Large angle flexure pivot development for future science payloads
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Author
Spanoudakis, Peter
Kiener, Lionel
Cosandier, Florent
Schwab, Philippe
Giriens, Laurent
Kruis, Johan
Grivon, Daniel
Psoni, Georgia
Vrettos, Christos
Bencheikh, Nabil
Abstract
An innovative design of a Large Angle Flexure Pivot (LAFP) is described. It combines the advantages of flexure mechanisms while surpassing one of their few flaws, small displacement strokes. The LAFP design exceeds these angular limitations to reach a deflection of 180° (±90°). The centre shifts laterally by less than 10 µm throughout the full rotation range. The LAFP is meant to be mounted in pairs, coaxially and with the payload between them. The intended application of the LAFP is to angularly guide an optical component in a space environment for future science missions operating in a cryogenic environment. A dedicated performance test bench was developed and manufactured to test the pivot characteristics notably the lateral shift using Eddy current sensors. The test bench incorporates a representative dummy payload for mass and inertia. Extensive FEM analysis has been performed to validate the design at component level and further analysis with the pivots mounted with a representative payload on a test bench for random vibration, shock and thermal cycling environment. The second test bench for the vibration and shock tests has been manufactured incorporating a simplified launch locking device. The performance tests have confirmed a lateral shift of less than 10 µm over an angular range of ±90°. The pivots have been successfully tested and survived vibration loads for high level sine at 24 g and random vibration at 12 grms is all three directions.
Publication Reference
18th ESMATS European Space Mechanisms and Tribology Symposium 2019, Munich (DE)
Year
2019-09