Patent Grant
9212691
The present invention relates to a device for use as, inter alia, a cross blade flexure pivot. The present invention also relates to methods of making the device. The present invention further relates to methods of using the device. The present invention also relates to systems that include the cross blade flexure pivot device of the present invention.
A cross blade flexure pivot is a device that provides for well defined rotational movement about an axis of revolution in response to an external force. Most of these devices are manufactured from multiple metal components, which are welded or brazed together or machined from a piece of metal, resulting in relatively expensive manufacturing procedures.
There is a need in the art for a method and means for more economically producing cross blade flexure pivots. Further, there is a need in the art for a method of manufacturing cross blade flexure pivots whereby numerous variations of a standard design can be easily and economically produced.
The present invention is directed to overcoming these and other deficiencies in the art.
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a cross blade flexure pivot comprising a monolithic structure. The monolithic structure includes a top platform and a bottom platform, each of which has an inner surface, where the inner surface of the top platform and the inner surface of the bottom platform face one another and are substantially parallel to one another. The monolithic structure also includes at least one pair of crossing flat flexure elements. The at least one pair of crossing flat flexure elements function as springs and intersect independent of one another to provide an axis of rotation for the top and bottom platforms along a projected line that extends through the intersection of the pair of crossing flat flexure elements. The first flexure element of the pair of flexure elements extends from a first end of the inner surface of the top platform to an opposite second end of the inner surface of the bottom platform. The second flexure element of the pair of flexure elements extends from a second end of the inner surface of the top platform to an opposite first end of the inner surface of the bottom platform.
In one embodiment, the cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention further includes a mounting support. The mounting support includes a projection that extends downward from a side of the top platform so that the inner surface of the mounting support faces the axis of rotation formed by the intersection of the pair of crossing flat flexure elements, and so that the projection extends at least beyond the axis of rotation.
In another embodiment, the cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention further includes a third flexure element that is substantially the same as the first flexure element in structure and orientation, where the second flexure element is disposed between the first and third flexure elements.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using injection molding. This method involves providing a mold configured to form, by injection molding, a cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention. The method also involves injecting molding material into the mold under conditions effective to yield the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot.
In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a mold for preparing, by injection molding techniques, a cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using selective laser sintering. This method involves providing a three-dimensional digital description of a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention. This method also involves performing selective laser sintering (SLS) to produce the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot according to the three-dimensional digital description.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a three-dimensional digital description that is effective for use in producing, by selective laser sintering (SLS), a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention.
In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of providing non-frictional rotational support to a mechanical component. This method involves providing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention. This method also involves functionally mounting the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot to a mechanical component so that the mechanical component pivots from a starting position to an ending position in response to an applied force, and then returns to the starting position due to reverse torsional spring force generated by the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot.
In a further aspect, the present invention relates to systems that include the cross blade flexure pivot device of the present invention and at least one mechanical component functionally coupled to the device.
One object of the present invention is to provide a cross blade flexure pivot for providing a rotational support, with the pivot comprising a unitary structure suitable for manufacturing utilizing a process such as, but not limited to, plastic molding.
In various embodiments of the present invention, each cross blade flexure pivot can include an upper platform, a lower platform, a first flexure element, and a second flexure element. The first and second flexure elements can be separate from each other and formed in opposition, both connecting to the upper and lower platforms.
In various embodiments of the present invention, two or more flexure elements can be utilized.
Further, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the upper or lower platform can be formed with mounting or connecting means.
Compared to prior art designs of flexure pivots, the present invention maintains excellent torsional compliance while providing for stiffness in other axes perpendicular to AR in a design which is economical to produce and provides great freedom in the design of mounting and support features.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
For the purpose of illustrating aspects of the present invention, there are depicted in the drawings certain embodiments of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments depicted in the drawings. Further, as provided, like reference numerals contained in the drawings are meant to identify similar or identical elements.
The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods that enable the production and use of cross blade flexure pivots having a monolithic structure. According to the present invention, because the cross blade flexure pivots are in the form of a monolithic structure, methods are also provided herein for preparing the monolithic cross blade flexure pivots using techniques such as injection molding and selective laser sintering. This approach is advantageous over the state of the art in that it allows for the efficient and cost-effective mass production of flexure pivots that can be used in a large number of applications.
Various embodiments of the present invention are described for illustrative purposes in the accompanying drawings. Certain elements in selected views of the drawings may be illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
Angles 60 are formed between a central plane (50a, 50b) of either the top (20) or bottom (30) platform and a central plane (50c, 50d) of either the first (41) or second (42) flexure element. Suitable angles 60 can be an angle of greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. By way of example, in one embodiment, angle −A between central plane 50a of top platform 20 and central plane 50c of first flexure element 41 is more than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees, and angle +A between central plane 50b of bottom platform 30 and central plane 50c of first flexure element 41 is also more than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees. Similarly, the same angle ranges (i.e., more than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees) can be true for central plane 50d of second flexure element 42 and top and bottom platforms 20 and 30, respectively. In a particular embodiment, angle +A and angle −A can be +45 degrees and −45 degrees, respectively.
As shown in
Referring to
In one embodiment, cross blade flexure pivot 1 is such that inner surface 72 of mounting support 70 is disposed a distance from the nearest flat flexure element (41) so as to form gap 80 therebetween. Gap 80 can be formed by providing top platform 20 having side 24a that extends beyond opposing side 34 of bottom platform 30, so that extending mounting support 70 downward from extended side 24a of top platform 20 results in gap 80.
Referring more particularly to
A support structure (projection 71 of mounting support 70) extends downward from top platform 20 and has clearance between the back face (inner surface 72) of the support structure (mounting support 70) and end face 41a of the first flexure element 41. The support structure (projection 71 of mounting support 70) extends downward from top platform 20 some distance beyond AR (100). Post 74 (cylindrical in this illustrative embodiment, but not limited to such shape) extends outward from the end face (outward surface 73 of mounting support 70) of the support structure (projection 71 of mounting support 70) and is generally axially aligned with AR (100), though it need not be in all embodiments of the present invention.
Rigidly fixing bottom platform 30 and applying a load on face 20a or 20b will result in a torsional deflection of the top platform 20 about AR (100) since the structure of the pivot is compliant about AR. Cylindrical post 74, which is generally axially aligned with AR, will be caused to rotate about AR providing a mounting point to which an item requiring small amounts of rotary motion may be mounted.
In another embodiment, the mounting support can further include a hole for inserting a separate post therethrough for mounting purposes, with the hole being disposed in a position aligned with the axis of rotation formed by the intersection of the pair of crossing flat flexure elements. For example, referring to
In another embodiment, the mounting support can further include a post that extends outward from the outward surface of the mounting support. In a particular embodiment, the outward extending post can be aligned with the axis of rotation formed by the intersection of the pair of crossing flat flexure elements. For example, referring to
The cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention can have top and bottom platforms of various surface configurations. For example, as shown in
As shown in
The cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention can be made of any material that can form a monolithic structure as described herein. Suitable materials for forming the monolithic structure can include, without limitation, plastic compositions and metallic compositions. Suitable plastic compositions can include, without limitation, DuPont Zytel, Delrin, Schulatec, Ryton, Vespel, polypropylene, nylon, Torlon, and the like. Suitable metallic compositions can include, without limitation, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, carbon steel, nickel alloys, beryllium copper, and the like.
The cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention can be formed according to any dimension suitable for such pivot devices. Therefore, the dimensions of the cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention are not limited to any particular dimensions. In one embodiment, the cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention can have a height of 1 inch, a width of 1 inch, and a length of 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention can range in size from nano sizes (e.g., less than 0.010″ high×0.010″ wide×0.010″ long) to macro sizes (e.g., larger than 12″ high×12″ wide×12″ long).
The cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention can be formed in order to meet the functional requirements (e.g., stiffness, load bearing capacity, etc.) for a particular application. For example, the length, thickness, and number of flat flexure elements used can be varied to specific requirements for rotational stiffness (e.g., torsional spring rate), load bearing capacity, and rotational capability. In general, thinner flexures can be used to accommodate light loads and would exhibit lower bending stresses during rotation of the upper platform, thereby allowing for high angles of rotation. By way of contrast, thicker flexures would allow for larger loads but would be restricted to lower angles of rotation.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using injection molding. This method involves providing a mold configured to form, by injection molding, a cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention. The molding material is injected into the mold under conditions effective to yield the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot. As set forth herein, plastic and metallic materials can be used as the molding material. Injection molding techniques known in the art suitable for plastic injection molding or metal injection molding processes can be used for making the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention.
In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a mold for preparing, by injection molding techniques, a cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot using selective laser sintering. This method involves providing a three-dimensional digital description of a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention. The three-dimensional digital description can then be used to perform selective laser sintering (SLS) to produce the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention. The selective laser sintering process can use plastic particles to produce a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot that comprises a plastic composition. Suitable plastic compositions are as described herein. Alternatively, the selective laser sintering process can use metallic particles to produce a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot that comprises a metallic composition. Suitable metallic compositions are as described herein.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a three-dimensional digital description that is effective for use in producing, by selective laser sintering (SLS), a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention.
In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of providing non-frictional rotational support to a mechanical component. This method involves providing a monolithic cross blade flexure pivot according to the present invention. The monolithic cross blade flexure pivot is functionally mounted to a mechanical component so that the mechanical component pivots from a starting position to an ending position in response to an applied force, and then returns to the starting position due to reverse torsional spring force generated by the monolithic cross blade flexure pivot.
In various embodiments, the mechanical component is effective for various uses recognized in the art, including, without limitation, for use as switching mechanisms, oscillating mirror platforms, weigh scales, computer disc drive pickup arm supports, gimbal mount supports, gaging systems, balance beams, and the like.
Therefore, the present invention also provides systems and apparatuses that include a cross blade flexure pivot of the present invention functionally coupled to a mechanical component for a particular application.
Referring to
In a further aspect, the present invention relates to systems that include the cross blade flexure pivot device of the present invention and at least one mechanical component functionally coupled to the device.
A small sample of embodiments of cross blade flexure pivots, methods of preparing cross blade flexure pivots, methods of using cross blade flexure pivots, and related apparatuses are described herein as follows:
A1. A cross blade flexure pivot comprising a monolithic structure, said monolithic structure comprising:
Although preferred embodiments have been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims which follow.
This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/647,627, filed May 16, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2931092 | Humphrey | Apr 1960 | A |
| 3073584 | Troeger | Jan 1963 | A |
| 3142888 | Troeger | Aug 1964 | A |
| 3181851 | Troeger | May 1965 | A |
| 3181918 | Troeger | May 1965 | A |
| 3188071 | Owen | Jun 1965 | A |
| 3252696 | Friedel | May 1966 | A |
| 3277555 | Kutash | Oct 1966 | A |
| 3319951 | Seelig | May 1967 | A |
| 3465997 | Piske | Sep 1969 | A |
| 3807029 | Troeger | Apr 1974 | A |
| 3813089 | Troeger | May 1974 | A |
| 3825992 | Troeger | Jul 1974 | A |
| 4261211 | Haberland | Apr 1981 | A |
| 4405184 | Bahiman | Sep 1983 | A |
| 4637596 | Lewis | Jan 1987 | A |
| 5620169 | Payne | Apr 1997 | A |
| 6146044 | Calvet | Nov 2000 | A |
| 6267363 | Genequand et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6479782 | Blackburn | Nov 2002 | B1 |
| 6666612 | Lorigny et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 8899869 | Valois | Dec 2014 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130308997 A1 | Nov 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61647627 | May 2012 | US |
