Monolithic Flexure Gimbal for Robust Dual-Axis Mirror Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fast steering mirror systems rely on complex gimbals with multiple fragile components and limited size and load options, which are difficult to fabricate and prone to damage, limiting their performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic gimbal design featuring integrally formed flexure blades that allow rotation about two axes while prohibiting movement in other directions, fabricated using common machining processes to eliminate the need for multiple parts and enhance stiffness and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gimbals with multiple components are used, then rotation about two axes is enabled, but the gimbal becomes fragile and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete gimbal components into a single monolithic structure made from one piece of material. This integration eliminates the fragility associated with multiple fastened parts while maintaining the dual-axis rotation capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available gimbals are used, then support for fast steering mirrors is provided, but size and load options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic gimbal design allows customization of size, shape, and load capacity by changing the geometric parameters of the single-piece structure. This approach provides unlimited adaptability while remaining manufacturable through conventional processes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of manufacture
3Adaptability or versatility
If perpendicular elements in bending are used to fabricate gimbal, then rotation is enabled, but different materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a homogeneous monolithic structure made from a single material, eliminating the need for multiple materials with different properties. This simplifies the fabrication process while maintaining the rotational functionality, resolving the contradiction between material versatility and fabrication complexity
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple parts are fastened together to form gimbal, then assembly is achieved, but the structure becomes fragile and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple fastened parts into a single monolithic component, the patent eliminates assembly complexity while simultaneously improving structural integrity and reliability. The single-piece construction removes weak points at joints and fasteners, resolving both contradictions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The monolithic gimbal provides a robust, customizable, and cost-effective solution for supporting fast steering mirrors, enabling precise tilt and tip movements while constraining unwanted degrees of freedom, thus improving performance and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first flexure blade integrally formed with the top body portion and the middle body portion. The at least one first flexure blade enables rotation of the top body portion and the bottom body portion about a first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithic gimbal includes a top body portion having a top surface configured to be mounted to a housing, a middle body portion coupled to the top body portion, and a bottom body portion coupled to the middle body portion. The bottom body portion has a bottom surface configured to be mounted to a device. The monolithic gimbal further includes first flexure blades integrally formed with the top body portion and the middle body portion. The first flexure blades enable rotation of the top body portion and the bottom body portion about a first axis. The monolithic gimbal further includes second flexure blades integrally formed with the middle body portion and the bottom body portion. The second flexure blades enable rotation of the top body portion and the bottom body portion about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.