Elastic Translational Joint for Large Translation of Motion Using Spiral Structures

As micro- and nano-devices become smaller, the ability to manipulate them with highly accurate control is increasingly important as well. The design of a micro-joint is important for highly accurate movement. In this paper, the authors discuss a new micro translational joint based on an elastic-design concept for large, precise translational motion. Using the elastic deformation of spiral structures, the new translational joint is able to accomplish precise movements over long distances. Because the proposed translational joint is integrated, there is no gap and it is thus able to move without friction. Through finite element method (FEM) simulation, the proposed translational joint was estimated to have large, but still precise, translational motion. An experiment was conducted on the optical tweezer with the result showings that the proposed joint is also capable of large, precise translational movement at the micro scale. Therefore, it is expected that there will be many applications for which the proposed translational joint can be used for the precise manipulation of micro and nano-scale devices.