Design and development of a toroidal flexure for extended motion applications

Flexure systems are used often in precision motion applications, but are significantly limited in range of motion to prevent high stress build-up and fatigue. A toroidal flexure geometry is presented that relies primarily on shear rather than tensile stiffnesses to provide greater range of motion in the axial direction at the expense of radial stiffness. The flexure design also provides for increased stiffness in the axial direction and is well suited for applications where pressure is applied to one side. Empirical relationships are presented for maximum Tresca stress and compliance as functions of the design parameters.