Multi-Axis Flexure Coupler for Large-Angle Load-Bearing Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-axis flexure devices with limited angular motion range and load capacity are inadequate for applications requiring large angular travel and high load transfer, as traditional flexural pivots buckle under low compression loads and are not scalable for increased travel without compromising load support.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis flexure device design featuring a central coupler and two-stage flexure devices that provide ±16 degrees of rotational travel with a 1,000 lbf load capacity, utilizing flexible members and couplers to facilitate rotation about two axes without friction or lubrication, enabling larger angular motion while maintaining load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flexural pivots are used to achieve frictionless rotation, then friction and lubrication are eliminated, but the angular motion range is limited and load capacity is reduced due to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure device is divided into multiple discrete flexure elements (first flexure, second flexure, third flexure, fourth flexure) arranged in a segmented pattern around the central coupler. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall angular motion while maintaining structural integrity and load capacity, enabling larger rotation angles without buckling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-axis flexural pivots to multi-axis rotation capability by arranging flexure elements in a planar configuration that enables rotation about multiple axes simultaneously. The segmented flexure elements are positioned to provide rotational freedom in multiple dimensions while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
2Reliability
If traditional flexural pivots are used to eliminate bearings and bushings, then wear and slop are reduced, but the device cannot support high loads due to flexure element buckling
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flexure elements are merged into a unified structure around the central coupler, working together to distribute and bear loads. The combined configuration of four flexure elements provides enhanced load capacity compared to individual elements, while maintaining the wear-free operation characteristic of flexural pivots.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure device employs a composite structural arrangement combining rigid coupler bodies with flexible flexure elements. This composite approach allows the rigid portions to support loads while the flexible portions enable motion, achieving both high load capacity and wear-free operation.
3Length of moving object
If flexure elements are made thinner to increase angular travel, then rotation range is improved, but load capacity decreases due to increased buckling susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thin flexure element that would buckle easily, the device segments the flexure function across multiple elements. Each element can be optimized for adequate thickness to prevent buckling, while the collective arrangement enables large angular travel through coordinated deformation of the segmented structure.
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 multi-axis flexure device achieves increased angular motion range and load capacity, addressing the limitations of traditional flexural pivots by using a central coupler and two-stage flexure devices to support larger rotational travel without buckling or the need for lubrication, enhancing performance in precision applications.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member can be operable to facilitate relative rotational movement between the flexure body and the coupler body about the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis flexure device can include a first support base, a second support base, and a central coupler. The multi-axis flexure device can also include a first flexure device rotatably coupling the first support base and the central coupler to one another to facilitate rotation about a first axis, and a second flexure device rotatably coupling the second support base and the central coupler to one another to facilitate rotation about a second axis. Each flexure device can include a first flexure, a second flexure, and a flexure coupler coupled to the first and second flexures. The first flexure and the second flexure of the first flexure device can, respectively, be coupled to the first support base and the central coupler. The first flexure and the second flexure of the second flexure device can, respectively, be coupled to the second support base and the central coupler.