the first bearing system or the second bearing system.

28. The limited rotation motor system of claim 16, wherein: The compressive force is provided by a spring against a retaining ring.

29. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 28, wherein, The compressive force is provided by the spring at the distal end of the first bearing system against the retaining ring on the second bearing system.

30. The limited rotation motor system according to claim 16, wherein The damping system includes an elastomeric material that is any one of a molded part that is mounted on or formed in place on the surface of other components of the system, or an overmolded feature.

31. A method of operating a limited rotation motor, the method comprising: Providing a stator within a housing; providing a rotor rotatably coupled within the stator by a first bearing system at a proximal end and a second bearing system at a distal end, each of the first bearing system and the second bearing system being coupled to the rotor on an inner side thereof and to the housing on an outer side thereof; applying a compressive force in a bearing direction between the first bearing system and the second bearing system; as well as The dispersion force deviating from the axial direction caused by the compressive force is damped by absorbing the dispersion force with an elastic member between the rotor and the housing.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, The elastomeric component includes any one of an O-ring, a compliant gasket, an elastomeric material with an L-shaped cross section, and a ring-shaped elastomeric material.

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