Design of parallel flexure systems via Freedom and Constraint Topologies (FACT)

The aim of this thesis was to generate the knowledge required to represent the possible freedom topologies (motions of a mechanism) and the possible constraint topologies (flexural elements that guide the mechanism) in a form that designers can use to design parallel flexure systems. The framework that links these topologies enables designers to create three-dimensional, multi-axis flexure systems by using "Freedom and Constraint Topologies" (FACT). FACT embodies every possible design solution for parallel flexure systems. This information enables designers to consider every possible design and then select the design that is best suited for a specific application. FACT was created to improve the design processes for small-scale flexure systems and precision machines. For instance, there is a need to create multi-axis nanopositioners for emerging three-dimensional nano-scale research/manufacturing.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Hopkins, Jonathan B. (Jonathan Brigham)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Martin L. Culpepper.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/39879

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/39879