Multi-axis force controller
US4680465A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/34
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A force controller wherein lateral, axial and rotational force on a handle (10) are opposed by bending, extension, compression and torsional forces in a tubular flexure element (12) that includes lateral rings (92a . . . 92n) and longitudinal beams (96a . . . 96n-1). A translating plate (23) is controlled in accordance with the torsion and deflection of flexure element (12) to provide optical control signals from code element (56) and read head (64) for three axes of motion. Axial forces on handle (10) cause extension or compression of flexure element (12) which is linked to fin (42). Pivotal movement of fin (42) in response to such extension and compression provides optical control signals from code element (72) and read head (74) for a fourth axis of motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.