| What are they? | Flexural Kinematic Couplings are a fundamentally new type of kinematic coupling. They combine the repeatable location of traditional kinematic couplings with the stiffness characteristics of many other coupling methods. They incorporate flexures or build in compliance to the kinematic members. This is done so that the two components can be kinematically located (as in a traditional kinematic coupling) then brought together, as one would need for say casting molds. |
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| How they work | After the kinematic members (3 "balls" and 3 "grooves") are mated, force is applied to bring the two components together. Parts of the kinematic coupling (flexures attached to one of the major components) displace and allow the components to mate, thereby creating a classical surface-to-surface, high load capacity joint. When properly designed, this can be accomplished without compromising the kinematic nature of the coupling. |
Sphere |
| Performance | It is difficult to give a concrete number for
the repeatability of a kinematic coupling as this is dependant upon many factors:
However, the repeatability of kinematic couplings has been measured at 30 (not shown)- 400 minches. |
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| Applications | Flexural kinematic couplings can be used in
applications which require:
Example applications include:
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Example of Sheet Metal Gasket With Integral Sphere & Flexures |
