DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPLIANT MECHANISM TO ISOLATE THE BASE VIBRATIONS AND MINIMIZE THE SHOCK RESPONSE USING AN OPTIMIZED DYNAMIC MATHEMATICAL MODEL

In high-precision ground-based electo-optical object tracking, physical shock absorption and random vibration isolation devices play a critical role. These systems require three degrees of freedom translational shock absorbers in order to maintain exact orientation with the ground frame to achieve high precision angular position since any angular deviations that are unaccounted for can result in irreparable loss of sight of the object being tracked. Parallel manipulator-based absorption systems that have been currently in use consist of numerous hard to manufacture high precision backlash-free components and external springs that require protection against harsh environmental conditions and periodic maintenance. In this study, we focused on designing and optimizing maintenance-free flexure based compliant shock absorber mechanism with center of percussion optimized linkage that minimizes shock response. Linkage and flexure parameters were optimized in order to achieve minimal acceleration transmission while maintaining the orientation. A single degree of freedom system was designed and optimized. The Lagrangian method was used to derive equations of motion, and simulations were conducted based on these. This study put forth a fundamental framework for compliant translation shock absorber mechanism optimization and demonstrate in right configuration, with appropriately selected masses and optimized link parameters, that highly effective monolithic shock absorber and vibration isolation system can be achieved.