ACTUATORS FOR CONVERTING ROTATIONAL INPUT TO AXIAL OUTPUT
An actuator system includes a frame configured to remain stationary relative to a carriage within the frame and connected to the frame by a flexure assembly configured to constrain the carriage for only linear motion along an axis of the actuator system. A rotary base is configured to receive rotational input. Cross-blade flexures operatively connect the carriage to the rotary base, the cross-blade flexures including a plurality of blade flexures and being oriented at an oblique angle to the rotary base and to the axis of the actuator system. A rotary flexure operatively connects the rotary base to the frame. The cross-blade flexures and the rotary flexure are configured to convert rotary motion of the rotary base into linear motion of the carriage and to maintain axial and lateral stiffness.
1 . An actuator system, comprising:
a frame configured to remain stationary relative to a carriage within the frame and connected to the frame by a flexure assembly configured to constrain the carriage for only linear motion along an axis of the actuator system;
a rotary base configured to receive rotational input; and
cross-blade flexures operatively connecting the carriage to the rotary base, the cross-blade flexures including a plurality of blade flexures and being oriented at an oblique angle to the rotary base and to the axis of the actuator system; and
a rotary flexure operatively connecting the rotary base to the frame, wherein the cross-blade flexures and the rotary flexure are configured to convert rotary motion of the rotary base into linear motion of the carriage and to maintain axial and lateral stiffness.