HYBRID Bi-Directional Flexure Joint

Published

April 14, 2014

Author(s)

Vincent D. Lee, James M. Gibert, John C. Ziegert

Abstract

Flexural bearing joints are utilized in precision mechanisms that require repeatable and friction free motion. As such, there exist numerous embodiments of a flexural bearing. The work in this paper expands the pool of existing flexure designs by introducing a novel two-degree of freedom (DOF) flexural joint, dubbed the Hybrid Bi-Directional Flexure Joint (HBFJ). Manufactured using planar processes, the HBFJ also permits motions out of the plane, unlike most of its traditional counterparts. It is constructed with an open, thin walled cavity as the base joint which can be filled with an elastomeric material. The filler is intended to limit axial deflection, while still permitting it to bend in and out of plane. Additionally, the elastomer provides vibration damping to the joint. This paper examines the concept of the HBFJ, the design approach, and possible applications along with presenting experimental results for stiffness, range of motion, and vibration damping.

Citation

Precision Engineering-Journal of the International Societies for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology

Volume

38

Issue

2

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

flexure, precision instruments, damping

Citation

Lee, V. , Gibert, J. and Ziegert, J. (2014), HYBRID Bi-Directional Flexure Joint, Precision Engineering-Journal of the International Societies for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precisioneng.2013.10.001 (Accessed April 19, 2024)