摘要 |
The invention is a linear guide system having a flexure that absorbs internal stresses in the system while still maintaining sufficient rigidity required for a precise linear guide system. These internal stresses may be caused by thermal expansion of components, misalignment of guide rails or vibration of components during operation. The guide system comprises at least two parallel extending guides supported by a base. Slidably attached to the guides are a plurality of pucks or sliders. In addition, the system includes at least one movable slide plate positioned above the pucks by two sets of vertical supports. The first set of vertical supports fix the slide plate to the pucks in both a horizontal and vertical direction while the second set of vertical supports fix the slide plate to the pucks in only the vertical direction. Finally, the guide system includes at least one flexure, consisting of a thin metal plate. The flexure is located between the slide plate and the pucks and attaches to the second set of vertical supports to provide horizontal stability and rigidity within the system while still providing sufficient flexibility to absorb the internal stresses.
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