Design of a kinematic flexure mount for precision instruments based on stiffness characteristics of flexural pivot. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huo, Tonglong; Yu, Jingjun; Zhao, Hongzhe
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 150(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Kinematic mount -- Flexural pivot -- Cross-spring pivot -- Exact constraint design; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2020.103868
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Abstract: Precision components in optical instruments enjoy the benefits of kinematic flexure mount, owing to its excellent performance evident in space telescope and lithography equipment. The stiffness behavior of a flexure mount is important for releasing thermal stress and resisting displacement. However, they still need enough investigation and design guidance. In this paper, a novel kinematic flexure mount comprising three identical chains, is proposed based on exact constraint principles. Considering radial translational and supporting stiffnesses, a single chain of the mount is designed using the cross-spring pivots. Then, the stiffnesses are analyzed to better evaluate the influences of configuration parameters. Stress analysis is also implemented by stress checking to fulfill large motion range. Moreover, a practical case for supporting a 1-m primary mirror is designed to validate the effectiveness of the design, and stiffnesses for a single chain are verified by finite element analysis (FEA). For design validation, the system is simulated and compared with traditional three-bipod mount. The results show that the proposed mount is capable of greatly releasing thermal stress introduced into the mirror and provides adequate supporting stiffness.