Abstract
In this study, a flexure-based (compliant) linear guide with a motion range comparable to its footprint is presented. The design consists of two-folded leaf springs on which torsion reinforcement structures are added. Due to these structures, only two-folded leaf springs are needed instead of a minimum of five as in preexisting designs. The new design is compared to such a preexisting design, after optimizing both on a support stiffness metric. The new design scores over twice as high on the support stiffness metric, while occupying a smaller (-33%) and a less obstructive build volume. Stress, build volume, and manufacturing limitations are taken into account. In addition, a variation on the new design using three torsion reinforced folded leaf springs is presented and optimized. This design occupies a build volume similar to the preexisting design, but scores four times higher on the support stiffness metric. A prototype of the new design is built and its parasitic eigenfrequencies are measured, validating the theoretical models (normalized mean absolute error of 4.3%).
Original language | English |
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Article number | 031013 |
Journal | Journal of mechanisms and robotics |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2022 |
Keywords
- Compliant mechanisms
- Dynamics
- Mechanism design
- Mechanism synthesis
- Robot design
- 22/2 OA procedure