US20230167846A1 - Method for assembling a flexure bearing - Google Patents
Method for assembling a flexure bearing Download PDFInfo
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- US20230167846A1 US20230167846A1 US17/971,679 US202217971679A US2023167846A1 US 20230167846 A1 US20230167846 A1 US 20230167846A1 US 202217971679 A US202217971679 A US 202217971679A US 2023167846 A1 US2023167846 A1 US 2023167846A1
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- Prior art keywords
- pillar
- blind hole
- sleeve
- spring
- compression spring
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
- F16C11/12—Pivotal connections incorporating flexible connections, e.g. leaf springs
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/45—Flexibly connected rigid members
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/45—Flexibly connected rigid members
- Y10T403/459—Helical spring type coupling
Definitions
- the present disclosure is directed to bearings used for compliant mechanisms and, more particularly, relates to flexure bearings and methods of assembling the flexure bearings.
- Bearings are generally used in various industrial applications to facilitate rotational or linear movement between two components. When such bearings are used for relative movements between two components, lubrication is applied in the bearings to ease operation thereof and to minimize wear in the moving components, which in turn increase productive life of the components.
- bearings may be used for facilitating movement between two or three elements, however, there is a restriction or limitation to use lubricants for the bearings.
- flexure bearings are used to serve the same function as of the conventional bearings to facilitate movement between the elements, however, the flexure bearings provide limited angle of rotation. Also, the flexure bearings eliminate the need of lubrication.
- the movement of the flexure bearings is achieved by deformation of blade flexures, which experience cyclic fatigue loads. Further, the angle of rotation achieved in the existing flexure beating design is ⁇ 20 degrees.
- Conventional flexure bearings experience fatigue failure due to cyclic loads and thus the blade design may not be a viable solution in an application that is exposed to vibration which may cause damage or lead to failure of the equipment.
- acceptable corrosion rate of the existing design is limited because of tight dimensional tolerance between the blades and housing of the flexure bearings.
- a flexure bearing in an exemplary embodiment, includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve.
- Each sleeve includes a first pillar having three sides, and a first end of the first pillar is attached to an inside wall of the sleeve, and a second end of the first pillar projects outwardly from the sleeve parallel to an axis of the sleeve.
- Each sleeve further includes a second pillar having three sides, and a first end of the second pillar is attached to the inside wall of the sleeve, and a second end of the second pillar projects outwardly from the sleeve such that the second pillar is parallel to and diametrically opposed to the first pillar.
- the flexure bearing further includes a plurality of blind holes, each blind hole near each of the first end and the second end of each pillar.
- the flexure bearing further includes a plurality of compression springs, each compression spring having a first spring end configured to fit into one of the blind holes of a pillar of the first sleeve and a second spring end configured to fit into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is interconnected to the first sleeve.
- a double-ended flexure bearing in another exemplary embodiment, includes a first outer sleeve including a first pillar which projects outwardly from the first outer sleeve in a first direction, a second outer sleeve including a second pillar which projects outwardly from the second outer sleeve in a second direction, and a central rotor ring having an axis concentric with the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve.
- the central rotor ring is configured to engage with and connect to the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve along the axis.
- the central rotor ring includes a third pillar which projects outwardly from the central rotor ring in the first direction and in the second direction, a fourth pillar which projects outwardly from the central rotor ring in the first direction and in the second direction, and a plurality of blind holes in each pillar.
- the double-ended flexure bearing further includes a plurality of compression springs configured to connect each of the plurality of blind holes of each pillar to a blind hole of an adjacent pillar such that the first outer sleeve abuts a first edge of the central rotor ring and the second outer sleeve abuts a second edge of the central rotor ring.
- a method of assembling a flexure bearing incudes inserting each first spring end of each compression spring of a plurality of compression springs into a blind hole of a pillar attached to a first sleeve, and inserting each second spring end of each compression spring into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar attached to one of a second sleeve and a central rotor ring.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a. flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 2 A is a perspective view of a first sleeve of the flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 2 B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′of the first sleeve of FIG. 2 A showing a first pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 2 C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A′of the first sleeve of FIG. 2 A showing a second pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of a second sleeve of the flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 3 B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′of the second sleeve of FIG. 3 A showing a first pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 3 C is a cross-sectional view taken along, the line B-B′of the second sleeve of FIG. 3 A showing a second pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 5 A is a front view of the flexure bearing of FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 5 B is a rear view of the flexure bearing of FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a double-ended flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 7 A is a perspective view of a first outer sleeve of the double-ended flexure bearing of FIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 7 B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C′of the first outer sleeve of FIG. 7 A showing a first pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 8 A is a perspective view of a second outer sleeve of the double-ended flexure bearing of FIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 8 B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D′of the second outer sleeve of FIG. 8 A showing a second pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 9 A is a perspective view of a central rotor ring of the double-ended flexure bearing of FIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 9 B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E′of the central rotor ring of FIG. 9 A showing a third pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 9 C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E′of the central rotor ring of 9 A showing a fourth pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the double-ended flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 11 is an exemplary illustration of implementation of the flexure bearing of FIG. 1 in an industrial application, according to certain embodiments.
- FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart of a method of assembling the flexure bearing of FIG. 1 and the double-ended flexure bearing of FIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments.
- the terms “approximately” “approximate,” “about,”and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10%, or preferably 5%, and any values therebetween.
- the word compliant as used in the present disclosure is defined as flexible, i.e., able to bend.
- a compliant mechanism may be a robotic joint.
- a compliant mechanism may be any one of a strut joint, a tie rod joint, a steering shaft joint, and the like.
- the flexure bearing includes two or three sleeves each having one or more pillars connected through multiple compression springs.
- Each compression spring is disposed between two adjacent pillars and mounted on blind holes provided in opposing side surfaces of the adjacent pillars.
- the compression springs are positioned between the adjacent pillars in compression state such that they are firmly mounted within the flexure bearing.
- the bearing of the present disclosure may be used in applications such as precision measuring equipment, a spacecraft thruster, an antenna, in solar array systems, as a haptic pantograph mechanism, an antenna pointing mechanism, scanning space mechanisms, and the like.
- the flexure bearing 100 includes a first sleeve 110 and a second sleeve 120 coupled to each other with a plurality of compression springs 130 .
- the first sleeve 110 includes a first circular body 112 having a first pillar 114 and a second pillar 116 attached thereto and the second sleeve 120 includes a second circular body 122 having a first pillar 124 , which is otherwise referred to as ‘the third pillar 124 ’, and a second pillar 126 , which is otherwise referred to as ‘the fourth pillar 126 ’, attached thereto.
- the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 are collectively referred to as ‘the sleeves 140 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the sleeve 140 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 are attached to the first circular body 112 such that they are diametrically opposite to each other.
- the first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 are integrally formed with the first circular body 112 .
- the first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 may be individual components and separately attached to the first circular body 112 .
- the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 of the second sleeve 120 are attached to the second circular body 122 such that they are diametrically opposite to each other. Further, the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 are integrally formed with the second circular body 122 . Alternatively, the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 may be individual components and separately attached to the second circular body 122 .
- the first pillar 114 , the second pillar 116 , the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 are collectively referred to as ‘the pillars 148 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the pillar 148 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- construction and dimensional specifications of the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 are identical and they are positioned 90 degrees apart with respect to a central axis ‘L’ of the flexure bearing 100 to couple each other with the help of the plurality of compression springs 130 .
- the flexure bearing 100 further includes a plurality of blind holes 150 defined in the first pillar 114 , the second pillar 116 , the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 to engage with the plurality of compression springs 130 .
- the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 are coupled in such a way that a gap 160 is defined therebetween to provide rotational movement to the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 with respect to each other.
- the first sleeve 110 includes the first circular body 112 having a wall 202 defining an outer surface 204 and an inner surface 206 .
- the first circular body 112 has an outer diameter defined by the outer surface 204 of the wall 202 .
- the outer diameter of the first circular body 112 may be 110 millimeters (mm).
- the wall 202 has a thickness defined radially between the outer surface 204 and the inner surface 206 thereof In an example, the thickness of the wall 202 may be 7 mm.
- the first circular body 112 has a width defined longitudinally between a first edge 208 and a second edge 210 thereof.
- the width of the first circular body 112 may be 54 mm.
- the first pillar 114 is an elongated body having a length equal to or less than twice the width of the first circular body 112 .
- the first pillar 114 includes three sides such as a first side 212 , a second side 214 , and a third side 216 .
- the first pillar 114 includes a first end 218 attached to an inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner surface 206 of the wall 202 , of the first sleeve 110 and a second end 220 projects outwardly from the first sleeve 110 parallel to an axis ‘L 1 ’ of the first sleeve 110 .
- FIG. 2 B a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′ of the first sleeve 110 is illustrated to show the first pillar 114 .
- the first side 212 of the first pillar 114 is shaped to confirm to a sector of an inner surface of the sleeve 140 , particularly, the inner surface 206 of the wall 202 of the first circular body 112 of the first sleeve 110 .
- the first side 212 of the first pillar 114 has a curved surface 212 S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the inner surface 206 of the wall 202 of the first circular body 112 .
- the second side 214 of the first pillar 114 has a first flat surface 214 S and the third side 216 of the first pillar 114 has a second flat surface 216 S perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface 214 S.
- the curved surface 2125 , the first flat surface 214 S and the second flat surface 216 S together define an outer surface of the first pillar 114 .
- the first pillar 114 has a first blind hole 222 A near a first end 218 A of the second side 214 , a second blind hole 222 B near a first end 218 B of the third side 216 , a third blind hole 222 C near a second end 220 A of the second side 214 , and a fourth blind hole 222 D near a second end 220 E of the third side 216 .
- the first blind hole 222 A and the third blind hole 222 C are defined in the first flat surface 214 S
- the second blind hole 222 B and the fourth blind hole 222 D are defined in the second flat surface 216 S.
- the first blind hole 222 A, the second blind hole 222 B, the third blind hole 222 C, and the fourth blind hole 222 D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- Each blind hole 150 has a circular cross section and has a diameter. In an example, the diameter of each blind hole 150 may be 14 mm.
- the first end 218 A of the second side 214 and the first end 218 B of the third side 216 are collectively or individually referred to as the first end(s) 218 ′ of the first pillar 114 and the second end 220 A of the second side 214 and the second end 220 B of the third side 216 are collectively or individually referred to as the second end(s) 220 ′ of the first pillar 114 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- Each of the first blind hole 222 A and the second blind hole 222 B is defined at an offset distance from an edge of the first end 218 A of the second side 214 and an edge from the first end 218 B of the third side 216 , respectively.
- each of the third blind hole 2224 and the fourth blind hole 222 D is defined at an offset distance from an edge of the second end 220 A of the second side 214 and an edge from the second end 220 B of the third side 216 , respectively.
- the offset distance may be defined as a distance between the edge of the first end 218 of the first pillar 114 and a center of the blind hole 150 . In an example, the offset distance may be 20 mm.
- the second pillar 116 is an elongated body having a length equal to the length of the first pillar 114 and includes three sides such as a first side 232 , a second side 234 , and a third side 236 .
- the second pillar 116 includes a first end 238 attached to the inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner surface 206 of the wall 202 of the first sleeve 110 diametrically opposite to the first pillar 114 and a second end 240 projects outwardly from the first sleeve 110 parallel to the axis ‘L 1 ’ and the first pillar 114 of the first sleeve 110 .
- the first side 232 of the second pillar 116 is shaped to confirm to a sector of the inner surface of the sleeve 140 , particularly, the inner surface 206 of the wall 202 of the first circular body 112 .
- the first side 232 of the second pillar 116 has a curved surface 232 S defined by a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the inner surface 206 of the wall 202 of the first circular body 112 .
- the second side 234 of the second pillar 116 has a first flat surface 234 S and the third side 236 of the second pillar 116 has a second flat surface 2368 perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface 234 S.
- the curved surface 232 S, the first flat surface 234 S and the second flat surface 236 S together define an outer surface of the second pillar 116 .
- the second pillar 116 has a first blind hole 242 A near a first end 238 A of the second side 234 , a second blind hole 242 B near a first end 238 B of the third side 236 , a third blind hole 242 C near a second end 240 A of the second side 234 , and a fourth blind hole 242 D near a second end 240 B of the third side 236 .
- the first blind hole 242 A and the third blind hole 242 C are defined in the first flat surface 234 S
- the second blind hole 242 B and the fourth blind hole 242 D are defined in the second flat surface 236 S of the second pillar 116 .
- the first blind hole 242 A, the second blind hole 242 B, the third blind hole 242 C, and the fourth blind hole 242 D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first end 238 A of the second side 234 and the first end 238 B of the third side 236 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end 238 ’ of the second pillar 116 and the second end 240 A of the second side 234 and the second end 240 B of the third side 236 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second side 240 ’ of the second pillar 116 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the dimensional specifications of the blind holes 150 and the offset distance of the second pillar 116 are identical to that of the first pillar 114 .
- the second sleeve 120 includes the second circular body 122 having a wall 302 defining an outer surface 304 and an inner surface 306 .
- the second circular body 122 has an outer diameter defined by the outer surface 304 , a thickness defined radially between the outer surface 304 and the inner surface 306 , and a width defined longitudinally between a first edge 308 and a second edge 310 , which are equal to that of the first circular body 112 .
- the third pillar 124 is an elongated body having a length equal to or less than twice the width of the second circular body 122 and includes three sides such as a first side 312 , a second side 314 , and a third side 316 . Further, the third pillar 124 includes a first end 318 attached to an inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner surface 306 of the wall 302 , of the second sleeve 120 and a second end 320 projects outwardly from the second sleeve 120 parallel to an axis of the second sleeve 120 .
- FIG. 3 B a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′ of the second sleeve 120 is illustrated to show the third pillar 124 .
- the first side 312 of the third pillar 124 is shaped to confirm to a sector of an inner surface of the sleeve 140 , or the inner surface 306 of the wall 302 of the second circular body 122 .
- the first side 312 of the third pillar 124 has a curved surface 312 S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the inner surface 306 of the wall 302 of the second circular body 122 .
- the second side 314 of the third pillar 124 has a first flat surface 314 S and the third side 316 of the third pillar 124 has a second flat surface 316 S perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface 314 S.
- the curved surface 312 S, the first flat surface 314 S and the second flat surface 316 S together define an outer surface of the third pillar 124 .
- the third pillar 124 has a first blind hole 322 A near a first end 318 A of the second side 314 , a second blind hole 322 B near a first end 318 B of the third side 316 , a third blind hole 322 C near a second end 320 A of the second side 314 , and a fourth blind hole 322 D near a second end 320 B of the third side 316 .
- the first blind hole 322 A and the third blind hole 322 C are defined in the first flat surface 314 S
- the second blind hole 322 B and the fourth blind hole 322 D are defined in the second flat surface 316 S.
- the first blind hole 322 A, the second blind hole 322 B, the third blind hole 322 C, and the fourth blind hole 322 D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first end 318 A of the second side 314 and the first end 318 B of the third side 316 are collectively referred to as ‘the first end(s) 318 ’ of the third pillar 124 and the second end 320 A of the second side 314 and the second end 320 B of the third side 316 are collectively referred to as ‘the second end(s) 320 ’ of the third pillar 124 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the fourth pillar 126 is an elongated body having a length equal to the length of the third pillar 124 and includes three sides such as a first side 332 , a second side 334 , and a third side 336 .
- the fourth pillar 126 includes a first end 338 attached to the inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner surface 306 of the wall 302 , of the second sleeve 120 diametrically opposite to the third pillar 124 and a second end 340 projects outwardly from the second sleeve 120 parallel to the axis ‘L 2 ’ and the third pillar 124 of the second sleeve 120 .
- the first side 332 of the fourth pillar 126 is shaped to confine to a sector of the inner surface of the sleeve 140 , or the inner surface 306 of the wall 302 of the second circular body 122 .
- the first side 332 of the second pillar 126 has a curved surface 332 S defined by a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the inner surface 306 of the wall 302 of the second circular body 122 .
- the second side 334 of the fourth pillar 126 has a first flat surface 334 S and the third side 336 of the fourth pillar 126 has a second flat surface 336 S perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface 334 S.
- the curved surface 332 S, the first flat surface 334 S and the second flat surface 336 S together define an outer surface of the fourth pillar 126 .
- the fourth pillar 126 has a first blind hole 342 A near a first end 338 A of the second side 334 , a second blind hole 342 E near a fast end 338 B of the thud side 336 , a third blind hole 342 C near a second end 340 A of the second side 334 , and a fourth blind hole 342 D near a second end 340 B of the third side 336 .
- the first blind hole 342 A and the third blind hole 342 C are defined in the first flat surface 334 S
- the second blind hole 3428 and the fourth blind hole 342 D are defined in the second flat surface 336 S.
- the first blind hole 342 A, the second blind hole 342 B, the third blind hole 3420 , and the fourth blind hole 342 D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first end 338 A of the second side 334 and the first end 338 B of the third side 336 are collectively referred to as ‘the first end(s) 338 ’ of the fourth pillar 126 and the second end 340 A of the second side 334 and the second end 340 B of the third side 336 are collectively referred to as ‘the second end(s) 340 ’ of the fourth pillar 126 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the flexure bearing 100 includes a plurality of end caps 402 configured to engage with the plurality of blind holes 150 .
- the plurality of end caps 402 includes a first cap 402 1 , a second cap 402 2 , a third cap 402 3 , and a fourth cap 402 4 configured to engage with the first blind hole 222 A, the second blind hole 222 B, the third blind hole 222 C, and the fourth blind hole 222 D, respectively, of the first pillar 114 of the first sleeve 110 .
- the plurality of end caps 420 further includes a fifth cap 402 5 , a sixth cap 402 6 , a seventh cap 402 7 , and an eight cap 402 8 configured to engage with the first blind hole 242 A, the second blind hole 24213 , the third blind hole 242 C, and the fourth blind hole 242 D, respectively, of the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 .
- the plurality of end caps 402 further includes a nineth cap 402 9 , a tenth cap 402 10 , an eleventh cap 402 11 , and a twelfth cap 402 12 configured to engage with the first blind hole 322 A, the second blind hole 322 B, the third blind hole 322 C, and the fourth blind hole 322 D, respectively, of the third pillar 124 of the second sleeve 120 .
- the plurality of end caps 402 further includes a thirteenth cap 402 13 , a fourteenth cap 402 14 , a fifteenth cap 402 15 , and a sixteenth cap 402 16 configured to engage with the first blind hole 342 A, the second blind hole 342 B, the third blind hole 342 C, and the fourth blind hole 342 D, respectively, of the fourth pillar 126 of the second sleeve 120 .
- the plurality of end caps 402 may be individually referred to as ‘the end cap 402 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the end cap 402 is a hollow cylindrical body having a diameter, otherwise referred to as the outer diameter, equal to the diameter of the blind hole 150 such that the end cap 402 is slidably received within the blind hole 150 . Further, the end cap 402 has a length equal to a depth of the blind hole 150 such that the end cap 402 is received within the blind hole 150 without leaving any portion thereof projected outside the blind hole 150 .
- the end cap 402 is further configured to engage with an end of each of the compression springs 130 . Particularly, the end cap 402 has an inner diameter greater than or equal to an outer diameter of the compression spring 130 such that the end of the compression spring 130 is slidably received within the end cap 402 .
- the end cap 402 may be firmly engaged within the blind hole 150 such that the sleeve 140 and the blind hole 150 may be formed as one component.
- the end cap 402 may be attached to the ends of the compression spring 130 such that the compression spring 130 and the end caps $ 02 together may be formed as one component.
- the plurality of compression springs 130 includes a first compression spring 404 1 haying a first spring end 404 1a and a second spring end 404 1b , a second compress on spring 404 2 having a first spring end 404 2a and a second spring end 404 2b , a third compression spring 404 3 having a first spring end 404 3a , and a second spring end 404 3b , a fourth compression spring 404 4 having a first spring end 404 4a and a second spring end 404 4b , a fifth compression spring 404 5 having a first spring end 404 5a and a second spring end 404 5b , a sixth compression spring 404 6 having a first spring end 404 6a and a second spring end 404 6b , a seventh compression spring 404 7 having a first spring end 404 7a and a second spring end 404 7b , and an eighth compression spring 404 8 having a first spring end 404 8a and a second spring end 404 8b configured to
- Each compression spring 130 has the first spring end configured to fit into one of the blind holes 150 of the pillar 148 of the first sleeve 110 and the second spring end configured to fit into a corresponding blind hole 150 of an adjacent pillar 150 of the second sleeve 120 when the second sleeve 120 is interconnected to the first sleeve 110 .
- the plurality of compression springs 130 is individually referred to as the compression spring 130 ′ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the compression spring 130 is alternatively referred to ‘the spring 130 ’ and, for example, the first compression spring 404 1 is alternatively referred to as ‘the first spring 404 1 ’.
- the compression spring 130 is a helical compression spring, The compression spring 130 has a length at least three tunes of the depth of the blind hole 150 .
- Each compression spring 130 includes a first spring end configured to engage with an end cap 402 , otherwise referred to as ‘the first end cap 402 ’, and a second spring end configured to engage with an end cap 402 , otherwise referred to as ‘the second end cap 402 ’.
- FIGS. 5 A and 5 B a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the flexure bearing 100 of FIG. 1 are rated.
- the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 are aligned at an offset angle of 90 degrees with respect to the central axis ‘L’ of the flexure bearing 100 .
- first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 are aligned vertically and the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 of the second sleeve 120 are positioned horizontally such that the first and the second sleeves 110 , 120 are aligned at the offset angle of 90 degrees. Further, the first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 are inserted between the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 of the second sleeve 120 .
- the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 are engaged in such a way that the gap 160 is defined between the second edge 210 of the first sleeve 110 and the second edge 310 of the second sleeve 120 .
- the gap 160 between the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 may be 2 mm.
- each compression spring 130 is inserted into the blind holes 150 of the first and second pillars 114 , 116 of the first sleeve 110 and the second spring end of each compression spring 130 is inserted into the corresponding blind holes 150 of the third and fourth pillars 124 , 126 of the second sleeve 120 .
- the end caps 402 may be inserted within the blind holes 150 of the sleeves 140 during the manufacturing thereof.
- the double-ended flexure bearing 600 includes a first outer sleeve 610 , alternatively referred to as ‘the first sleeve 610 ’, and a second outer sleeve 620 , alternatively referred to as ‘the second sleeve 620 ’ coupled to each other with a plurality of compression springs 630 .
- the first outer sleeve 610 includes a first circular body 612 having a first pillar 614 attached thereto and the second outer sleeve 620 includes a. second circular body 622 having a second pillar 624 attached thereto.
- first pillar 614 of the first outer sleeve 610 and the second pillar 624 of the second outer sleeve 620 are integrally formed with the first circular body 612 and the second circular body 622 , respectively.
- first pillar 614 and the second pillar 624 may be individual components and separately attached to the first circular body 612 and the second circular body 622 , respectively.
- the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 are collectively referred to as ‘the sleeves 640 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the sleeve 640 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- construction and dimensional specifications of the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 are identical and they are positioned 180 degrees apart with respect to a central axis ‘LA’ of the double-ended flexure bearing 600 to couple each other with the help of the plurality of compression springs 630 .
- the double-ended flexure bearing 600 further includes a central rotor ring 642 configured to engage with and connect to the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 .
- the central rotor ring 642 includes a third pillar 644 and a fourth pillar 646 configured to engage with the first pillar 614 of the first outer sleeve 610 and the second pillar 624 of the second outer sleeve 620 using the plurality of compression springs 630 ,
- the central rotor ring 642 is disposed between the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 and coaxially aligned with the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 to engage therewith using the plurality of compression springs 630 .
- the first pillar 614 , the second pillar 624 , the third pillar 644 , and the fourth pillar 646 are collectively referred to as ‘the pillars 648 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the pillar 648 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- Each of the first pillar 614 , the second pillar 624 , the third pillar 644 and the fourth pillar 646 includes a plurality of blind holes 650 , which is individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650 ’.
- the plurality of compression springs 630 is configured to connect each of the plurality of blind holes 650 of each pillar 648 to a blind hole 650 of an adjacent pillar 648 , such that the first outer sleeve 610 abuts a first edge 652 of the central rotor ring 642 and the second outer sleeve 620 abuts a second edge 654 of the central rotor ring 642 .
- the first outer sleeve 610 , the second outer sleeve 620 , and the central rotor ring 642 are coupled in such a way that a first gap 660 A is defined between the first outer sleeve 610 and the central rotor ring 642 and a second gap 660 B is defined between the second outer sleeve 620 and the central rotor ring 642 to provide rotational movement with respect to each other.
- the first outer sleeve 610 includes the first circular body 612 having a wall 702 defining an outer surface 704 and an inner surface 706 .
- the first circular body 612 has an outer diameter defined by the outer surface 704 of the all 702 , a thickness defined radially between the outer surface 704 and the inner surface 706 , and a width defined longitudinally between a first edge 708 and a second edge 710 .
- the first pillar 614 is an elongated body that projects outwardly from the first outer sleeve 610 in a first direction ‘DI’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the first circular body 612 .
- the first pillar 614 includes three sides such as a first side 712 , a second side 714 , and a third side 716 .
- the first pillar 614 includes a first end 718 attached to a first inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner au face 706 of the wall 702 , of the first outer sleeve 610 and a second end 720 projects outwardly from the first outer sleeve 610 parallel to an axis ‘LA 1 ’ of the first outer sleeve 610 .
- a first end 718 C of the first side 712 of the first pillar 614 is attached to the first inside wall of the first outer sleeve 610 .
- FIG. 7 B a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C′ of the first outer sleeve 610 is illustrated to show the first pillar 614 .
- the first side 712 of the first pillar 614 is shaped to confirm to the first inside wall of the first outer sleeve 610 .
- the first side 712 of the first pillar 614 is shaped to confirm to a first sector of an inner surface, which is otherwise referred to as the inner surface 706 of the wall 702 of the first circular body 612 , of the first outer sleeve 610 .
- the first side 712 of the first pillar 614 has a curved surface 712 S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the inner surface 706 of the wall 702 of the first circular body 612 .
- the second side 714 of the first pillar 614 has a first flat surface 714 S and the third side 716 of the first pillar 614 has a second flat surface 716 S perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface 714 S.
- the curved surface 712 S, the first flat surface 714 S and the second flat surface 716 S together define an outer surface of the first pillar 614 .
- the first pillar 614 has a first blind hole 722 A near a first end 718 A of the second side 714 , a second blind hole 722 B near a first end 718 B of the third side 716 , a third blind hole 722 C near a second end 720 A of the second side 714 , and a fourth blind hole 722 D near a second end 720 B of the third side 716 , a fifth blind hole 722 E at a center 714 C of the second side 714 and a sixth blind hole 722 F at a center 716 C of the third side 716 .
- the first blind hole 722 A, the third blind hole 722 C and the fifth blind hole 722 E are defined in the first flat surface 714 S
- the second blind hole 722 B, the fourth blind hole 722 D and the sixth blind hole 722 F are defined in the second fiat surface 716 S.
- the first blind hole 722 A, the second blind hole 722 B, the third blind hole 722 C, the fourth blind hole 722 D, the fifth blind hole 722 E and the sixth blind hole 722 F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first end 718 A of the second side 714 , the first end 718 B of the third side 716 and the first end 718 C of the first side 712 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 718 ’ of the first pillar 614 and the second end 720 A of the second side 714 and the second end 720 B of the third side 716 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second end(s) 720 ’ of the first pillar 614 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the second outer sleeve 620 includes the second circular body 622 having a wall 802 defining an outer surface 804 and an inner surface 806 .
- the second circular body 622 has an outer diameter defined by the outer surface 804 of the wall 802 , a thickness defined radially between the outer surface 804 and the inner surface 806 , and a width defined longitudinally between a first edge 808 and a second edge 810 .
- the second pillar 624 is an elongated body that projects outwardly from the second outer sleeve 620 in a second direction ‘D 2 ’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the second circular body 622 .
- the second pillar 624 includes three sides such as a first side 812 , a second side 814 , and a third side 816 .
- the second pillar 624 includes a first end 818 attached to a second inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner surface 806 of the wall 802 , of the second outer sleeve 620 and a second end 820 projects outwardly from the second outer sleeve 620 parallel to an axis ‘LA 2 ’ of the second outer sleeve 620 .
- a first end 818 C of the first side 812 of the second pillar 624 is attached to the second inside wall of the second outer sleeve 620 .
- FIG. 8 B a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D′ of the second outer sleeve 620 is illustrated to show the second pillar 624 .
- the first side 812 of the second pillar 624 is shaped to confirm to the second inside wall of the second outer sleeve 620 .
- the first side 812 of the second pillar 624 is shaped to confirm to a second sector of an inner surface, which is otherwise referred to as the inner surface 806 of the wall 802 of the second circular body 622 , of the second outer sleeve 620 .
- the first side 812 of the second pillar 624 has a curved surface 812 S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the inner surface 806 of the wall 802 of the second circular body 622 .
- the second side 814 of the second pillar 624 has a third flat surface 814 S, alternatively referred to as ‘the first flat surface 814 S’ and the third side 816 of the second pillar 624 has a fourth flat surface 816 S, alternatively referred to as ‘the second flat surface 816 S’, perpendicular to an edge of the third flat surface 814 S.
- the curved surface 812 S, the third flat surface 814 S and the fourth flat surface 816 S together define an outer surface of the second pillar 624 .
- the second pillar 624 has a first blind hole 822 A near a first end 818 A of the second side 814 , a second blind hole 822 B near a first end 818 B of the third side 816 , a third blind hole 822 C near a second end 820 A of the second side 814 , and a fourth blind hole 822 D near a second end 820 B of the third side 816 , a fifth blind hole 822 E at a center 814 C of the second side 814 and a sixth blind hole 822 F at a center 8160 of the third side 816 .
- the first blind hole 822 A, the third blind hole 822 C and the fifth blind hole 822 E are defined in the third flat surface 814 S
- the second blind hole 822 B, the fourth blind hole 822 D and the sixth blind hole 822 F are defined in the fourth flat surface 816 S.
- the first blind hole 822 A, the second blind hole 822 B, the third blind hole 822 C, the fourth blind hole 822 D, the fifth blind hole 822 E and the sixth blind hole 822 F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first end 818 A of the second side 814 , the first end 818 B of the third side 816 and the first end 818 C for the first side 812 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 818 ’ of the second pillar 624 and the second end 820 A of the second side 814 and the second end 820 B of the third side 816 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second end(s) 820 ’ of the second pillar 624 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the central rotor ring 642 includes a third circular body 901 having a wall 902 defining an outer surface 904 and an inner surface 906 .
- the third circular body 901 has an outer diameter defined by the outer surface 904 of the wall 902 , a thickness defined radially between the outer surface 904 and the inner surface 906 and a width defined longitudinally between the first edge 652 and the second edge 654 .
- the central rotor ring 642 has an axis ‘LA 3 ’ concentric with the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 at an assembled condition of the double-ended flexure bearing 600 .
- the axis ‘LA 3 ’ of the central rotor ring 642 is coaxial with the axis ‘LA 1 ’ and the axis ‘LA 2 ’ of the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 , respectively.
- the third pillar 644 is an elongated body that projects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D 1 ’ and the in the second direction ‘D 2 ’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the first outer sleeve 610 or the second outer sleeve 620 . The third.
- the pillar 644 includes three sides such as a first side 912 , a second side 914 and a third side 916 . Further, the third pillar 644 includes a first end 918 projects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the second direction ‘D 2 ’ and a second end 920 projects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D 1 ’ parallel to the axis ‘LA 3 ’ of the central rotor ring 642 .
- a center 912 C of the first side 912 of the third pillar 644 is attached to a first sector of a third inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner surface 906 of the wall 902 , of the central rotor ring 642 .
- FIG. 9 a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E′ of the central rotor ring 642 is illustrated to show the third pillar 644 .
- the first side 912 of the third pillar 644 is shaped to confirm to a third sector of an inner surface, particularly, the inner surface 906 of the wall 902 of the third circular body 901 , of the central rotor ring 642 .
- the first side 912 of the third pillar 644 has a curved surface 912 S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of the inner surface 906 of the wall 902 of the third circular body 901 .
- the second side 914 of the third pillar 644 has a fifth flat surface 914 S, alternatively referred to as ‘the first flat surface 914 S’, and the third side 916 of the third pillar 644 has a sixth flat surface 916 S, alternatively referred to as ‘the second flat surface 816 S’, perpendicular to an edge of the fifth flat surface 914 S.
- the curved surface 912 S, the fifth flat surface 914 S and the sixth flat surface 9165 together define an outer surface of the third pillar 644 .
- the third pillar 644 has a first blind hole 922 A near a first end 918 A of the second side 914 , a second blind hole 922 B near a first end 918 B of the third side 916 , a third blind hole 922 C near a second end 920 A of the second side 914 , and a fourth blind hole 922 D near a second end 920 B of the third side 916 , a fifth blind hole 922 E at a center 914 C of the second side 914 and a sixth blind hole 922 E at a center 916 C of the third side 916 .
- the first blind hole 922 A, the third blind hole 922 C and the fifth blind hole 922 E are defined in the fifth fiat surface 914 S
- the second blind hole 922 B, the fourth blind hole 922 D and the sixth blind hole 922 F are defined in the sixth flat surface 916 S.
- the first blind hole 922 A, the second blind hole 922 B, the third blind hole 922 C, the fourth blind hole 922 D, the fifth blind hole 922 E and the sixth blind hole 922 F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first end 918 A of the second side 914 and the first end 918 B of the third side 916 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 918 ’ of the third pillar 644 and the second end 920 A of the second side 914 and the second end 920 B of the third side 916 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second end(s) 920 ’ of the third pillar 644 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the fourth pillar 646 is an elongated body that protects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D 1 ’ and the in the second direction ‘D 2 ’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the first outer sleeve 610 or the second outer sleeve 620 .
- the fourth pillar 646 includes three sides such as a first side 932 , a second side 934 , and a third side 936 / Further.
- the fourth pillar 646 includes a first end 938 projects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the second direction ‘D 2 ’ and a second end 940 projects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘DI’ parallel to the axis ‘LA 3 ’ of the central rotor ring 642 .
- a center 932 C of the first side 932 of the fourth pillar 646 is attached to a second sector of the third inside wall, otherwise referred to as the inner surface 906 of the wall 902 , of the central rotor ring 642 diametrically opposite to the third pillar 644 .
- the first sector is diametrically opposed to the second vector of the central rotor ring 642 .
- the first side 932 of the fourth pillar 646 is shaped to confirm to the fourth sector of an inner surface of the central rotor ring 642 , particularly, the inner surface 906 of the wall 902 of the third circular body 901 .
- the first side 932 of the fourth pillar 646 has a curved surface 932 S defined b a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the inner surface 906 of the wall 902 of the third circular body 901 .
- the second side 934 of the fourth pillar 646 has a seventh flat surface 934 S, alternatively referred to as ‘the first flat surface 934 S’, and the third.
- side 936 of the fourth pillar 646 has an eighth flat surface 936 S, alternatively referred to as ‘the second flat surface 936 S’, perpendicular to an edge of the seventh flat surface 934 S.
- the curved surface 932 S, the seventh flat surface 934 S and the eighth flat surface 936 S together define an outer surface of the fourth pillar 646 . As shown in FIG.
- the fourth pillar 646 has a first blind hole 942 A near a first end 938 A of the second side 934 , a second blind hole 942 B near a first end 938 B of the third side 936 , a third blind hole 942 C near a second end 940 A of the second side 934 , and a fourth blind hole 942 D near a second end 940 B of the third side 936 .
- the first blind hole 942 A, the third blind hole 942 C and the fifth blind hole 942 E are defined in the seventh flat surface 934 S and the second blind hole 942 B
- the fourth blind hole 942 D and the sixth blind hole 942 F are defined in the eighth flat surface 936 S.
- the first blind hole 942 A, the second blind hole 942 , the third blind hole 942 C, and the fourth blind hole 942 D, the fifth blind hole 942 E and the sixth blind hole 942 F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650 ’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the first end 938 A of the second side 934 and the first end 938 B of the third side 936 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 938 ’ of the fourth pillar 646 and the second end 940 A of the second side 934 and the second end 940 B of the third side 936 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second elicits) 940 ’ of the third pillar 644 unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the double-ended flexure bearing 600 may include a plurality of end caps, identical to the end caps 402 of the flexure bearing 100 , configured to attach with the plurality of blind holes 650 of the pillars 648 of the sleeves 640 and the central rotor ring 642 .
- the end caps may be firmly engaged within the blind holes 650 such that the sleeves 640 and the blind holes 650 may be formed as one component.
- the end caps may be attached to the ends of the compression springs 630 such that the compression springs 630 and the end caps together may be formed as one component.
- the plurality of compression springs 630 includes a first compression spring 1004 1 having a first spring end 1004 1a and a second spring end 1004 1b , a second compression spring 1004 2 having a first spring end 1004 2a and a second spring end 1004 2b , a third compression spring 1004 3 having a first spring end 1004 3a and a second spring end 1004 3b , a fourth compression spring 1004 4 having a first spring end 1004 4a and a second spring end 1004 4b , a fifth compression spring 1004 5 having a first spring end 1004 5a and a second spring end 1004 5b , a sixth compression spring 1004 6 having a first spring end 1004 6a and a second spring end 1004 6b , a seventh compression spring 1004 7 having a first spring end 1004 7a and a second spring end 1004 7b , an eighth compression spring 1004 8 having a first spring end 1004 8a and a second spring end 1004 8b , a nineth compression
- the plurality of compression springs 630 may be individually referred to as ‘the compression spring 630 ’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
- the compression spring 630 may be alternatively referred to ‘the spring 630 ’ and, for example, the first compression spring 1004 1 may be alternatively referred to as ‘the first spring 1004 1 ’ and so on.
- the compression spring 630 is a helical compression spring.
- Each compression spring 630 has a first spring end configured to fit into one of the blind holes 650 of one of the pillars 648 and a second spring end configured to fit into a corresponding blind hole 650 of an adjacent pillar 648 when the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 are interconnected with the central rotor ring 642 .
- FIG. 11 an exemplary illustration of an implementation of the flexure bearing 100 of FIG. 1 in a mechanical system 1100 is illustrated.
- the flexure bearing 100 is implemented in the mechanical system 1100 having a support leg 1102 , a bar 1104 horizontally attached to the support leg 1102 and an arm 1106 movably coupled to the bar 1104 .
- a linear actuator 1108 is coupled to the bar 1104 and the arm 1106 to support movement of the arm 1106 with respect to the bar 1104 .
- the bar 1104 includes a first opening 1110 configured to engage with the first sleeve 110 and the arm 1106 includes a second opening (not shown) configured to engage with the second sleeve 120 .
- the first opening 1110 may have a diameter equal to the diameter of the first circular body 112 of the first sleeve 110 and the second opening may have a diameter equal to the diameter of the second circular body 122 of the second sleeve 120 as such the flexure bearing 100 may be engaged with the bar 1104 and the arm 1106 using press fit, interference fit, or any other mechanisms known in the art.
- the linear actuator 1108 When the linear actuator 1108 is actuated, the flexure bearing 100 facilitates rotational movement of the arm 1106 relative to the bar 1104 with respect to the central axis thereof.
- a rotation angle achieved between the bar 1104 and the arm 1106 is 60 degrees, which is higher than the rotation angle ⁇ 20° achieved by the existing design.
- the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 of the second sleeve 120 rotate anticlockwise while the first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 remain stationary.
- the first compression spring 404 1 and the second compression spring 404 2 are compressed further and the fifth compression spring 404 5 and the sixth compression spring 404 6 are expanded.
- the third compression spring 404 3 and the fourth compression spring 404 4 are compressed further and the seventh compression spring 404 7 and the eighth compression spring 404 8 are expanded.
- the flexure bearing 100 of the present disclosure helps to achieve a. larger rotation angle of ⁇ 30° compared to the rotation angle of ⁇ 20° achieved by the existing design. Further, the arrangement of the compression springs 130 helps the flexure bearing 100 to mitigate fatigue failure which is otherwise caused due to the arrangements of blades within the existing design, thereby the fatigue life of the flexure bearing 100 may be enhanced, especially, at high speed applications. Additionally, the compression springs 130 facilitate replacement and maintenance of the flexure bearing 100 more easily and more economically. Further, the flexure bearing 100 helps to absorb vibrations with the help of the compression springs 130 , which would otherwise be difficult with blades arrangement, and can be useful in applications where vibrations cause damage or lead to failure of equipment.
- the double-ended flexure bearing 600 can be implemented in a mechanical system having three movable elements, in which two elements may be movable relative to a third element. Each of the three elements may be attached to each of the first outer sleeve 610 , the second outer sleeve 620 , and the central roto ring 642 .
- the aforementioned advantages may also be achieved with the double-ended flexure bearing 600 .
- the flexure hearing 100 and the double-ended flexure bearing 600 can be used in space applications (vacuum) as the requirement of lubrication is eliminated and food production equipment in the food industry as there is no risk of lubrication leakage.
- Various applications including, but not limited to, robotics and assembly line operations in the automobile industry can bed benefited using the flexure bearing 100 and the double-ended flexure bearing 600 of the present disclosure.
- the flexure bearing 100 or the double-ended flexure bearing 600 can be used as a humanoid robot neck connecting body to head, and the robot wiring can be easily connected through a gap defined at the center thereof.
- the method 1200 includes inserting each first spring end of each compression spring 130 of the plurality of compression springs 130 into the blind hole 150 of the pillar 148 attached to the first sleeve 110 .
- the method 1200 includes inserting the first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 between the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 of the second sleeve 120 .
- the end caps 402 may be press fitted within the blind holes 150 of the pillars 148 of the sleeves 140 during manufacturing thereof. In an alternate example, the end caps 402 may be engaged with the blind holes 150 of the pillars 148 of the sleeves 140 during the assembly of the flexure bearing 100 .
- the method 1200 further includes abutting the first sleeve 110 against the second sleeve 120 . The first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 axe coupled in such a way that the gap 160 is defined therebetween.
- the method 1200 includes inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 130 into the corresponding blind hole 150 of the adjacent pillar 148 , such as the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 , attached to the second sleeve 120 .
- the method 1200 also includes compressing each compression spring 130 before inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 130 into the corresponding blind hole 150 of the adjacent pillar 148 .
- the method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of each of the plurality of compression springs 130 includes inserting the first spring end 404 1a of the first spring 404 1 into the first blind hole 222 A of the first end 218 of the first pillar 114 and inserting the second spring end 404 1b of the first spring 4041 into the third blind hole 342 C of the second end 340 of the fourth pillar 126 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 404 2a of the second spring 404 2 into the first blind hole 242 A of the first end 238 of the second pillar 116 and inserting the second spring end 404 2b of the second spring 404 2 into the fourth blind hole 322 D of the second end 320 of the third pillar 124 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 404 3a of the third spring 404 3 into the third blind hole 222 C of the second end 220 of the first pillar 114 and inserting the second spring end 404 3b of the third spring 404 3 into the first blind hole 342 A of the first end 338 of the fourth pillar 126 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 404 4a of the fourth spring 404 4 into the third blind hole 242 C of the second end 240 of the second pillar 116 and inserting the second spring end 404 4b of the fourth spring 404 4 into the second blind hole 322 B of the first end 318 of the third pillar 124 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 404 5a of the fifth spring 404 5 into the second blind hole 222 B of the first end 218 of the first pillar 114 and inserting the second spring end 404 5b of the fifth spring 404 5 into the third blind hole 322 C of the second end 320 of the third pillar 124 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 404 6a of the sixth spring 404 6 into the second blind hole 242 B of the first end 238 of the second pillar 116 and inserting the second spring end 404 6b of the sixth spring 404 6 into the fourth blind hole 342 D of the second end 340 of the fourth pillar 126 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 404 7a of the seventh spring 404 7 into the fourth blind hole 222 D of the second end 220 of the first pillar 114 and inserting the second spring end 404 7b of the seventh spring 404 7 into the first blind hole 322 A of the first end 318 of the third pillar 124 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 404 8a of the eighth spring 404 8 into the fourth blind hole 242 D of the second end 240 of the second pillar 116 and inserting the second spring end 404 8b of the eighth spring 404 8 into the second blind hole 342 B of the first end 338 of the fourth pillar 126 .
- the method 1200 includes inserting each first spring end of each compression spring 630 of the plurality of compression springs 630 into the blind hole 650 of the pillar 648 attached to the first sleeve 610 .
- the method 1200 includes inserting the first pillar 614 of the first sleeve 610 between the third pillar 644 and the fourth pillar 646 of the central rotor ring 642 until the first sleeve 610 abuts the first edge 652 of the central rotor ring 642 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the second pillar 624 of the second sleeve 620 between the third pillar 611 and the fourth pillar 646 of the central rotor ring 642 until the second sleeve 620 abuts the second edge 654 of the central rotor ring 642 . Further, the method 1200 includes inserting the first spring end of each of the plurality of compression springs 630 into one of the blind holes 650 .
- the method 1200 includes inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 630 into the corresponding blind hole 650 of the adjacent pillar 648 attached to one of the second sleeve 620 and the central rotor ring 642 .
- the method 1200 also includes compressing each compression spring 630 before inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 630 into the corresponding blind hole 650 of the adjacent pillar 648 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 630 of a first set of the plurality of compression springs 630 into a corresponding blind hole 650 of an adjacent pillar 648 attached to one of the first sleeve 610 and the second sleeve 620 and inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 630 of a second set of the plurality of compression springs 630 into a corresponding blind hole 650 of an adjacent pillar 648 attached to the central rotor ring 642 .
- the method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the first set of the plurality of compression springs 630 includes inserting the first spring end 1004 1a of the first spring 1004 1 into the first blind hole 722 A near the first end 718 of the first pillar 614 and inserting the second spring end 1004 1b of the first spring 1004 1 into the second blind hole 922 B of the third pillar 644 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 2a of the second spring 1004 2 into the second blind hole 722 B near the first end 718 of the first pillar 614 and inserting the second spring end 1004 2b of the second spring 1004 2 into the first blind hole 942 A of the fourth pillar 646 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 3a of the third spring 1004 3 into the third blind hole 722 C near the second end 720 of the first pillar 614 and inserting the second spring end 1004 3b of the third spring 1004 3 into the fourth blind hole 922 D near the second end 920 of the third pillar 644 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 4a of the fourth spring 1004 4 into the fourth blind hole 722 D near the second end 720 of the first pillar 614 and inserting the second spring end 1004 4b of the fourth spring 1004 4 into the third blind hole 94 ′,C near the second end 940 of the fourth pillar 646 .
- the method 1 is inserting the first spring end 1004 3a of the third spring 1004 3 into the third blind hole 722 C near the second end 720 of the first pillar 614 and inserting the second spring end 1004 3b of the third spring 1004 3 into the fourth blind hole 922 D near the second end 920 of the third
- the 200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 5a of the fifth spring 1004 5 into the fifth blind hole 722 E at the center 714 C of the second side 714 of the first pillar 614 and inserting the second spring end 1004 5b of the fifth spring 1004 5 into the sixth blind hole 922 F at the center 916 C of the third side 916 of the third pillar 646 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 6a of the sixth spring 1004 6 into the sixth blind hole 722 F at the center 7160 of the third side 716 of the first pillar 614 and inserting the second spring end 1004 6b of the sixth spring 1004 6 into the fifth blind hole 942 E at the center 934 C of the second side 934 of the fourth pillar 646 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 7a of the seventh spring 1004 7 into the fifth blind hole 822 E at the center 814 C of the second side 814 of the second pillar 624 and inserting the second spring end 1004 7b of the seventh spring 1004 7 into the fifth blind hole 922 E at the center 914 C of the second side 914 of the third pillar 644 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 8a of the eighth spring 1004 8 into the sixth blind hole 822 F at the center 816 C of the third side 816 of the second pillar 624 and inserting the second spring end 1004 8b of the eighth spring 1004 8 into the sixth blind hole 942 F at the center 936 C of the third side 936 of the fourth pillar 646 .
- the method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the second set of the plurality of compression springs 630 includes inserting the first spring end 1004 9a of the nineth spring 1004 9 into the third blind hole 822 C of the second end 820 of the second pillar 624 and inserting the second spring end 1004 9b of the nineth spring 1004 9 into the first blind hole 922 A of the first end 918 of the third pillar 646 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 10a of the tenth spring 1004 10 into the fourth blind hole 822 D of the second end 820 of the second pillar 624 and inserting the second spring end 1004 10b of the tenth spring 1004 10 into the second blind hole 942 E of the first end 938 of the fourth. pillar 646 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting-, the first spring end 1004 11a of the eleventh spring 1004 11 into the first blind hole 822 A of the first end 818 of the second pillar 624 and inserting the second spring end 1004 11b of the eleventh spring 1004 11 into the third blind hole 922 C of the second end 920 of the third pillar 644 .
- the method 1200 further includes inserting the first spring end 1004 12a of the twelfth spring 1004 12 into the second blind hole 822 B of the first end 818 of the second pillar 624 and inserting the second spring end 1004 12b of the twelfth spring 1004 12 into the fourth blind hole 942 D of the second end 940 of the fourth pillar 646 .
- the first embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with respect to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 B , and FIG. 11 .
- the first embodiment describes the flexure bearing 100 ,
- the flexure bearing 100 comprising the first sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 120 , wherein each sleeve 140 includes the first pillar 114 , 124 having three sides., wherein the first end 218 , 318 of the first pillar 114 , 124 is attached to an inside wall of the sleeve 140 .
- the second end 220 , 320 of the first pillar 114 , 124 projects outwardly from the sleeve 140 parallel to the axis ‘L 1 ’, ‘L 2 ’ of the sleeve 140 ; and the second pillar 116 , 126 having three sides, wherein the first end 238 , 338 of the second pillar 116 , 12 .
- the flexure bearing 100 comprising a plurality of blind holes 150 , each blind hole 150 near each of the first end 218 , 238 , 318 , 338 and the second end 220 , 240 , 320 , 340 of each pillar 148 and the plurality of compression springs 130 each compression spring 130 having a first spring end configured to fit into one of the blind holes 150 of a pillar 148 of the first sleeve 110 and a. second spring end configured to fit into a corresponding blind hole 150 of an adjacent pillar 148 of the second sleeve 120 when the second sleeve 120 is interconnected to the first sleeve 110 .
- the first side 212 , 232 , 312 , 332 of each pillar 148 is shaped to conform to the sector of the inner surface 206 , 306 of the sleeve 140
- the second side 214 , 234 , 314 , 334 of each pillar 148 has the first flat surface 214 S, 234 S, 314 S, 334 S
- the third side 216 , 236 , 316 , 336 of each pillar 148 has the second flat surface 216 S, 236 S, 316 S, 336 S perpendicular to the edge of the first flat surface 214 S, 234 S, 314 S, 334 S.
- each pillar 148 has the first blind hole 222 A, 242 A, 322 A, 342 A near the first end 218 A, 238 A, 318 A 338 A of the second side 214 , 234 , 314 , 334 , the second blind hole 222 B, 242 B, 322 B, 342 B near the first end 218 B, 238 B, 318 B, 33 B of the third side 216 , 236 , 316 , 336 , a third blind hole 222 C, 242 C, 322 C, 342 C near the second end 220 A, 240 A, 320 A, 340 A of the second side 214 , 234 , 314 , 334 and the fourth blind hole 222 D, 242 D, 322 D, 342 D near the second end 220 B, 240 B, 320 B, 340 B of the third side 216 , 316 , 336 .
- the flexure bearing 100 further comprises the first end cap 402 configured to hold the first spring end and the second end cap 402 configured to hold the second spring end.
- each end cap 402 is equal to the diameter of the blind hole 150 and the length of each end cap 402 is equal to the depth of the blind hole 150 .
- each compression spring 130 is a helical compression spring.
- each compression spring 130 has the length at least three times of the depth of the blind hole 150 .
- the second embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with respect to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10 .
- the second embodiment. describes the double-ended flexure bearing 600 .
- the double-ended flexure bearing 600 comprises the first outer sleeve 610 including the first pillar 614 which projects outwardly from the first outer sleeve 610 in the first direction ‘D 1 ’; the second outer sleeve 620 including the second pillar 624 which projects outwardly from the second outer sleeve 620 in the second direction ‘D 2 ’; the central rotor ring 642 having the axis ‘LA 3 ’ concentric with the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 , the central rotor ring 642 configured to engage with and connect to the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 along the axis ‘LA 3 ’, the central rotor ring 642 including the third pillar 644 which projects outwardly from the central
- each pillar 648 has three sides, including the first side 712 , 812 , 912 , 932 shaped to conform to the inside wall of one of the first outer sleeve 610 , the second outer sleeve 620 and the central rotor ring 642 ; the second side 714 , 814 , 914 , 934 having the first flat surface 714 S, 814 S, 914 S, 934 S; the third side 716 , 816 , 916 , 936 having the second flat surface 716 S, 816 S, 916 S, 936 S perpendicular to the edge of the first flat surface 714 S, 814 S, 914 S, 934 S; the first end 718 , 818 , 918 , 938 ; the second end 720 , 820 , 920 , 940 ; and the center 714 C, 716 C, 814 C, 816 C, 914 C, 916 C, 934 C
- the first end 718 C of the first side 712 of the first pillar 614 is attached to the first inside wall of the first outer sleeve 620 ;
- the first end 818 C of the first side 812 of the second pillar 624 is attached to the second inside wall of the second outer sleeve 620 ;
- the center 912 C of the first side 912 of the third pillar 644 is attached to the first sector of the third inside wall of the central rotor ring 642
- the center 932 C of the first side 932 of the fourth pillar 646 is attached to the second sector of the third inside wall of the central rotor ring 642 , wherein the first sector is diametrically opposed to the second sector.
- each pillar 648 has the first blind hole 722 A, 822 A, 922 A, 942 A near the first end 718 A, 818 A, 918 A, 938 A of the second side 714 , 814 , 914 , 934 , the second blind hole 722 B, 822 B, 922 B, 942 B near the first end 718 B, 818 B, 918 B, 938 B of the third side 716 , 816 , 916 , 936 , the third blind hole 7220 , 822 C, 922 C, 942 C near the second end 720 A, 820 A, 920 A, 940 A of the second side 714 , 814 , 914 , 934 , the fourth blind hole 722 D, 822 D, 922 D, 942 D near the second end 720 B, 820 B, 920 B, 940 B of the third side 716 , 816 , 916 , 936 , the fifth blind hole 722 D, 822 D, 922 D,
- each compression spring 630 has the first spring end configured to fit into one of the blind holes 650 of one of the pillars 648 , and the second spring end configured to fit into the corresponding blind hole 650 of the adjacent pillar 648 when the first and second outer sleeves 610 , 620 are interconnected to the central rotor ring 642 .
- the first side 712 of the first pillar 614 is shaped to conform to the first sector of the inner surface 706 of the first outer sleeve 610 ; the second side 714 of the first pillar 614 has the first flat surface 714 S; the third side 716 of the first pillar 614 has the second flat surface 716 S perpendicular to the edge of the first flat surface 714 S; the first side 812 of the second pillar 624 is shaped to conform to the second sector of the inner surface 806 of the second outer sleeve 620 ; the second side 814 of the second pillar 624 has the third flat surface 814 S; the third side $ 16 of the second pillar 624 has the fourth flat surface 8168 perpendicular to the edge of the third fiat surface 814 S; the first side 912 of the third pillar 644 is shaped to conform to the third sector of the inner surface 906 of the central rotor ring 642 , the second side 914 of the third pillar
- the fourth blind hole 722 D, 822 D, 922 D, 942 D near the second end 720 B, 820 B, 920 B, 940 B of the third side 716 , 816 , 916 , 936 , the lift blind hole 722 E, 822 E, 922 E, 942 E at the center 714 C, 814 C, 914 C, 934 C of the second side 714 , 814 , 914 , 934 and the sixth blind hole 722 F 822 F, 922 F, 942 F at the center 716 C, 816 C, 916 C, 936 C of the third side 716 , 816 , 916 , 936 .
- the third embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with respect to FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 .
- the third embodiment describes the method 1200 of assembling the flexure bearing 100 and the double-ended flexure bearing 600 .
- the method 1200 comprises inserting each first spring end of each compression spring 130 , 630 of the plurality of compression springs 130 , 630 into the blind hole 150 , 650 of the pillar 148 , 648 attached to the first sleeve 110 , 610 ; and inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 130 , 630 into the corresponding blind hole 150 , 650 of the adjacent pillar attached to one of the second sleeve 120 and the central rotor ring 642 .
- the method 1200 further comprises inserting the first pillar 114 and the second pillar 116 of the first sleeve 110 between the third pillar 124 and the fourth pillar 126 of the second sleeve 120 ; abutting the first sleeve 110 against the second sleeve 120 ; and inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 130 into the corresponding blind hole 150 of the adjacent pillar 148 attached to the second sleeve 120 .
- the method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the plurality of compression springs 130 includes inserting the first spring end 404 1a of the first spring 404 1 into the first blind hole 222 A of the first end 218 of the first pillar 114 ; inserting the second spring end 404 1b of the first spring 404 1 into the third blind hole 342 C of the second end 340 of the fourth pillar 126 ; inserting the first spring end 404 2a of the second spring, 404 2 into the first blind hole 242 A of the first end 238 of the second pillar 116 : inserting the second spring end 404 2b of the second spring 404 2 into the fourth blind hole 322 D of the second end 320 of the third pillar 124 ; inserting the first spring end 404 3a of the third spring 404 3 into the third blind hole 222 C of the second end 220 of the first pillar 114 ; inserting the second spring end 404 3b of the third spring 404 3 into the first blind hole 342 A of the
- the method 1200 further comprises inserting the first pillar 614 of the first sleeve 610 between the third pillar 644 and the fourth pillar 646 of the central roto ring 642 until the first sleeve 610 abuts the first edge 652 of the central rotor ring 642 ; inserting the second pillar 62 .
- adjacent pillar 648 is attached to one of the first sleeve 610 and the second sleeve 620 ; and inserting each second spring end of each compression spring 630 of the second set of the plurality of compression springs into the corresponding blind hole 650 of the adjacent pillar 648 attached to the central rotor ring 642 .
- springs 630 includes inserting the first spring end 1004 1a of the first spring 1004 1 into the first blind hole 722 A near the first end 718 of the first pillar 614 ; inserting the first spring end 1004 2a of the second spring 1004 2 into the second blind hole 722 B near the first end 718 of the first pillar 614 ; inserting the second spring end 1004 1b of the first spring 1004 1 into the second blind hole 922 B near the first end 918 of the third pillar 644 ; inserting the second spring end 1004 2b of the second spring 1004 2 into the first blind hole 942 A near the first end 938 of the fourth pillar 646 ; inserting the first spring end 1004 3a of the third spring 1004 3 into the third blind hole 722 C near the second end 720 of the first pillar 614 ; inserting the first spring end 1004 4a of the fourth spring 1004 4 into the fourth blind hole 7
- the method of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the second set of the plurality of compression springs 630 includes inserting the first spring end 1004 9a of the nineth spring 1004 9 into the third blind hole 822 C of the second end 820 of the second pillar 624 ; inserting the first spring end 1004 10a of the tenth spring 1004 10 into the fourth blind hole 822 D of the second end 820 of the second pillar 624 ; inserting the first spring end 1004 11a of the eleventh spring 1004 11 into the first blind hole 822 A of the first end 818 of the second pillar 624 ; inserting the first spring end 1004 12a of the twelfth spring 1004 12 into the second blind hole 822 B of the first end 818 of the second pillar 624 - inserting the second spring end 1004 9b of the nineth spring 1004 9 into the first blind hole 922 A of the first end 918 of the third pillar 646 ; inserting the second spring end 1004 10b of the tenth spring
- the method 1200 further comprising compressing each compression spring 130 , 630 before inserting; each second spring end of each compression spring 130 , 630 into the corresponding blind hole 150 , 650 of the adjacent pillar 148 , 648 .
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Abstract
A flexure bearing having a first sleeve and a. second sleeve is provided. Each sleeve includes a first pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve and a second pillar having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second end projecting outwardly from the sleeve parallel to and diametrically opposed to the first pillar. The flexure hearing has a plurality of blind holes and a plurality of compression springs, each compression spring having a first spring end fit into one of the blind holes of a pillar of the first sleeve and a second spring end fit into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is interconnected to the first sleeve.
Description
- The present disclosure is directed to bearings used for compliant mechanisms and, more particularly, relates to flexure bearings and methods of assembling the flexure bearings.
- The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.
- Bearings are generally used in various industrial applications to facilitate rotational or linear movement between two components. When such bearings are used for relative movements between two components, lubrication is applied in the bearings to ease operation thereof and to minimize wear in the moving components, which in turn increase productive life of the components. In some industrial applications, bearings may be used for facilitating movement between two or three elements, however, there is a restriction or limitation to use lubricants for the bearings. In such kind of applications, flexure bearings are used to serve the same function as of the conventional bearings to facilitate movement between the elements, however, the flexure bearings provide limited angle of rotation. Also, the flexure bearings eliminate the need of lubrication.
- In the existing designs, the movement of the flexure bearings is achieved by deformation of blade flexures, which experience cyclic fatigue loads. Further, the angle of rotation achieved in the existing flexure beating design is ±20 degrees. Conventional flexure bearings experience fatigue failure due to cyclic loads and thus the blade design may not be a viable solution in an application that is exposed to vibration which may cause damage or lead to failure of the equipment. Also, acceptable corrosion rate of the existing design is limited because of tight dimensional tolerance between the blades and housing of the flexure bearings. Hence, there remains a need to develop a flexure bearing that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings of the existing flexure bearing design. Further, the existing designs suffer from one or more drawbacks hindering their adoption.
- Accordingly, it is one object of the present disclosure to provide a flexure bearing that has enhanced fatigue life and can be useful for application that is exposed to vibration.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a flexure bearing is described. The flexure bearing includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Each sleeve includes a first pillar having three sides, and a first end of the first pillar is attached to an inside wall of the sleeve, and a second end of the first pillar projects outwardly from the sleeve parallel to an axis of the sleeve. Each sleeve further includes a second pillar having three sides, and a first end of the second pillar is attached to the inside wall of the sleeve, and a second end of the second pillar projects outwardly from the sleeve such that the second pillar is parallel to and diametrically opposed to the first pillar. The flexure bearing further includes a plurality of blind holes, each blind hole near each of the first end and the second end of each pillar. The flexure bearing further includes a plurality of compression springs, each compression spring having a first spring end configured to fit into one of the blind holes of a pillar of the first sleeve and a second spring end configured to fit into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is interconnected to the first sleeve.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a double-ended flexure bearing is described. The double-ended flexure bearing includes a first outer sleeve including a first pillar which projects outwardly from the first outer sleeve in a first direction, a second outer sleeve including a second pillar which projects outwardly from the second outer sleeve in a second direction, and a central rotor ring having an axis concentric with the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve. The central rotor ring is configured to engage with and connect to the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve along the axis. The central rotor ring includes a third pillar which projects outwardly from the central rotor ring in the first direction and in the second direction, a fourth pillar which projects outwardly from the central rotor ring in the first direction and in the second direction, and a plurality of blind holes in each pillar. The double-ended flexure bearing further includes a plurality of compression springs configured to connect each of the plurality of blind holes of each pillar to a blind hole of an adjacent pillar such that the first outer sleeve abuts a first edge of the central rotor ring and the second outer sleeve abuts a second edge of the central rotor ring.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a flexure bearing is described. The method incudes inserting each first spring end of each compression spring of a plurality of compression springs into a blind hole of a pillar attached to a first sleeve, and inserting each second spring end of each compression spring into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar attached to one of a second sleeve and a central rotor ring.
- The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure, and are not restrictive.
- A more complete appreciation of this disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a. flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first sleeve of the flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′of the first sleeve ofFIG. 2A showing a first pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A′of the first sleeve ofFIG. 2A showing a second pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a second sleeve of the flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′of the second sleeve ofFIG. 3A showing a first pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along, the line B-B′of the second sleeve ofFIG. 3A showing a second pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 5A is a front view of the flexure bearing ofFIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 5B is a rear view of the flexure bearing ofFIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a double-ended flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first outer sleeve of the double-ended flexure bearing ofFIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C′of the first outer sleeve ofFIG. 7A showing a first pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a second outer sleeve of the double-ended flexure bearing ofFIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D′of the second outer sleeve ofFIG. 8A showing a second pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a central rotor ring of the double-ended flexure bearing ofFIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E′of the central rotor ring ofFIG. 9A showing a third pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E′of the central rotor ring of 9A showing a fourth pillar thereof, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the double-ended flexure bearing, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 11 is an exemplary illustration of implementation of the flexure bearing ofFIG. 1 in an industrial application, according to certain embodiments. -
FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart of a method of assembling the flexure bearing ofFIG. 1 and the double-ended flexure bearing ofFIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments. - In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words “a,” “an” and the like generally carry a meaning of “one or more,” unless stated otherwise.
- Furthermore, the terms “approximately” “approximate,” “about,”and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include the identified value within a margin of 20%, 10%, or preferably 5%, and any values therebetween.
- The word compliant as used in the present disclosure is defined as flexible, i.e., able to bend.
- In a non-limiting example, a compliant mechanism may be a robotic joint. In another non-limiting example, a compliant mechanism may be any one of a strut joint, a tie rod joint, a steering shaft joint, and the like.
- Aspects of this disclosure are directed to a single-ended flexure bearing and a double-ended flexure bearing for compliant mechanisms used in industrial applications and methods of assembling the flexure bearings. The flexure bearing includes two or three sleeves each having one or more pillars connected through multiple compression springs. Each compression spring is disposed between two adjacent pillars and mounted on blind holes provided in opposing side surfaces of the adjacent pillars. The compression springs are positioned between the adjacent pillars in compression state such that they are firmly mounted within the flexure bearing.
- The bearing of the present disclosure may be used in applications such as precision measuring equipment, a spacecraft thruster, an antenna, in solar array systems, as a haptic pantograph mechanism, an antenna pointing mechanism, scanning space mechanisms, and the like.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , a perspective view of aflexure bearing 100 is illustrated. Theflexure bearing 100 includes afirst sleeve 110 and asecond sleeve 120 coupled to each other with a plurality of compression springs 130. Thefirst sleeve 110 includes a firstcircular body 112 having afirst pillar 114 and asecond pillar 116 attached thereto and thesecond sleeve 120 includes a secondcircular body 122 having afirst pillar 124, which is otherwise referred to as ‘the third pillar 124’, and asecond pillar 126, which is otherwise referred to as ‘the fourth pillar 126’, attached thereto. Thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 are collectively referred to as ‘the sleeves 140’ and individually referred to as ‘the sleeve 140’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. In particular, thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110 are attached to the firstcircular body 112 such that they are diametrically opposite to each other. Further, thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110 are integrally formed with the firstcircular body 112. Alternatively, thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 may be individual components and separately attached to the firstcircular body 112. Similarly, thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 of thesecond sleeve 120 are attached to the secondcircular body 122 such that they are diametrically opposite to each other. Further, thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 are integrally formed with the secondcircular body 122. Alternatively, thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 may be individual components and separately attached to the secondcircular body 122. Thefirst pillar 114, thesecond pillar 116, thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 are collectively referred to as ‘the pillars 148’ and individually referred to as ‘the pillar 148’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. In a nonlimiting example, construction and dimensional specifications of thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 are identical and they are positioned 90 degrees apart with respect to a central axis ‘L’ of theflexure bearing 100 to couple each other with the help of the plurality of compression springs 130. Theflexure bearing 100 further includes a plurality ofblind holes 150 defined in thefirst pillar 114, thesecond pillar 116, thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 to engage with the plurality of compression springs 130. Thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 are coupled in such a way that agap 160 is defined therebetween to provide rotational movement to thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 with respect to each other. - Referring to
FIG. 2A , a perspective view of thefirst sleeve 110 is illustrated. Thefirst sleeve 110 includes the firstcircular body 112 having awall 202 defining anouter surface 204 and aninner surface 206. The firstcircular body 112 has an outer diameter defined by theouter surface 204 of thewall 202. In an example, the outer diameter of the firstcircular body 112 may be 110 millimeters (mm). Thewall 202 has a thickness defined radially between theouter surface 204 and theinner surface 206 thereof In an example, the thickness of thewall 202 may be 7 mm. Further, the firstcircular body 112 has a width defined longitudinally between afirst edge 208 and asecond edge 210 thereof. In an example, the width of the firstcircular body 112 may be 54 mm. Thefirst pillar 114 is an elongated body having a length equal to or less than twice the width of the firstcircular body 112. Thefirst pillar 114 includes three sides such as afirst side 212, asecond side 214, and athird side 216. Further, thefirst pillar 114 includes afirst end 218 attached to an inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner surface 206 of thewall 202, of thefirst sleeve 110 and asecond end 220 projects outwardly from thefirst sleeve 110 parallel to an axis ‘L1’ of thefirst sleeve 110. - Referring to
FIG. 2B , a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′ of thefirst sleeve 110 is illustrated to show thefirst pillar 114. Referring toFIGS. 2A-2B , thefirst side 212 of thefirst pillar 114 is shaped to confirm to a sector of an inner surface of thesleeve 140, particularly, theinner surface 206 of thewall 202 of the firstcircular body 112 of thefirst sleeve 110. Thefirst side 212 of thefirst pillar 114 has a curved surface 212S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of theinner surface 206 of thewall 202 of the firstcircular body 112. Thesecond side 214 of thefirst pillar 114 has a firstflat surface 214S and thethird side 216 of thefirst pillar 114 has a second flat surface 216S perpendicular to an edge of the firstflat surface 214S. The curved surface 2125, the firstflat surface 214S and the second flat surface 216S together define an outer surface of thefirst pillar 114. - As shown in
FIG. 2B , thefirst pillar 114 has a firstblind hole 222A near afirst end 218A of thesecond side 214, a secondblind hole 222B near afirst end 218B of thethird side 216, a thirdblind hole 222C near asecond end 220A of thesecond side 214, and a fourthblind hole 222D near a second end 220E of thethird side 216. Particularly, the firstblind hole 222A and the thirdblind hole 222C are defined in the firstflat surface 214S, and the secondblind hole 222B and the fourthblind hole 222D are defined in the second flat surface 216S. The firstblind hole 222A, the secondblind hole 222B, the thirdblind hole 222C, and the fourthblind hole 222D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Eachblind hole 150 has a circular cross section and has a diameter. In an example, the diameter of eachblind hole 150 may be 14 mm. Thefirst end 218A of thesecond side 214 and thefirst end 218B of thethird side 216 are collectively or individually referred to as the first end(s) 218′ of thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond end 220A of thesecond side 214 and thesecond end 220B of thethird side 216 are collectively or individually referred to as the second end(s) 220′ of thefirst pillar 114 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Each of the firstblind hole 222A and the secondblind hole 222B is defined at an offset distance from an edge of thefirst end 218A of thesecond side 214 and an edge from thefirst end 218B of thethird side 216, respectively. Similarly, each of the third blind hole 2224 and the fourthblind hole 222D is defined at an offset distance from an edge of thesecond end 220A of thesecond side 214 and an edge from thesecond end 220B of thethird side 216, respectively. The offset distance may be defined as a distance between the edge of thefirst end 218 of thefirst pillar 114 and a center of theblind hole 150. In an example, the offset distance may be 20 mm. - Referring to
FIG. 2C , a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A′ of thefirst sleeve 110 is illustrated to show thesecond pillar 116. Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2C , thesecond pillar 116 is an elongated body having a length equal to the length of thefirst pillar 114 and includes three sides such as afirst side 232, asecond side 234, and athird side 236. Further, thesecond pillar 116 includes afirst end 238 attached to the inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner surface 206 of thewall 202 of thefirst sleeve 110 diametrically opposite to thefirst pillar 114 and asecond end 240 projects outwardly from thefirst sleeve 110 parallel to the axis ‘L1’ and thefirst pillar 114 of thefirst sleeve 110. Thefirst side 232 of thesecond pillar 116 is shaped to confirm to a sector of the inner surface of thesleeve 140, particularly, theinner surface 206 of thewall 202 of the firstcircular body 112. Thefirst side 232 of thesecond pillar 116 has a curved surface 232S defined by a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of theinner surface 206 of thewall 202 of the firstcircular body 112. Thesecond side 234 of thesecond pillar 116 has a firstflat surface 234S and thethird side 236 of thesecond pillar 116 has a secondflat surface 2368 perpendicular to an edge of the firstflat surface 234S. The curved surface 232S, the firstflat surface 234S and the second flat surface 236S together define an outer surface of thesecond pillar 116. - As shown in
FIG. 2C , thesecond pillar 116 has a firstblind hole 242A near afirst end 238A of thesecond side 234, a secondblind hole 242B near afirst end 238B of thethird side 236, a thirdblind hole 242C near asecond end 240A of thesecond side 234, and a fourthblind hole 242D near asecond end 240B of thethird side 236. Particularly, the firstblind hole 242A and the thirdblind hole 242C are defined in the firstflat surface 234S, and the secondblind hole 242B and the fourthblind hole 242D are defined in the second flat surface 236S of thesecond pillar 116. The firstblind hole 242A, the secondblind hole 242B, the thirdblind hole 242C, and the fourthblind hole 242D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thefirst end 238A of thesecond side 234 and thefirst end 238B of thethird side 236 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end 238’ of thesecond pillar 116 and thesecond end 240A of thesecond side 234 and thesecond end 240B of thethird side 236 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second side 240’ of thesecond pillar 116 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. The dimensional specifications of theblind holes 150 and the offset distance of thesecond pillar 116 are identical to that of thefirst pillar 114. - Referring to
FIG. 3A , a perspective view of thesecond sleeve 120 is illustrated. Thesecond sleeve 120 includes the secondcircular body 122 having awall 302 defining anouter surface 304 and aninner surface 306. The secondcircular body 122 has an outer diameter defined by theouter surface 304, a thickness defined radially between theouter surface 304 and theinner surface 306, and a width defined longitudinally between afirst edge 308 and asecond edge 310, which are equal to that of the firstcircular body 112. Thethird pillar 124 is an elongated body having a length equal to or less than twice the width of the secondcircular body 122 and includes three sides such as afirst side 312, asecond side 314, and athird side 316. Further, thethird pillar 124 includes afirst end 318 attached to an inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner surface 306 of thewall 302, of thesecond sleeve 120 and asecond end 320 projects outwardly from thesecond sleeve 120 parallel to an axis of thesecond sleeve 120. - Referring to
FIG. 3B , a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′ of thesecond sleeve 120 is illustrated to show thethird pillar 124. Referring toFIGS. 3A-3B , thefirst side 312 of thethird pillar 124 is shaped to confirm to a sector of an inner surface of thesleeve 140, or theinner surface 306 of thewall 302 of the secondcircular body 122. Particularly, thefirst side 312 of thethird pillar 124 has a curved surface 312S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of theinner surface 306 of thewall 302 of the secondcircular body 122. Thesecond side 314 of thethird pillar 124 has a first flat surface 314S and thethird side 316 of thethird pillar 124 has a secondflat surface 316S perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface 314S. The curved surface 312S, the first flat surface 314S and the secondflat surface 316S together define an outer surface of thethird pillar 124. - As shown in
FIG. 3B , thethird pillar 124 has a firstblind hole 322A near afirst end 318A of thesecond side 314, a secondblind hole 322B near afirst end 318B of thethird side 316, a thirdblind hole 322C near asecond end 320A of thesecond side 314, and a fourthblind hole 322D near asecond end 320B of thethird side 316. Particularly, the firstblind hole 322A and the thirdblind hole 322C are defined in the first flat surface 314S, and the secondblind hole 322B and the fourthblind hole 322D are defined in the secondflat surface 316S. The firstblind hole 322A, the secondblind hole 322B, the thirdblind hole 322C, and the fourthblind hole 322D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thefirst end 318A of thesecond side 314 and thefirst end 318B of thethird side 316 are collectively referred to as ‘the first end(s) 318’ of thethird pillar 124 and thesecond end 320A of thesecond side 314 and thesecond end 320B of thethird side 316 are collectively referred to as ‘the second end(s) 320’ of thethird pillar 124 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. - Referring to
FIG. 3C , a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B′ of thesecond sleeve 120 is illustrated to show thefourth pillar 126. Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3C , thefourth pillar 126 is an elongated body having a length equal to the length of thethird pillar 124 and includes three sides such as afirst side 332, asecond side 334, and athird side 336. Further, thefourth pillar 126 includes afirst end 338 attached to the inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner surface 306 of thewall 302, of thesecond sleeve 120 diametrically opposite to thethird pillar 124 and asecond end 340 projects outwardly from thesecond sleeve 120 parallel to the axis ‘L2’ and thethird pillar 124 of thesecond sleeve 120. Thefirst side 332 of thefourth pillar 126 is shaped to confine to a sector of the inner surface of thesleeve 140, or theinner surface 306 of thewall 302 of the secondcircular body 122. Particularly, thefirst side 332 of thesecond pillar 126 has a curved surface 332S defined by a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of theinner surface 306 of thewall 302 of the secondcircular body 122. Thesecond side 334 of thefourth pillar 126 has a firstflat surface 334S and thethird side 336 of thefourth pillar 126 has a secondflat surface 336S perpendicular to an edge of the firstflat surface 334S. The curved surface 332S, the firstflat surface 334S and the secondflat surface 336S together define an outer surface of thefourth pillar 126. - As shown in
FIG. 3C , thefourth pillar 126 has a firstblind hole 342A near afirst end 338A of thesecond side 334, a second blind hole 342E near afast end 338B of thethud side 336, a thirdblind hole 342C near asecond end 340A of thesecond side 334, and a fourthblind hole 342D near asecond end 340B of thethird side 336. Particularly, the firstblind hole 342A and the thirdblind hole 342C are defined in the firstflat surface 334S, and the second blind hole 3428 and the fourthblind hole 342D are defined in the secondflat surface 336S. The firstblind hole 342A, the secondblind hole 342B, the thirdblind hole 3420, and the fourthblind hole 342D are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 150’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 150’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thefirst end 338A of thesecond side 334 and thefirst end 338B of thethird side 336 are collectively referred to as ‘the first end(s) 338’ of thefourth pillar 126 and thesecond end 340A of thesecond side 334 and thesecond end 340B of thethird side 336 are collectively referred to as ‘the second end(s) 340’ of thefourth pillar 126 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , an exploded view of theflexure bearing 100 is illustrated. Theflexure bearing 100 includes a plurality ofend caps 402 configured to engage with the plurality ofblind holes 150. The plurality ofend caps 402 includes afirst cap 402 1, asecond cap 402 2, athird cap 402 3, and afourth cap 402 4 configured to engage with the firstblind hole 222A, the secondblind hole 222B, the thirdblind hole 222C, and the fourthblind hole 222D, respectively, of thefirst pillar 114 of thefirst sleeve 110. The plurality of end caps 420 further includes afifth cap 402 5, asixth cap 402 6, aseventh cap 402 7, and an eightcap 402 8 configured to engage with the firstblind hole 242A, the second blind hole 24213, the thirdblind hole 242C, and the fourthblind hole 242D, respectively, of thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110. The plurality ofend caps 402 further includes anineth cap 402 9, atenth cap 402 10, aneleventh cap 402 11, and atwelfth cap 402 12 configured to engage with the firstblind hole 322A, the secondblind hole 322B, the thirdblind hole 322C, and the fourthblind hole 322D, respectively, of thethird pillar 124 of thesecond sleeve 120. The plurality ofend caps 402 further includes athirteenth cap 402 13, afourteenth cap 402 14, afifteenth cap 402 15, and asixteenth cap 402 16 configured to engage with the firstblind hole 342A, the secondblind hole 342B, the thirdblind hole 342C, and the fourthblind hole 342D, respectively, of thefourth pillar 126 of thesecond sleeve 120. The plurality ofend caps 402 may be individually referred to as ‘the end cap 402’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. - The
end cap 402 is a hollow cylindrical body having a diameter, otherwise referred to as the outer diameter, equal to the diameter of theblind hole 150 such that theend cap 402 is slidably received within theblind hole 150. Further, theend cap 402 has a length equal to a depth of theblind hole 150 such that theend cap 402 is received within theblind hole 150 without leaving any portion thereof projected outside theblind hole 150. Theend cap 402 is further configured to engage with an end of each of the compression springs 130. Particularly, theend cap 402 has an inner diameter greater than or equal to an outer diameter of thecompression spring 130 such that the end of thecompression spring 130 is slidably received within theend cap 402. During an assembly of theflexure bearing 100, in one example, theend cap 402 may be firmly engaged within theblind hole 150 such that thesleeve 140 and theblind hole 150 may be formed as one component. In another example, theend cap 402 may be attached to the ends of thecompression spring 130 such that thecompression spring 130 and the end caps $02 together may be formed as one component. - The plurality of compression springs 130 includes a
first compression spring 404 1 haying afirst spring end 404 1a and asecond spring end 404 1b, a second compress onspring 404 2 having afirst spring end 404 2a and asecond spring end 404 2b, athird compression spring 404 3 having afirst spring end 404 3a, and asecond spring end 404 3b, afourth compression spring 404 4 having afirst spring end 404 4a and asecond spring end 404 4b, afifth compression spring 404 5 having afirst spring end 404 5a and asecond spring end 404 5b, asixth compression spring 404 6 having afirst spring end 404 6a and asecond spring end 404 6b, aseventh compression spring 404 7 having afirst spring end 404 7a and asecond spring end 404 7b, and aneighth compression spring 404 8 having afirst spring end 404 8a and asecond spring end 404 8b configured to rotatably couple thefirst sleeve 110 with thesecond sleeve 120. Eachcompression spring 130 has the first spring end configured to fit into one of theblind holes 150 of thepillar 148 of thefirst sleeve 110 and the second spring end configured to fit into a correspondingblind hole 150 of anadjacent pillar 150 of thesecond sleeve 120 when thesecond sleeve 120 is interconnected to thefirst sleeve 110. The plurality of compression springs 130 is individually referred to as thecompression spring 130′ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thecompression spring 130 is alternatively referred to ‘the spring 130’ and, for example, thefirst compression spring 404 1 is alternatively referred to as ‘the first spring 404 1’. Thecompression spring 130 is a helical compression spring, Thecompression spring 130 has a length at least three tunes of the depth of theblind hole 150. Eachcompression spring 130 includes a first spring end configured to engage with anend cap 402, otherwise referred to as ‘the first end cap 402’, and a second spring end configured to engage with anend cap 402, otherwise referred to as ‘the second end cap 402’. - Referring to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the flexure bearing 100 ofFIG. 1 are rated. Referring toFIGS. 1 through 5B , during an assembly of theflexure bearing 100, thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 are aligned at an offset angle of 90 degrees with respect to the central axis ‘L’ of theflexure bearing 100. In a nonlimiting example, thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110 are aligned vertically and thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 of thesecond sleeve 120 are positioned horizontally such that the first and thesecond sleeves first pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110 are inserted between thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 of thesecond sleeve 120. Thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 are engaged in such a way that thegap 160 is defined between thesecond edge 210 of thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond edge 310 of thesecond sleeve 120. In an example, thegap 160 between thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 may be 2 mm. When thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 are assembled with thegap 160 therebetween, theblind holes 150 of thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 are aligned with correspondingblind holes 150 of thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126. Further, the first spring end of eachcompression spring 130 is inserted into theblind holes 150 of the first andsecond pillars first sleeve 110 and the second spring end of eachcompression spring 130 is inserted into the correspondingblind holes 150 of the third andfourth pillars second sleeve 120. The end caps 402 may be inserted within theblind holes 150 of thesleeves 140 during the manufacturing thereof. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , a perspective view of a double-ended flexure bearing 600 is illustrated. The double-ended flexure bearing 600 includes a firstouter sleeve 610, alternatively referred to as ‘the first sleeve 610’, and a secondouter sleeve 620, alternatively referred to as ‘the second sleeve 620’ coupled to each other with a plurality of compression springs 630. The firstouter sleeve 610 includes a firstcircular body 612 having afirst pillar 614 attached thereto and the secondouter sleeve 620 includes a. secondcircular body 622 having asecond pillar 624 attached thereto. Further, thefirst pillar 614 of the firstouter sleeve 610 and thesecond pillar 624 of the secondouter sleeve 620 are integrally formed with the firstcircular body 612 and the secondcircular body 622, respectively. Alternatively, thefirst pillar 614 and thesecond pillar 624 may be individual components and separately attached to the firstcircular body 612 and the secondcircular body 622, respectively, The firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620 are collectively referred to as ‘the sleeves 640’ and individually referred to as ‘the sleeve 640’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. In a nonlimiting example, construction and dimensional specifications of the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620 are identical and they are positioned 180 degrees apart with respect to a central axis ‘LA’ of the double-ended flexure bearing 600 to couple each other with the help of the plurality of compression springs 630. - The double-ended flexure bearing 600 further includes a
central rotor ring 642 configured to engage with and connect to the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620. Thecentral rotor ring 642 includes athird pillar 644 and afourth pillar 646 configured to engage with thefirst pillar 614 of the firstouter sleeve 610 and thesecond pillar 624 of the secondouter sleeve 620 using the plurality of compression springs 630, Particularly, thecentral rotor ring 642 is disposed between the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620 and coaxially aligned with the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620 to engage therewith using the plurality of compression springs 630. Thefirst pillar 614, thesecond pillar 624, thethird pillar 644, and thefourth pillar 646 are collectively referred to as ‘the pillars 648’ and individually referred to as ‘the pillar 648’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Each of thefirst pillar 614, thesecond pillar 624, thethird pillar 644 and thefourth pillar 646 includes a plurality ofblind holes 650, which is individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650’. The plurality of compression springs 630 is configured to connect each of the plurality ofblind holes 650 of eachpillar 648 to ablind hole 650 of anadjacent pillar 648, such that the firstouter sleeve 610 abuts afirst edge 652 of thecentral rotor ring 642 and the secondouter sleeve 620 abuts asecond edge 654 of thecentral rotor ring 642. The firstouter sleeve 610, the secondouter sleeve 620, and thecentral rotor ring 642 are coupled in such a way that afirst gap 660A is defined between the firstouter sleeve 610 and thecentral rotor ring 642 and asecond gap 660B is defined between the secondouter sleeve 620 and thecentral rotor ring 642 to provide rotational movement with respect to each other. - Referring to
FIG. 7A , a perspective view of the firstouter sleeve 610 is illustrated. The firstouter sleeve 610 includes the firstcircular body 612 having awall 702 defining anouter surface 704 and aninner surface 706. The firstcircular body 612 has an outer diameter defined by theouter surface 704 of the all 702, a thickness defined radially between theouter surface 704 and theinner surface 706, and a width defined longitudinally between afirst edge 708 and asecond edge 710. Thefirst pillar 614 is an elongated body that projects outwardly from the firstouter sleeve 610 in a first direction ‘DI’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the firstcircular body 612. Thefirst pillar 614 includes three sides such as afirst side 712, asecond side 714, and athird side 716. Further, thefirst pillar 614 includes afirst end 718 attached to a first inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner au face 706 of thewall 702, of the firstouter sleeve 610 and asecond end 720 projects outwardly from the firstouter sleeve 610 parallel to an axis ‘LA1’ of the firstouter sleeve 610. Particularly, a first end 718C of thefirst side 712 of thefirst pillar 614 is attached to the first inside wall of the firstouter sleeve 610. - Referring to
FIG. 7B , a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C′ of the firstouter sleeve 610 is illustrated to show thefirst pillar 614. Referring toFIGS. 7A-7B , thefirst side 712 of thefirst pillar 614 is shaped to confirm to the first inside wall of the firstouter sleeve 610. Particularly, thefirst side 712 of thefirst pillar 614 is shaped to confirm to a first sector of an inner surface, which is otherwise referred to as theinner surface 706 of thewall 702 of the firstcircular body 612, of the firstouter sleeve 610. Thefirst side 712 of thefirst pillar 614 has a curved surface 712S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of theinner surface 706 of thewall 702 of the firstcircular body 612. Thesecond side 714 of thefirst pillar 614 has a first flat surface 714S and thethird side 716 of thefirst pillar 614 has a second flat surface 716S perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface 714S. The curved surface 712S, the first flat surface 714S and the second flat surface 716S together define an outer surface of thefirst pillar 614. - As shown in
FIG. 7B , thefirst pillar 614 has a firstblind hole 722A near afirst end 718A of thesecond side 714, a secondblind hole 722B near afirst end 718B of thethird side 716, a thirdblind hole 722C near asecond end 720A of thesecond side 714, and a fourthblind hole 722D near asecond end 720B of thethird side 716, a fifthblind hole 722E at a center 714C of thesecond side 714 and a sixthblind hole 722F at acenter 716C of thethird side 716. Particularly, the firstblind hole 722A, the thirdblind hole 722C and the fifthblind hole 722E are defined in the first flat surface 714S, and the secondblind hole 722B, the fourthblind hole 722D and the sixthblind hole 722F are defined in the second fiat surface 716S. The firstblind hole 722A, the secondblind hole 722B, the thirdblind hole 722C, the fourthblind hole 722D, the fifthblind hole 722E and the sixthblind hole 722F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thefirst end 718A of thesecond side 714, thefirst end 718B of thethird side 716 and the first end 718C of thefirst side 712 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 718’ of thefirst pillar 614 and thesecond end 720A of thesecond side 714 and thesecond end 720B of thethird side 716 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second end(s) 720’ of thefirst pillar 614 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. - Referring to
FIG. 8A , a perspective view of the secondouter sleeve 620 is illustrated. The secondouter sleeve 620 includes the secondcircular body 622 having awall 802 defining anouter surface 804 and aninner surface 806. The secondcircular body 622 has an outer diameter defined by theouter surface 804 of thewall 802, a thickness defined radially between theouter surface 804 and theinner surface 806, and a width defined longitudinally between afirst edge 808 and asecond edge 810. Thesecond pillar 624 is an elongated body that projects outwardly from the secondouter sleeve 620 in a second direction ‘D2’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the secondcircular body 622. Thesecond pillar 624 includes three sides such as afirst side 812, asecond side 814, and athird side 816. Further, thesecond pillar 624 includes afirst end 818 attached to a second inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner surface 806 of thewall 802, of the secondouter sleeve 620 and asecond end 820 projects outwardly from the secondouter sleeve 620 parallel to an axis ‘LA2’ of the secondouter sleeve 620. Particularly, afirst end 818C of thefirst side 812 of thesecond pillar 624 is attached to the second inside wall of the secondouter sleeve 620. - Referring to
FIG. 8B , a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D′ of the secondouter sleeve 620 is illustrated to show thesecond pillar 624. Referring toFIGS. 8A-8B , thefirst side 812 of thesecond pillar 624 is shaped to confirm to the second inside wall of the secondouter sleeve 620. Particularly, thefirst side 812 of thesecond pillar 624 is shaped to confirm to a second sector of an inner surface, which is otherwise referred to as theinner surface 806 of thewall 802 of the secondcircular body 622, of the secondouter sleeve 620. Thefirst side 812 of thesecond pillar 624 has a curved surface 812S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of theinner surface 806 of thewall 802 of the secondcircular body 622. Thesecond side 814 of thesecond pillar 624 has a third flat surface 814S, alternatively referred to as ‘the first flat surface 814S’ and thethird side 816 of thesecond pillar 624 has a fourth flat surface 816S, alternatively referred to as ‘the second flat surface 816S’, perpendicular to an edge of the third flat surface 814S. The curved surface 812S, the third flat surface 814S and the fourth flat surface 816S together define an outer surface of thesecond pillar 624. - As shown in
FIG. 8B , thesecond pillar 624 has a firstblind hole 822A near afirst end 818A of thesecond side 814, a secondblind hole 822B near afirst end 818B of thethird side 816, a thirdblind hole 822C near asecond end 820A of thesecond side 814, and a fourthblind hole 822D near asecond end 820B of thethird side 816, a fifthblind hole 822E at acenter 814C of thesecond side 814 and a sixthblind hole 822F at a center 8160 of thethird side 816. Particularly, the firstblind hole 822A, the thirdblind hole 822C and the fifthblind hole 822E are defined in the third flat surface 814S, and the secondblind hole 822B, the fourthblind hole 822D and the sixthblind hole 822F are defined in the fourth flat surface 816S. The firstblind hole 822A, the secondblind hole 822B, the thirdblind hole 822C, the fourthblind hole 822D, the fifthblind hole 822E and the sixthblind hole 822F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thefirst end 818A of thesecond side 814, thefirst end 818B of thethird side 816 and thefirst end 818C for thefirst side 812 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 818’ of thesecond pillar 624 and thesecond end 820A of thesecond side 814 and thesecond end 820B of thethird side 816 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second end(s) 820’ of thesecond pillar 624 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. - Referring to
FIG. 9A , a perspective view of thecentral rotor ring 642 is illustrated. Thecentral rotor ring 642 includes a thirdcircular body 901 having awall 902 defining anouter surface 904 and aninner surface 906. The thirdcircular body 901 has an outer diameter defined by theouter surface 904 of thewall 902, a thickness defined radially between theouter surface 904 and theinner surface 906 and a width defined longitudinally between thefirst edge 652 and thesecond edge 654. Thecentral rotor ring 642 has an axis ‘LA3’ concentric with the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620 at an assembled condition of the double-endedflexure bearing 600. Particularly, the axis ‘LA3’ of thecentral rotor ring 642 is coaxial with the axis ‘LA1’ and the axis ‘LA2’ of the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620, respectively. Thethird pillar 644 is an elongated body that projects outwardly from thecentral rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D1’ and the in the second direction ‘D2’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the firstouter sleeve 610 or the secondouter sleeve 620. The third.pillar 644 includes three sides such as afirst side 912, asecond side 914 and athird side 916. Further, thethird pillar 644 includes afirst end 918 projects outwardly from thecentral rotor ring 642 in the second direction ‘D2’ and asecond end 920 projects outwardly from thecentral rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D1’ parallel to the axis ‘LA3’ of thecentral rotor ring 642. Acenter 912C of thefirst side 912 of thethird pillar 644 is attached to a first sector of a third inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner surface 906 of thewall 902, of thecentral rotor ring 642. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E′ of thecentral rotor ring 642 is illustrated to show thethird pillar 644. Referring toFIGS. 9A-9B , thefirst side 912 of thethird pillar 644 is shaped to confirm to a third sector of an inner surface, particularly, theinner surface 906 of thewall 902 of the thirdcircular body 901, of thecentral rotor ring 642. Thefirst side 912 of thethird pillar 644 has a curved surface 912S defined by a radius of curvature equal to a radius of curvature of theinner surface 906 of thewall 902 of the thirdcircular body 901. Thesecond side 914 of thethird pillar 644 has a fifthflat surface 914S, alternatively referred to as ‘the firstflat surface 914S’, and thethird side 916 of thethird pillar 644 has a sixth flat surface 916S, alternatively referred to as ‘the second flat surface 816S’, perpendicular to an edge of the fifthflat surface 914S. The curved surface 912S, the fifthflat surface 914S and the sixth flat surface 9165 together define an outer surface of thethird pillar 644. - As shown in
FIG. 9B , thethird pillar 644 has a firstblind hole 922A near a first end 918A of thesecond side 914, a secondblind hole 922B near afirst end 918B of thethird side 916, a thirdblind hole 922C near asecond end 920A of thesecond side 914, and a fourthblind hole 922D near asecond end 920B of thethird side 916, a fifthblind hole 922E at acenter 914C of thesecond side 914 and a sixthblind hole 922E at a center 916C of thethird side 916. Particularly, the firstblind hole 922A, the thirdblind hole 922C and the fifthblind hole 922E are defined in thefifth fiat surface 914S, and the secondblind hole 922B, the fourthblind hole 922D and the sixthblind hole 922F are defined in the sixth flat surface 916S. The firstblind hole 922A, the secondblind hole 922B, the thirdblind hole 922C, the fourthblind hole 922D, the fifthblind hole 922E and the sixthblind hole 922F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. The first end 918A of thesecond side 914 and thefirst end 918B of thethird side 916 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 918’ of thethird pillar 644 and thesecond end 920A of thesecond side 914 and thesecond end 920B of thethird side 916 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second end(s) 920’ of thethird pillar 644 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. - Referring to
FIG. 9C , a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E′ of thecentral rotor ring 642 is illustrated to show thefourth pillar 646. Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9C , thefourth pillar 646 is an elongated body that protects outwardly from thecentral rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D1’ and the in the second direction ‘D2’ and has a length equal to or less than thrice the width of the firstouter sleeve 610 or the secondouter sleeve 620. Thefourth pillar 646 includes three sides such as afirst side 932, asecond side 934, and athird side 936/ Further. thefourth pillar 646 includes afirst end 938 projects outwardly from thecentral rotor ring 642 in the second direction ‘D2’ and asecond end 940 projects outwardly from thecentral rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘DI’ parallel to the axis ‘LA3’ of thecentral rotor ring 642. Acenter 932C of thefirst side 932 of thefourth pillar 646 is attached to a second sector of the third inside wall, otherwise referred to as theinner surface 906 of thewall 902, of thecentral rotor ring 642 diametrically opposite to thethird pillar 644. Particularly, the first sector is diametrically opposed to the second vector of thecentral rotor ring 642. Thefirst side 932 of thefourth pillar 646 is shaped to confirm to the fourth sector of an inner surface of thecentral rotor ring 642, particularly, theinner surface 906 of thewall 902 of the thirdcircular body 901. Thefirst side 932 of thefourth pillar 646 has a curved surface 932S defined b a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of theinner surface 906 of thewall 902 of the thirdcircular body 901. Thesecond side 934 of thefourth pillar 646 has a seventh flat surface 934S, alternatively referred to as ‘the first flat surface 934S’, and the third.side 936 of thefourth pillar 646 has an eighthflat surface 936S, alternatively referred to as ‘the secondflat surface 936S’, perpendicular to an edge of the seventh flat surface 934S. The curved surface 932S, the seventh flat surface 934S and the eighthflat surface 936S together define an outer surface of thefourth pillar 646. As shown inFIG. 9C , thefourth pillar 646 has a firstblind hole 942A near afirst end 938A of thesecond side 934, a secondblind hole 942B near afirst end 938B of thethird side 936, a thirdblind hole 942C near asecond end 940A of thesecond side 934, and a fourthblind hole 942D near asecond end 940B of thethird side 936. a fifthblind hole 942E at acenter 932C of thesecond side 934 and a sixthblind hole 942F at a center 936C of thethird side 936. Particularly, the firstblind hole 942A, the thirdblind hole 942C and the fifthblind hole 942E are defined in the seventh flat surface 934S and the secondblind hole 942B, the fourthblind hole 942D and the sixthblind hole 942F are defined in the eighthflat surface 936S. The firstblind hole 942A, the second blind hole 942, the thirdblind hole 942C, and the fourthblind hole 942D, the fifthblind hole 942E and the sixthblind hole 942F are collectively referred to as ‘the blind holes 650’ and individually referred to as ‘the blind hole 650’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thefirst end 938A of thesecond side 934 and thefirst end 938B of thethird side 936 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the first end(s) 938’ of thefourth pillar 646 and thesecond end 940A of thesecond side 934 and thesecond end 940B of thethird side 936 are collectively or individually referred to as ‘the second elicits) 940’ of thethird pillar 644 unless otherwise specifically mentioned. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , an exploded view of the double-endedflexure hearing 600 is illustrated. The double-ended flexure bearing 600 may include a plurality of end caps, identical to the end caps 402 of theflexure bearing 100, configured to attach with the plurality ofblind holes 650 of thepillars 648 of thesleeves 640 and thecentral rotor ring 642. During an assembly of the double-ended flexure bearing 600, in one example, the end caps may be firmly engaged within theblind holes 650 such that thesleeves 640 and theblind holes 650 may be formed as one component. In another example, the end caps may be attached to the ends of the compression springs 630 such that the compression springs 630 and the end caps together may be formed as one component. - The plurality of compression springs 630 includes a
first compression spring 1004 1 having afirst spring end 1004 1a and asecond spring end 1004 1b, asecond compression spring 1004 2 having afirst spring end 1004 2a and asecond spring end 1004 2b, athird compression spring 1004 3 having afirst spring end 1004 3a and asecond spring end 1004 3b, afourth compression spring 1004 4 having afirst spring end 1004 4a and asecond spring end 1004 4b, afifth compression spring 1004 5 having afirst spring end 1004 5a and asecond spring end 1004 5b, asixth compression spring 1004 6 having afirst spring end 1004 6a and asecond spring end 1004 6b, aseventh compression spring 1004 7 having afirst spring end 1004 7a and asecond spring end 1004 7b, aneighth compression spring 1004 8 having afirst spring end 1004 8a and asecond spring end 1004 8b, anineth compression spring 1004 9 having afirst spring end 1004 9a and asecond spring end 1004 9b, atenth compression spring 1004 10 having afirst spring end 1004 10a and asecond spring end 1004 10b, aneleventh compression spring 1004 11 having afirst spring end 1004 11a and asecond spring end 1004 11b and atwelfth compression spring 1004 12 having afirst spring end 1004 12a and asecond spring end 1004 12b configured to rotatably couple the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620 with thecentral rotor ring 642. The plurality of compression springs 630 may be individually referred to as ‘the compression spring 630’ unless otherwise specifically mentioned. Thecompression spring 630 may be alternatively referred to ‘the spring 630’ and, for example, thefirst compression spring 1004 1 may be alternatively referred to as ‘the first spring 1004 1’ and so on. Thecompression spring 630 is a helical compression spring. Eachcompression spring 630 has a first spring end configured to fit into one of theblind holes 650 of one of thepillars 648 and a second spring end configured to fit into a correspondingblind hole 650 of anadjacent pillar 648 when the firstouter sleeve 610 and the secondouter sleeve 620 are interconnected with thecentral rotor ring 642. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , an exemplary illustration of an implementation of the flexure bearing 100 ofFIG. 1 in amechanical system 1100 is illustrated. As shown inFIG. 11 , theflexure bearing 100 is implemented in themechanical system 1100 having asupport leg 1102, a bar 1104 horizontally attached to thesupport leg 1102 and anarm 1106 movably coupled to the bar 1104. Alinear actuator 1108 is coupled to the bar 1104 and thearm 1106 to support movement of thearm 1106 with respect to the bar 1104. The bar 1104 includes afirst opening 1110 configured to engage with thefirst sleeve 110 and thearm 1106 includes a second opening (not shown) configured to engage with thesecond sleeve 120. Particularly, thefirst opening 1110 may have a diameter equal to the diameter of the firstcircular body 112 of thefirst sleeve 110 and the second opening may have a diameter equal to the diameter of the secondcircular body 122 of thesecond sleeve 120 as such theflexure bearing 100 may be engaged with the bar 1104 and thearm 1106 using press fit, interference fit, or any other mechanisms known in the art. When thelinear actuator 1108 is actuated, theflexure bearing 100 facilitates rotational movement of thearm 1106 relative to the bar 1104 with respect to the central axis thereof. In the present implementation, a rotation angle achieved between the bar 1104 and thearm 1106 is 60 degrees, which is higher than the rotation angle ±20° achieved by the existing design. Particularly, thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 of thesecond sleeve 120 rotate anticlockwise while thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110 remain stationary. As such, thefirst compression spring 404 1 and thesecond compression spring 404 2 are compressed further and thefifth compression spring 404 5 and thesixth compression spring 404 6 are expanded. At the same time, thethird compression spring 404 3 and thefourth compression spring 404 4 are compressed further and theseventh compression spring 404 7 and theeighth compression spring 404 8 are expanded. - The
flexure bearing 100 of the present disclosure helps to achieve a. larger rotation angle of ±30° compared to the rotation angle of ±20° achieved by the existing design. Further, the arrangement of the compression springs 130 helps theflexure bearing 100 to mitigate fatigue failure which is otherwise caused due to the arrangements of blades within the existing design, thereby the fatigue life of theflexure bearing 100 may be enhanced, especially, at high speed applications. Additionally, the compression springs 130 facilitate replacement and maintenance of theflexure bearing 100 more easily and more economically. Further, theflexure bearing 100 helps to absorb vibrations with the help of the compression springs 130, which would otherwise be difficult with blades arrangement, and can be useful in applications where vibrations cause damage or lead to failure of equipment. Moreover, design of theflexure bearing 100 has a higher acceptable corrosion rate compared to the existing bearings as the acceptable corrosion rate of the existing bearings is very small because of the tight dimensional tolerance. The double-ended flexure bearing 600 can be implemented in a mechanical system having three movable elements, in which two elements may be movable relative to a third element. Each of the three elements may be attached to each of the firstouter sleeve 610, the secondouter sleeve 620, and thecentral roto ring 642. The aforementioned advantages may also be achieved with the double-endedflexure bearing 600. - The
flexure hearing 100 and the double-ended flexure bearing 600 can be used in space applications (vacuum) as the requirement of lubrication is eliminated and food production equipment in the food industry as there is no risk of lubrication leakage. Various applications including, but not limited to, robotics and assembly line operations in the automobile industry can bed benefited using theflexure bearing 100 and the double-ended flexure bearing 600 of the present disclosure. In an example, theflexure bearing 100 or the double-ended flexure bearing 600 can be used as a humanoid robot neck connecting body to head, and the robot wiring can be easily connected through a gap defined at the center thereof. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , a schematic flowchart of amethod 1200 of assembling theflexure bearing 100 and the double-ended flexure bearing 600 is illustrated. Referring toFIGS. 1 to 5B , atstep 1202, themethod 1200 includes inserting each first spring end of eachcompression spring 130 of the plurality of compression springs 130 into theblind hole 150 of thepillar 148 attached to thefirst sleeve 110. In particular, themethod 1200 includes inserting thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110 between thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 of thesecond sleeve 120. In one example, the end caps 402 may be press fitted within theblind holes 150 of thepillars 148 of thesleeves 140 during manufacturing thereof. In an alternate example, the end caps 402 may be engaged with theblind holes 150 of thepillars 148 of thesleeves 140 during the assembly of theflexure bearing 100. Themethod 1200 further includes abutting thefirst sleeve 110 against thesecond sleeve 120. Thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120 axe coupled in such a way that thegap 160 is defined therebetween. - At
step 1204, themethod 1200 includes inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 130 into the correspondingblind hole 150 of theadjacent pillar 148, such as thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126, attached to thesecond sleeve 120. Themethod 1200 also includes compressing eachcompression spring 130 before inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 130 into the correspondingblind hole 150 of theadjacent pillar 148. Themethod 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of each of the plurality of compression springs 130 includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 1a of thefirst spring 404 1 into the firstblind hole 222A of thefirst end 218 of thefirst pillar 114 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 1b of thefirst spring 4041 into the thirdblind hole 342C of thesecond end 340 of thefourth pillar 126. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 2a of thesecond spring 404 2 into the firstblind hole 242A of thefirst end 238 of thesecond pillar 116 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 2b of thesecond spring 404 2 into the fourthblind hole 322D of thesecond end 320 of thethird pillar 124. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 3a of thethird spring 404 3 into the thirdblind hole 222C of thesecond end 220 of thefirst pillar 114 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 3b of thethird spring 404 3 into the firstblind hole 342A of thefirst end 338 of thefourth pillar 126. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 4a of thefourth spring 404 4 into the thirdblind hole 242C of thesecond end 240 of thesecond pillar 116 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 4b of thefourth spring 404 4 into the secondblind hole 322B of thefirst end 318 of thethird pillar 124. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 5a of thefifth spring 404 5 into the secondblind hole 222B of thefirst end 218 of thefirst pillar 114 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 5b of thefifth spring 404 5 into the thirdblind hole 322C of thesecond end 320 of thethird pillar 124. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 6a of thesixth spring 404 6 into the secondblind hole 242B of thefirst end 238 of thesecond pillar 116 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 6b of thesixth spring 404 6 into the fourthblind hole 342D of thesecond end 340 of thefourth pillar 126. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 7a of theseventh spring 404 7 into the fourthblind hole 222D of thesecond end 220 of thefirst pillar 114 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 7b of theseventh spring 404 7 into the firstblind hole 322A of thefirst end 318 of thethird pillar 124. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 404 8a of theeighth spring 404 8 into the fourthblind hole 242D of thesecond end 240 of thesecond pillar 116 and inserting thesecond spring end 404 8b of theeighth spring 404 8 into the secondblind hole 342B of thefirst end 338 of thefourth pillar 126. - Referring to
FIG. 6 throughFIG. 10 , at thestep 1202, themethod 1200 includes inserting each first spring end of eachcompression spring 630 of the plurality of compression springs 630 into theblind hole 650 of thepillar 648 attached to thefirst sleeve 610. In particular, themethod 1200 includes inserting thefirst pillar 614 of thefirst sleeve 610 between thethird pillar 644 and thefourth pillar 646 of thecentral rotor ring 642 until thefirst sleeve 610 abuts thefirst edge 652 of thecentral rotor ring 642. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thesecond pillar 624 of thesecond sleeve 620 between the third pillar 611 and thefourth pillar 646 of thecentral rotor ring 642 until thesecond sleeve 620 abuts thesecond edge 654 of thecentral rotor ring 642. Further, themethod 1200 includes inserting the first spring end of each of the plurality of compression springs 630 into one of theblind holes 650. - At the
step 1204, themethod 1200 includes inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 630 into the correspondingblind hole 650 of theadjacent pillar 648 attached to one of thesecond sleeve 620 and thecentral rotor ring 642. Themethod 1200 also includes compressing eachcompression spring 630 before inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 630 into the correspondingblind hole 650 of theadjacent pillar 648. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 630 of a first set of the plurality of compression springs 630 into a correspondingblind hole 650 of anadjacent pillar 648 attached to one of thefirst sleeve 610 and thesecond sleeve 620 and inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 630 of a second set of the plurality of compression springs 630 into a correspondingblind hole 650 of anadjacent pillar 648 attached to thecentral rotor ring 642. - The
method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the first set of the plurality of compression springs 630 includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 1a of thefirst spring 1004 1 into the firstblind hole 722A near thefirst end 718 of thefirst pillar 614 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 1b of thefirst spring 1004 1 into the secondblind hole 922B of thethird pillar 644. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 2a of thesecond spring 1004 2into the secondblind hole 722B near thefirst end 718 of thefirst pillar 614 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 2b of thesecond spring 1004 2 into the firstblind hole 942A of thefourth pillar 646. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 3a of thethird spring 1004 3 into the thirdblind hole 722C near thesecond end 720 of thefirst pillar 614 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 3b of thethird spring 1004 3 into the fourthblind hole 922D near thesecond end 920 of thethird pillar 644. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 4a of thefourth spring 1004 4 into the fourthblind hole 722D near thesecond end 720 of thefirst pillar 614 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 4b of thefourth spring 1004 4 into the third blind hole 94′,C near thesecond end 940 of thefourth pillar 646. The method 1.200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 5a of thefifth spring 1004 5 into the fifthblind hole 722E at the center 714C of thesecond side 714 of thefirst pillar 614 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 5b of thefifth spring 1004 5 into the sixthblind hole 922F at the center 916C of thethird side 916 of thethird pillar 646. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 6a of thesixth spring 1004 6 into the sixthblind hole 722F at the center 7160 of thethird side 716 of thefirst pillar 614 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 6b of thesixth spring 1004 6 into the fifthblind hole 942E at thecenter 934C of thesecond side 934 of thefourth pillar 646. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 7a of theseventh spring 1004 7 into the fifthblind hole 822E at thecenter 814C of thesecond side 814 of thesecond pillar 624 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 7b of theseventh spring 1004 7 into the fifthblind hole 922E at thecenter 914C of thesecond side 914 of thethird pillar 644. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 8a of theeighth spring 1004 8 into the sixthblind hole 822F at thecenter 816C of thethird side 816 of thesecond pillar 624 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 8b of theeighth spring 1004 8 into the sixthblind hole 942F at the center 936C of thethird side 936 of thefourth pillar 646. - The
method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the second set of the plurality of compression springs 630 includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 9a of thenineth spring 1004 9 into the thirdblind hole 822C of thesecond end 820 of thesecond pillar 624 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 9b of thenineth spring 1004 9 into the firstblind hole 922A of thefirst end 918 of thethird pillar 646. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 10a of thetenth spring 1004 10 into the fourthblind hole 822D of thesecond end 820 of thesecond pillar 624 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 10b of thetenth spring 1004 10 into the secondblind hole 942E of thefirst end 938 of the fourth.pillar 646. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting-, thefirst spring end 1004 11a of theeleventh spring 1004 11 into the firstblind hole 822A of thefirst end 818 of thesecond pillar 624 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 11b of theeleventh spring 1004 11 into the thirdblind hole 922C of thesecond end 920 of thethird pillar 644. Themethod 1200 further includes inserting thefirst spring end 1004 12a of thetwelfth spring 1004 12 into the secondblind hole 822B of thefirst end 818 of thesecond pillar 624 and inserting thesecond spring end 1004 12b of thetwelfth spring 1004 12 into the fourthblind hole 942D of thesecond end 940 of thefourth pillar 646. - The first embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with respect to
FIG. 1 toFIG. 5B , andFIG. 11 . The first embodiment describes theflexure bearing 100, Theflexure bearing 100 comprising thefirst sleeve 110 and thesecond sleeve 120, wherein eachsleeve 140 includes thefirst pillar first end first pillar sleeve 140. and thesecond end first pillar sleeve 140 parallel to the axis ‘L1’, ‘L2’ of thesleeve 140; and thesecond pillar first end second pillar 116, 12.6 is attached to the inside wall of thesleeve 140, and thesecond end second pillar 116 126 projects outwardly from thesleeve 140 such that thesecond pillar first pillar flexure bearing 100 comprising a plurality ofblind holes 150, eachblind hole 150 near each of thefirst end second end pillar 148 and the plurality of compression springs 130 eachcompression spring 130 having a first spring end configured to fit into one of theblind holes 150 of apillar 148 of thefirst sleeve 110 and a. second spring end configured to fit into a correspondingblind hole 150 of anadjacent pillar 148 of thesecond sleeve 120 when thesecond sleeve 120 is interconnected to thefirst sleeve 110. - In the
flexure bearing 100, thefirst side pillar 148 is shaped to conform to the sector of theinner surface sleeve 140, thesecond side pillar 148 has the firstflat surface third side pillar 148 has the secondflat surface flat surface - In the
flexure bearing 100, eachpillar 148 has the firstblind hole first end 318 A 338A of thesecond side blind hole first end third side blind hole second end second side blind hole second end third side - The
flexure bearing 100 further comprises thefirst end cap 402 configured to hold the first spring end and thesecond end cap 402 configured to hold the second spring end. - In the
flexure bearing 100, the diameter of eachend cap 402 is equal to the diameter of theblind hole 150 and the length of eachend cap 402 is equal to the depth of theblind hole 150. - In the
flexure bearing 100, eachcompression spring 130 is a helical compression spring. - In the
flexure bearing 100, eachcompression spring 130 has the length at least three times of the depth of theblind hole 150. - The second embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with respect to
FIG. 6 toFIG. 10 . The second embodiment. describes the double-endedflexure bearing 600. The double-ended flexure bearing 600 comprises the first outer sleeve 610 including the first pillar 614 which projects outwardly from the first outer sleeve 610 in the first direction ‘D1’; the second outer sleeve 620 including the second pillar 624 which projects outwardly from the second outer sleeve 620 in the second direction ‘D2’; the central rotor ring 642 having the axis ‘LA3’ concentric with the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620, the central rotor ring 642 configured to engage with and connect to the first outer sleeve 610 and the second outer sleeve 620 along the axis ‘LA3’, the central rotor ring 642 including the third pillar 644 which projects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D1’ and in the second direction ‘D2’; the fourth pillar 646 which projects outwardly from the central rotor ring 642 in the first direction ‘D1’ and in the second direction ‘D2’; the plurality of blind holes 650 in each pillar 648; and the plurality of compression springs 630 configured to connect each of the plurality of blind holes 650 of each pillar 548 to the blind hole 650 of the adjacent pillar 648, such that the first outer sleeve 610 abuts the first edge 652 of the central rotor ring 642 and the second outer sleeve 620 abuts the second edge 654 of the central rotor ring 642. - In the double-ended flexure beating 600, each
pillar 648 has three sides, including thefirst side outer sleeve 610, the secondouter sleeve 620 and thecentral rotor ring 642; thesecond side flat surface 714S, 814S, 914S, 934S; thethird side flat surface 716S, 816S, 916S, 936S perpendicular to the edge of the firstflat surface 714S, 814S, 914S, 934S; thefirst end second end center - In the double-ended flexure bearing 600, the first end 718C of the
first side 712 of thefirst pillar 614 is attached to the first inside wall of the firstouter sleeve 620; thefirst end 818C of thefirst side 812 of thesecond pillar 624 is attached to the second inside wall of the secondouter sleeve 620; thecenter 912C of thefirst side 912 of thethird pillar 644 is attached to the first sector of the third inside wall of thecentral rotor ring 642, and thecenter 932C of thefirst side 932 of thefourth pillar 646 is attached to the second sector of the third inside wall of thecentral rotor ring 642, wherein the first sector is diametrically opposed to the second sector. - In the double-ended flexure bearing 600, each
pillar 648 has the firstblind hole first end second side blind hole first end third side blind hole second end second side blind hole second end third side blind hole center second side blind hole center third side - In the double-ended flexure beating 600, each
compression spring 630 has the first spring end configured to fit into one of theblind holes 650 of one of thepillars 648, and the second spring end configured to fit into the correspondingblind hole 650 of theadjacent pillar 648 when the first and secondouter sleeves central rotor ring 642. - In the double-ended flexure bearing 600, the first side 712 of the first pillar 614 is shaped to conform to the first sector of the inner surface 706 of the first outer sleeve 610; the second side 714 of the first pillar 614 has the first flat surface 714S; the third side 716 of the first pillar 614 has the second flat surface 716S perpendicular to the edge of the first flat surface 714S; the first side 812 of the second pillar 624 is shaped to conform to the second sector of the inner surface 806 of the second outer sleeve 620; the second side 814 of the second pillar 624 has the third flat surface 814S; the third side $16 of the second pillar 624 has the fourth flat surface 8168 perpendicular to the edge of the third fiat surface 814S; the first side 912 of the third pillar 644 is shaped to conform to the third sector of the inner surface 906 of the central rotor ring 642, the second side 914 of the third pillar 644 has the fifth flat surface 914S, the third side 916 of the third pillar 624 has the sixth flat surface 916S perpendicular to the edge of the fifth flat surface 914S; the first side 932 of the fourth pillar 646 is shaped to conform to the fourth sector of the inner surface 906 of the central rotor ring 642, the second side 934 of the fourth pillar 646 has the seventh flat surface 934S, the third side 936 of the fourth pillar 646 has the eighth flat surface 936S perpendicular to the edge of the seventh flat surface 934S; and wherein each pillar 648 has the first blind hole 722A, 822A, 922A, 942A near the first end 718A, 81SA, 918A, 938A of the second side 714, 814, 914, 934, the second blind hole 722B, 822B, 922B, 942B near the first end 7188, 818B, 918B, 938B of the third side 716, 816, 916, 936, the third blind hole 722C, 822C, 922C, 942C near the second end 720A, 820A, 920A, 940A of the second side 714, 814, 914. 934, the fourth
blind hole second end third side blind hole center second side blind hole 722Fcenter third side - The third embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated with respect to
FIG. 1 toFIG. 12 . The third embodiment describes themethod 1200 of assembling theflexure bearing 100 and the double-endedflexure bearing 600. Themethod 1200 comprises inserting each first spring end of eachcompression spring blind hole pillar first sleeve compression spring blind hole second sleeve 120 and thecentral rotor ring 642. - The
method 1200 further comprises inserting thefirst pillar 114 and thesecond pillar 116 of thefirst sleeve 110 between thethird pillar 124 and thefourth pillar 126 of thesecond sleeve 120; abutting thefirst sleeve 110 against thesecond sleeve 120; and inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 130 into the correspondingblind hole 150 of theadjacent pillar 148 attached to thesecond sleeve 120. - The method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the plurality of compression springs 130 includes inserting the first spring end 404 1a of the first spring 404 1 into the first blind hole 222A of the first end 218 of the first pillar 114; inserting the second spring end 404 1b of the first spring 404 1 into the third blind hole 342C of the second end 340 of the fourth pillar 126; inserting the first spring end 404 2a of the second spring, 404 2 into the first blind hole 242A of the first end 238 of the second pillar 116: inserting the second spring end 404 2b of the second spring 404 2 into the fourth blind hole 322D of the second end 320 of the third pillar 124; inserting the first spring end 404 3a of the third spring 404 3 into the third blind hole 222C of the second end 220 of the first pillar 114; inserting the second spring end 404 3b of the third spring 404 3 into the first blind hole 342A of the first end 338 of the fourth pillar 126; inserting the first spring end 404 4a of the fourth spring 404 4 into the third blind hole 242C of the second end 240 of the second pillar 116; inserting the second spring end 404 4b of the fourth spring 404 4 into the second blind hole 322B of the first end 318 of the third pillar 124; inserting the first spring end 404 5a of the fifth spring 404 5 into the second blind hole 222B of the first end 218 of the first pillar 114; inserting the second spring end 404 5b of the fifth spring 404 5 into the third blind hole 322C of the second end 320 of the third pillar 124; inserting the first spring end 404 6a of the sixth spring 404 6 into the second blind hole 242B of the first end 238 of the second pillar 116; inserting the second spring end 404 6b of the sixth spring 404 6 into the fourth blind hole 342D of the second end 340 of the fourth pillar 126; inserting the first spring end 404 7a of the seventh spring 404 7 into the fourth blind hole 222D of the second end 220 of the first pillar 114; inserting the second spring end 404 7b of the seventh spring 404 7 into the first blind hole 322A of the first end 318 of the third pillar 124; inserting the first spring end 404 of the eighth spring 404 8 into the fourth blind hole 242D of the second end 240 of the second pillar 116; and inserting the second spring end 404 8b of the eighth spring 404 8 into the second blind hole 342B of the first end 338 of the fourth pillar 126.
- The
method 1200 further comprises inserting thefirst pillar 614 of thefirst sleeve 610 between thethird pillar 644 and thefourth pillar 646 of thecentral roto ring 642 until thefirst sleeve 610 abuts thefirst edge 652 of thecentral rotor ring 642; inserting the second pillar 62.4 of thesecond sleeve 620 between the third pillar 611 and thefourth pillar 646 of thecentral rotor ring 642 until thesecond sleeve 620 abuts thesecond edge 654 of thecentral rotor ring 642; inserting the first spring end of each of the plurality of compression springs 630 into one of plurality ofblind holes 650; and inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 630 of the first set of the plurality of compression springs 630 into the correspondingblind hole 650 of theadjacent pillar 648. wherein theadjacent pillar 648 is attached to one of thefirst sleeve 610 and thesecond sleeve 620; and inserting each second spring end of eachcompression spring 630 of the second set of the plurality of compression springs into the correspondingblind hole 650 of theadjacent pillar 648 attached to thecentral rotor ring 642. - The
method 1200 of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the first set of the plurality of compression. springs 630 includes inserting the first spring end 1004 1a of the first spring 1004 1 into the first blind hole 722A near the first end 718 of the first pillar 614; inserting the first spring end 1004 2a of the second spring 1004 2 into the second blind hole 722B near the first end 718 of the first pillar 614; inserting the second spring end 1004 1b of the first spring 1004 1 into the second blind hole 922B near the first end 918 of the third pillar 644; inserting the second spring end 1004 2b of the second spring 1004 2 into the first blind hole 942A near the first end 938 of the fourth pillar 646; inserting the first spring end 1004 3a of the third spring 1004 3 into the third blind hole 722C near the second end 720 of the first pillar 614; inserting the first spring end 1004 4a of the fourth spring 1004 4 into the fourth blind hole 722D near the second end 720 of the first pillar 614; inserting the second spring end 1004 3b of the third spring 1004 3 into the fourth blind hole 922D near the second end 920 of the third pillar 644; inserting the second spring end 1004 4 of the fourth spring 1004 4 into the third blind hole 942C near the second end 940 of the fourth pillar 646; inserting the first spring end 1004 5a of the fifth spring 1004 5 into the fifth blind hole 722E at the center 714C of the second side 714 of the first pillar 614; inserting the second spring end 1004 5b of the fifth spring 1004 5 into the sixth blind hole 922F at the center 916C of the third side 916 of the third pillar 646; inserting the first spring end 1004 6a of the sixth spring 1004 6 into the sixth blind hole 722F at the center 716C of the third side 716 of the first pillar 614; inserting the second spring, end 1004 6b of the sixth spring 1004 6 into the fifth blind hole 942E at the center 934C of the second side 934 of the fourth pillar 646; inserting the first spring end 1004 7a of the seventh spring 1004 7 into the fifth blind hole 822E at the center 814C of the second side 814 of the second pillar 624; inserting the second spring end 1004 7b of the seventh spring 1004 7 into the fifth blind hole 922E at the center 914C of the second side 914 of the third pillar 644; inserting the first spring end 1004 8a of the eighth spring 1004 8 into the sixth blind hole 822F at the center 816C of the third side 816 of the second pillar 624; and inserting the second spring end 1004 8b of the eighth spring 1004 8 into the sixth blind hole 942F at the center 936C of the third side 936 of the fourth pillar 646. - The method of inserting each first spring end and each second spring end of the second set of the plurality of compression springs 630 includes inserting the first spring end 1004 9a of the nineth spring 1004 9 into the third blind hole 822C of the second end 820 of the second pillar 624; inserting the first spring end 1004 10a of the tenth spring 1004 10 into the fourth blind hole 822D of the second end 820 of the second pillar 624; inserting the first spring end 1004 11a of the eleventh spring 1004 11 into the first blind hole 822A of the first end 818 of the second pillar 624; inserting the first spring end 1004 12a of the twelfth spring 1004 12 into the second blind hole 822B of the first end 818 of the second pillar 624- inserting the second spring end 1004 9b of the nineth spring 1004 9 into the first blind hole 922A of the first end 918 of the third pillar 646; inserting the second spring end 1004 10b of the tenth spring 1004 10 into the second blind hole 942B of the first end 938 of the fourth pillar 646; inserting the second spring end 1004 11b of the eleventh spring 1004 11 into the third blind hole 922C of the second end 920 of the third pillar 644; and inserting the second spring end 1004 12b of the twelfth spring, 1004 12 into the fourth blind hole 942D of the second end 940 of the fourth pillar 646.
- The
method 1200 further comprising compressing eachcompression spring compression spring blind hole adjacent pillar - Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Claims (11)
1-3. (canceled)
4. The method of claim 14 , the flexure bearing further comprising:
a first end cap configured to hold the first spring end; and
a second end cap configured to hold the second spring end.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein a diameter of each end cap is equal to a diameter of the blind hole and a length of each end cap is equal to a depth of the blind hole.
6. The method of claim 14 , wherein each compression spring is a helical compression spring.
7. The method of claim 14 , wherein each compression spring has a length at least three times of a depth of the blind hole.
8-13. (canceled)
14. A method of assembling a flexure bearing, comprising:
providing a first sleeve d a second sleeve, wherein each sleeve includes:
an inside wall having a cylindrical inner surface;
a first pillar having three sides, wherein a first end of the first pillar is attached to the inside wall of the sleeve, and a second end of the first pillar projects outwardly from the sleeve parallel to an axis of the sleeve;
a second pillar having three sides, wherein a first end of the second pillar is attached to the inside wall of the sleeve, and a second end of the second pillar projects outwardly from the sleeve such that the second pillar is parallel to and diametrically opposed to the first pillar;
a plurality of blind holes, each blind hole near each of the first end and the second end of each pillar,
wherein each pillar comprises a first side shaped to conform to a sector of the inner surface of the other of the first and second sleeves, a second side having a first flat surface, and a third side having a second fiat surface perpendicular to an edge of the first flat surface;
wherein each pillar has a first blind hole near a first end of the second side, a second blind hole near a first end of the third side, a third blind hole near a second end of the second side and a fourth blind hole near a second end of the third side;
wherein the first and second pillars of each sleeve are received by the inner surface between the first and second pillars of the other sleeve such that the sleeves are rotatably interconnected about the sleeve axis;
providing a plurality of compression springs;
inserting a first spring end of each compression spring into one of the blind holes of a pillar of the first sleeve; and
inserting a second spring end of each compression spring into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve when the second sleeve is interconnected to the first sleeve.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising:
inserting the first pillar and the second pillar of the first sleeve between the first pillar and the second pillar of the second sleeve;
abutting the first sleeve against the second sleeve; and
inserting each second spring end of each compression spring into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar attached to the second sleeve.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein inserting each first spring end and each second spring end includes:
inserting a first spring end of a first compression spring into the first blind hole of the first end of the first pillar of the first sleeve;
inserting second spring end of the first compression spring into the third blind hole of the second end of the second pillar of the second sleeve;
inserting a first spring end of a second compression spring into the first blind hole of the first end of the second pillar of the first sleeve;
inserting a second spring end of the second compression spring into a fourth blind hole of the second end of the first pillar of the second sleeve;
inserting a first spring end of a third compression spring into the third blind hole of the second end of the first pillar of the first sleeve;
inserting a second spring end of the third compression spring into the first blind hole of the first end of the second pillar of the second sleeve;
inserting a first spring end of a fourth compression spring into the third blind hole of the second end of the second pillar of the first sleeve;
inserting a second spring end of the fourth compression spring into the second blind hole of the first end of the first pillar of the second sleeve;
inserting a first spring end of a fifth compression spring into the second blind hole of the first end of the first pillar of the first sleeve;
inserting a second spring end of the fifth compression spring into the third blind hole of the second end of the first pillar of the second sleeve;
inserting a first spring end of a sixth compression spring into the second blind hole of the first end of the second pillar of the first sleeve;
inserting a second spring end of the sixth compression spring into the fourth blind hole of the second end of the second pillar of the second sleeve;
inserting a first spring end of a seventh compression spring into the fourth blind hole of the second end of the first pillar of the first sleeve;
inserting a second spring end of the seventh compression spring into the first blind hole of the first end of the first pillar of the second sleeve:
inserting a first spring end of an eighth compression spring into the fourth blind hole of the second end of the second pillar of the first sleeve; and
inserting a second spring end of the eighth compression spring into the second blind hole of the first end of the second pillar of the second sleeve.
17-19. (canceled)
20. The method of claim 14 , further comprising:
compressing each compression spring before inserting each second spring end of each compression spring into a corresponding blind hole of an adjacent pillar of the second sleeve.
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US17/971,679 US11661968B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-10-24 | Method for assembling a flexure bearing |
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US17/537,592 US11346392B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2021-11-30 | Flexible bearing for compliant mechanisms |
US17/730,943 US11555517B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-04-27 | Lubricant free rotational bearing |
US17/971,679 US11661968B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-10-24 | Method for assembling a flexure bearing |
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US17/730,943 Division US11555517B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-04-27 | Lubricant free rotational bearing |
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US17/537,592 Active US11346392B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2021-11-30 | Flexible bearing for compliant mechanisms |
US17/730,943 Active US11555517B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-04-27 | Lubricant free rotational bearing |
US17/971,679 Active US11661968B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-10-24 | Method for assembling a flexure bearing |
US18/049,666 Active US11761479B2 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-10-26 | Mechanical system having high rotation flexure bearing |
US18/049,673 Active US11761480B2 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-10-26 | Double-ended flexure bearing |
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US11858665B1 (en) * | 2019-03-12 | 2024-01-02 | Maxar Space Llc | Deployment mechanism with integral actuation device |
US11346392B1 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2022-05-31 | Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University | Flexible bearing for compliant mechanisms |
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US11555517B1 (en) * | 2021-11-30 | 2023-01-17 | Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University | Lubricant free rotational bearing |
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US1617666A (en) * | 1922-05-24 | 1927-02-15 | Cattaneo Giustino | Steering mechanism |
US3168263A (en) | 1961-11-20 | 1965-02-02 | Gen Dynamics Corp | Gravity gradient satellite orientation system |
US3360255A (en) * | 1965-06-11 | 1967-12-26 | Alfred N Ormond | Universal flexure unit |
US3706465A (en) * | 1971-09-30 | 1972-12-19 | Lord Corp | Elastomeric reflex joint |
US3844137A (en) * | 1973-07-16 | 1974-10-29 | Cyclo Index Corp | Flexible coupling |
US4997123A (en) * | 1990-05-31 | 1991-03-05 | Lucas Aerospace Power Transmission Corp. | Multi-piece flexural pivot |
US5335418A (en) | 1992-02-10 | 1994-08-09 | Snap-On Tools Corporation | Pivotal hand tool with flexural pivot joint and method of assembling same |
FR2797923B1 (en) * | 1999-08-31 | 2001-10-26 | Centre Nat Etd Spatiales | FLEXIBLE BLADE PIVOT |
DE102011013050A1 (en) * | 2011-03-04 | 2012-09-06 | SGF SüDDEUTSCHE GELENKSCHEIBENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG | Thread stiffened axial coupling |
US8556533B2 (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2013-10-15 | Raytheon Company | Multi-stage flexural pivot |
DE102014006727B3 (en) | 2014-05-08 | 2015-10-22 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Solid-state joint and its use for exo- and endoprostheses as well as in the form of an orthotic joint |
WO2018052939A1 (en) | 2016-09-14 | 2018-03-22 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Joint assemblies with cross-axis flexural pivots |
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US11661968B1 (en) | 2023-05-30 |
US11761479B2 (en) | 2023-09-19 |
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US20230167848A1 (en) | 2023-06-01 |
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