Flexible Guides: Design and Optimization

This lecture covers the design and optimization of flexible guides, focusing on topics such as stiffness calculation, admissible stroke calculation, bending moment distribution, and different types of flexure-pivots. The instructor discusses the importance of optimal driving points, stiffness in circular notch hinges, and the critical load in compression. Various hinge shapes, thickness considerations, and natural stiffness are also explored, along with the comparison of different pivot designs. The lecture concludes with insights on the impact of hinge length optimization on stiffness and the considerations for stress concentration effects in parallel stages.