Actuator device and method of converting rotational input to axial output with rotary flexure mechanism

An actuator device comprising:

• a motor;
• a reduction device operatively coupled to the motor and oriented about a central axis, the reduction device configured to modify an input angle of rotation provided by the motor to an output angle of rotation;
• and
• a rotary flexure mechanism comprising:
• a rotary flexure operatively coupled to an output portion of the reduction device;
• a plurality of flexure blades coupled to the rotary flexure, each of the plurality of flexure blades angularly oriented from the central axis;
• a diaphragm flexure pair operatively coupled to the plurality of flexure blades, wherein the diaphragm flexure pair comprises a rotational and in-plane stiffness greater than an axial stiffness, the diaphragm flexure pair configured to convert a rotational input to an axial translation, wherein the plurality of blades is operatively coupled to an output plate that is mechanically fastened to the diaphragm flexure pair;
• and
• a diaphragm connector extending between, and operatively coupled to the output plate and the diaphragm flexure pair.