Manual adjustment system for high loads

A manual manipulator for two linear and two rotary degrees of freedom. Linear corrections of +/- 1 mm of rotations of +/- 1 degree are possible. The mechanism was designed for highest stiffness and best stability possible. With use of stepper drives the manipulator can be easily made fit for use in automated systems.

Assembly with high rigidity

In a test stand, the shaft of a compressor unit had to be aligned in two directions perpendicular to the drive shaft and in two rotations perpendicular to the drive position. Considerable compression forces of up to 700 N were to be expected on the adjustment system. It combined an XY readjustment system composed of plates with a swivel unit. The swivel unit is composed of a central flexure hinge which absorbs the compression forces. The XY unit is mounted with profile rails that have a correspondingly sturdy design. All four readjustment directions are actuated with strongly pre-stressed lead screws, which are operated via a gear unit with a transmission ratio of 1:100  with hand wheels. The adjustment system can also be subsequently motorized by simply replacing the hand wheels with stepper motors.