Two-Axis Flexure Pivot Using Integrated Elastic Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexural pivots that provide two-axis rotation are complex and expensive to manufacture, making them challenging for applications requiring simple and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis flexure device comprising an interior and exterior flexure member with integrated flexible blades, allowing for relative rotation about two axes without the need for lubrication, and featuring a design that simplifies manufacturing through sacrificial connecting portions and scalable dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional universal joint couplings with ball bearings or bushings are used, then two-axis pivot capability with large angles and high load transfer is achieved, but wear, slop, and limited life occur which are expensive to overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bearing systems with a flexure-based mechanism. The flexural pivot uses elastic deformation of flexure elements to enable rotation without mechanical contact, eliminating wear and the need for lubrication while maintaining reliability for precision applications
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical contact (bearings) to elastic deformation (flexures). By utilizing the elastic properties of materials and controlled flexing, the system achieves reliable pivot motion without the wear and maintenance issues of traditional bearings
2Manufacturing precision
If flexural pivots are used to eliminate friction and lubrication, then precision and lack of wear are achieved, but two-axis rotation capability becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flexure elements (first and second flexible blades, interior and exterior flexure members) into an integrated assembly that provides two-axis rotation capability. This combination allows the system to achieve complex motion functionality while maintaining the manufacturing precision benefits of flexures without requiring separate components for each axis
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure assembly is designed to provide multiple functions: it enables rotation about a first axis through the first flexible blade and rotation about a second axis through the second flexible blade. This multi-functional design achieves two-axis capability without the complexity of traditional multi-component mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If sacrificial connecting portions are used to simplify manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but additional manufacturing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial connecting portions are pre-formed as integral parts of the flexure members during the initial manufacturing process. These temporary features facilitate assembly by providing alignment and connection points, then are removed in a subsequent step to create the final flexible blade structure, enabling simplified manufacturing of complex flexure geometries
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 provides cost-effective and efficient two-axis rotational capabilities with enhanced stiffness and stability, suitable for high-precision applications like steering mirrors and precision optics, while avoiding the complexities and costs associated with traditional bearing systems.
Implementation Method 1
angular motion is accomplished through flexing of elastic flexural elements
Data Source
AI summary
A flexure device comprising an interior flexure member having first and second interior flexible blades each formed with an interior end portion and separate interior body portions. An exterior flexure member can have first and second exterior flexible blades each formed with separate exterior end portions and an exterior body portion. The first interior end portion and the first exterior end portion form a first flexure end portion, the second interior portion and the second exterior portion form a second flexure end portion. The interior and exterior body portions are coupled to form a flexure body portion, such that the first interior and exterior flexible blades form a first flexure that facilitates rotation between the first flexure end portion and the flexure body portion. The second interior and exterior flexible blades form a second flexure that facilitates rotation between the second flexure end portion and the flexure body portion.