Patent ID: 8262479
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: B64C,F16D,G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A rotational joint assembly comprising: a first rotational component; a second rotational component coupled to the first rotational component such that the second rotational component is rotatable relative to the first rotational component in first and second rotational directions about a first axis; a third rotational component coupled to the second rotational component such that the third rotational component is rotatable relative to the second rotational component in third and fourth rotational directions about a second axis; a first inner flexure member, being deflectable in first and second deflection directions, coupled to at least one of the first and second rotational components such that when the second rotational component is rotated relative to the first rotational component in each of the first and second rotational directions about the first axis and to at least a first rotational position, the first inner flexure member is deflected in the first deflection direction and exerts a force on the second rotational component opposing said rotation of the second rotational component; a first flexure member, being deflectable in the first and second deflection directions, coupled to at least one of the first and second rotational components such that when the second rotational component is rotated relative to the first rotational component in each of the first and second rotational directions about the first axis and to at least a second rotational position that is beyond the first rotational position, the first flexure member is deflected in the first deflection direction and exerts a force on the second rotational component opposing said rotation of the second rotational component; a second inner flexure member, being deflectable in third and fourth deflection directions, coupled to at least one of the second and third rotational components such that when the third rotational component is rotated relative to the second rotational component in each of the third and fourth rotational directions about the second axis and to at least a third rotational position, the second inner flexure member is deflected in the third deflection direction and exerts a force on the third rotational component opposing said rotation of the third rotational component; and a second flexure member, being deflectable in the third and fourth deflection directions, coupled to at least one of the second and third rotational components such that when the third rotational component is rotated relative to the second rotational component in each of the third and fourth rotational directions about the second axis and to at least a fourth rotational position that is beyond the third rotational position, the second flexure member is deflected in the third deflection direction and exerts a force on the third rotational component opposing said rotation of the third rotational component.