Planar flexure members and actuators using them

US9556920B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Rethink Robotics GmbH · US

Inventors

• Matthew Aaron Knoll · Mountain View, US
• Jonathan Matthew Bond · Silver Spring, US
• Robert C. White · San Diego, US
• Umberto Scarfogliero · San Carlos, US
• Andrew Miles Wallace · Needham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2015
• Grant date: Jan 31, 2017
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D3/005
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.