Hybrid bi-directional flexure joint

Precision mechanisms that require repeatable and friction free motion utilize numerous types of flexural bearing joints. This manuscript expands the pool of existing flexure designs by presenting a type of two-degree of freedom (DOF) flexural joint, dubbed the hybrid bi-directional flexure joint (HBFJ), along with the evolution of its design, possible applications and experimental results for stiffness, range of motion, and vibration damping. The HBFJ has a dominant plane of deformation. However, unlike most of its traditional counterparts, the flexure can deflect in other planes. It contains an open, thin walled cavity as the base joint that can be filled with an elastomeric filler material. The filler limits axial deflection, while still permitting the mechanism to have bending deformations in and out of plane. Additionally, the elastomer provides vibration damping to the joint. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.