Multiple degree of freedom compliant mechanism
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorMartin L. Culpepper
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compliant mechanism is provided for accurate and precision alignment of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable alignment are desired. The compliant mechanism may be used in applications that require high precision alignment and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. The compliant mechanism includes a stage coupled to a plurality of hinges, at least one tab coupled to one of the hinges, and a support coupled to the tab. The relative position of the stage and the support may be adjusted by actuating (i.e., displacing) the tab(s) or other parts of the structure, to enable controlled movement in six degrees of freedom therebetween.
Claims41
A compliant mechanism comprising:
- a stage;
- a support including three support beams joined at opposite ends thereof to form a triangle;
- a plurality of flexure hinges coupled to said stage and to said support;
- at least one tab;
- said tab being coupled to at least one of said plurality of flexure hinges;
- said tab extending outwardly relative to said stage beyond said support beams;
- said tab being sized and shaped wherein displacement of said tab generates a displacement of said stage relative to said support;
- said compliant mechanism being of monolithic, planner construction;
- and
- the relative position between said stage and said support being adjustable in at least any one of six degrees of freedom.
An apparatus comprising:
- a first reference frame;
- a second reference frame including three support beams joined at opposite ends thereof to form a triangle;
- at least one flexure hinge coupled to said first and second reference frames;
- a member coupled to said flexure hinge;
- said member extending outwardly relative to said first reference frame beyond said support beams;
- said apparatus being monolithic and planner;
- wherein movement of said member generates displacement of said first reference frame relative to said second reference frame;
- an actuator connected to said member to effect said displacement thereof;
- and
- the relative position between said first reference frame and said second reference frame is adjustable in at least any one of six degrees of freedom.
A planner compliant mechanism of monolithic construction comprising;
- a stage coupled to a plurality of flexure hinges;
- a plurality of tabs, each of which is coupled to a mutually distinct one of said flexure hinges;
- a plurality of support beams coupled to said tabs, said support beams joined at opposite ends thereof to form a triangle;
- said tabs extending outwardly relative to said stage beyond said support beams;
- at least one support member coupled to said support beams, said support member including at least one mount for fastening said compliant mechanism to another structure;
- wherein said tabs from lever arms coupled to said plurality of support beams at a plurality of fulcrum points;
- wherein displacement of any one of said tabs results in a displacement of said stage relative to said support member;
- an actuator connected to said tab to effect said displacement thereof;
- wherein the relative position between said stage and said support member is adjustable in any one or more of six degrees of freedom;
- and
- said compliant mechanism being monolithic and planar.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.