A mass and vibration optimised solution for 6D precision heavy instrument alignment and its application to METIS

António Amorim; Mercedes Filho; Dirk Lesman; Frederico Carvalho; Ricardo Costa; Marcelino Ngando; Paulo Garcia

doi:10.1117/12.2629383

29 August 2022 A mass and vibration optimised solution for 6D precision heavy instrument alignment and its application to METIS

António Amorim, Mercedes Filho, Dirk Lesman, Frederico Carvalho, Ricardo Costa, Marcelino Ngando, Paulo Garcia

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12188, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation V; 121881A (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2629383
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2022, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Abstract

Hexapods are general solutions that provide movement with six degrees of freedom for instrument positioning, alignment, and support. In the case of the METIS instrument, the hexapod must satisfy the following stringent requirements: a) support the 11-ton weight of an instrument; b) allow alignment and provide position stability to the instrument to within a tenth of a millimeter; c) provide an adjustment range of about 20 cm; d) support the instrument allowing for accelerations of over 3 g in all directions; e) have the lowest mass possible. Commercial linear actuators that are generally used in such cases are designed for extended movement, include a complete set of bearings that constrain each actuator lateral displacements and a sophisticated central screw that defines only the longitudinal movement. These solutions tend to be heavy and costly if roller screws are used to avoid backslash. They encompass ranges that are a major fraction of the total length and are designed for fast movement. Both these characteristics exceed the requirements of the METIS application. We present an optimized design for the hexapod which includes a different, lightweight, sturdy, small-range, highprecision, no backslash, earthquake-proof actuator. The design of the hexapod is such that it can be used, in general, as a mass and vibration optimized solution for precision heavy instrument alignment.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

António Amorim, Mercedes Filho, Dirk Lesman, Frederico Carvalho, Ricardo Costa, Marcelino Ngando, and Paulo Garcia "A mass and vibration optimised solution for 6D precision heavy instrument alignment and its application to METIS", Proc. SPIE 12188, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation V, 121881A (29 August 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2629383

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available