Patent ID: 6131461
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A vibration testing device comprising:a moving portion including a support surface that is adapted to support a test object and a longitudinal axis that extends along at least a portion of the moving portion;an exciter associated with the moving portion that generates a force that causes the moving portion to move along the longitudinal axis at a selected frequency; anda plurality of flexure supports that are connected to the moving portion to permit the moving portion to move along the longitudinal axis and to restrict the moving portion from moving in any other direction, each flexure support includinga first flexure member having a body with first and second ends, the first end being rigidly connected to the moving portion and the second end being distal from the moving portion, the body being generally perpendicular to the moving portion longitudinal axis when the moving portion is in a first position,a second flexure member having a body with first and second ends, the second flexure member body being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis when the moving portion is in the first position,a third flexure member having a body with first and second ends, the third flexure member body being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis when the moving portion is in the first position,a first connector member rigidly connected to the first ends of each of the second and third flexure members to maintain the first ends in a selected alignment and spacing relative to each other, anda second connector member rigidly connected to the second ends of each of the second and third flexure members and the second end of the first flexure member to maintain the second ends of the second and third flexure members in a selected alignment and spacing relative to each other,wherein a central portion of the first flexure member body flexes and the first flexure member first and second ends remain generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to permit the moving portion to move along the longitudinal axis from the first position.