A novel design of compliant bearing for precise linear-rotary positioning systems

This paper demonstrates the concept and modeling of a novel compliant mechanism that can be used as a frictionless bearing to support the linear and rotary motions in high-precision positioning systems. By exploiting elastic deformations produced by compliant mechanisms, the desired output motions can be achieved with high accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, a simple control technique can be applied since the backlash and dry friction are completely eliminated. Mechanical properties of the developed compliant bearings have been synthesized using an analytical method, which is known as the stiffness synthesis of beam-type flexures, and the computational method based on finite element analysis. The good agreement between the results obtained from these two methods demonstrates that the synthesized compliant bearing is able to generate good performance to support the linear and rotary motions in precision positioning systems. As a result, it is a good candidate for developing a 2-DOF actuator for various applications in the precision engineering field.