Horizontal-motion vibration isolator

Abstract

A horizontal-motion vibration isolator utilizes a plurality of bent flexures to support an object to be isolated from horizontal motion. Each bent flexure includes a fixed end coupled to a base and a floating end which is cantilevered and coupled to the object being isolated. The arrangement of bent flexures allows the vertical height of the isolator to be reduced without compromising vibration isolation performance. Compressed springs or spring-like elements can be added to bear some of the weight of the object being isolated thus increasing the payload capacity of the isolator.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A support structure for use in a horizontal motion isolator, comprising:
 a plurality of bent flexures, each bent flexure having a fixed end coupled to a base platform and a floating end coupled to a top mounting plate so that each bent flexure is cantilevered and loaded in shear by the object being supported by the mounting plate and each bent flexure being constrained to bend only in a horizontal direction.   
     
     
         22 . The support structure of  claim 21 , wherein each bent flexure has low horizontal stiffness, a high vertical stiffness, and a high buckling load. 
     
     
         23 . The support structure of  claim 22 , wherein at least one of the bent flexures have a first face, a second face and a bend disposed between the first face and second face. 
     
     
         24 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the first face and second face of each bent flexure are disposed relative to each other so as to form a right angle. 
     
     
         25 . The support structure of  claim 24 , wherein the bend defines a bend axis which is parallel to the direction of a payload. 
     
     
         26 . The support structure of  claim 24 , wherein the first face and second face of each bent flexure are disposed relatively perpendicular to each other. 
     
     
         27 . The support structure of  claim 21 , wherein the plurality of bent flexures are suspended between the top mounting plate and the base platform. 
     
     
         28 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the bend of the bent flexures has a minimal radius forming a sharp bend. 
     
     
         29 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the bend of the bent flexures has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the direction of the payload. 
     
     
         30 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the first face has a horizontal length equal to a horizontal length of the second face. 
     
     
         31 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the first face has a horizontal length that is different than a horizontal length of the second face. 
     
     
         32 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the bend is positioned midway between the first face and the second face. 
     
     
         33 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the first face and the second face are formed at an acute angle to each other. 
     
     
         34 . The support structure of  claim 23 , wherein the first face and the second face are formed at an obtuse angle to each other. 
     
     
         35 . The support structure of  claim 21 , wherein all of the bent flexures have the same size and shape.