Design, modeling, and analysis of hybrid flexure hinges

This paper presents a generalized analytical compliance model that can quickly formulate the equations of compliance and precision for hybrid flexure hinges. Inspired by the combined design of multiple flexure segments connected serially, a large number of hybrid flexure hinges are designed, which can be equivalent to serial flexible chains comprised of multiple pre-defined flexure segments. Compliance matrix for each flexure segment can be obtained only through a few designated base segments of known compliances. By drawing from the compliance modeling process of serial flexible chains, the capacity and precision of rotation of hybrid flexure hinges are easily evaluated in terms of geometric parameters and compliances of base segments, as well as numerous and tedious integral operations are effectively avoided. Additionally, a representative set of flexure configurations with conic-section flexure segments and the finite element simulations are introduced to validate the analytical model. Finally, several numerical simulations in regard to the motion accuracy of flexure hinges are carried out to study the effects of geometric parameters.