Reducing position repeatability error in linear motion systems

Abstract

A linear movement system may comprise a base having two parallel rails, a table comprising two rail bearings configured to move in one dimension relative to the table and along the rails, and two force stabilization components secured to the table and configured to exert and aggregate rotational force on the table relative to the base. The force stabilization components may each comprise a fixed block secured to the table and a free-moving block in contact with the fixed block through a spring configured to push the fixed block and the free-moving block apart so that the free-moving block is in contact with one of the rails and pushes the rail away from the table location at which the fixed block is secured. This system may provide an aggregate rotational force that is stronger than other rotational forces resulting from mechanical imperfections in the system, thereby guaranteeing that the rotational force is always in the same direction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.