Monolithic Two-Axis Flexure With Center Aperture for Tip-Tilt Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for supporting objects like mirrors struggle to provide two degrees of freedom of rotation while minimizing translational movement, leading to alignment issues and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic flexure structure with a central aperture, featuring base and object mounts on opposite sides, and interconnected by flexure units with radially extending blades, allowing rotation about two perpendicular axes while restricting translational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are interconnected to form a complete flexure assembly, then the system can provide two degrees of rotational freedom, but tolerance stack up issues occur resulting in axial misalignment and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate flexure components into a single monolithic flexure structure. This integration eliminates the interfaces between components, thereby eliminating tolerance stack-up and axial misalignment issues while maintaining the two degrees of rotational freedom capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the flexure assembly, then the system can be assembled, but the device complexity increases with at least five components required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components (at least five: 4 flexures and 1 interconnecting element) into a single monolithic flexure structure. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple parts and their interconnections, while the structure remains manufacturable through standard fabrication processes.
3Device complexity
If prior flexure designs are used, then the structure is simple, but they lack a center hole which creates difficulties in incorporation into larger assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a center hole at the central location of the monolithic flexure structure. This localized feature does not compromise the overall structural simplicity or the flexure's mechanical function, but significantly enhances adaptability by enabling incorporation into larger assemblies and allowing passage of cables, optical elements, or other components through the center.
4Adaptability or versatility
If various prior flexure configurations are used, then the design is available, but they suffer from relatively low load carrying capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic construction combines material continuity and structural optimization, creating a flexure with enhanced load carrying capability compared to assembled multi-component designs. The integrated structure eliminates weak interfaces and allows for optimized stress distribution throughout the entire flexure assembly.
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 solution enables large angular tip-tilt motions with minimal translational movement, reducing tolerance stack-up issues and improving system performance by allowing for high scanning frequencies and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A flexure unit in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured as a structure having a plurality of blades that extend radially from a center line that is coincident with an axis of rotation of the flexure structure
Data Source
AI summary
Flexure structures, assemblies incorporating flexure structures, and methods utilizing flexure structures to support objects are provided. A flexure structure as disclosed can be formed monolithically from a single piece of material, includes a center aperture to accommodate at least portions of other elements or structures, allows for rotation of a supported object in two axes with very little translational movement of the supported object, provides mounting fixtures on opposite sides of the flexure structure, and has a relatively high load capacity. Flexure structures include base mounts that can each be joined to a first side of an interconnect structure by flexure blades, and object mounts that are each joined to a second side of the interconnect structure by flexure blades. The flexure structure can be a generally annular structure, with the center aperture formed or defined at least in part by the interconnect structure.