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Almaflex : a Large Angle Flexible Pivot
More precise and reliable motion in space
A Breakthrough in Space Mechanisms Technology
Flexible pivots have been used since the 1960s as alternatives to standard lubricated bearings for oscillatory applications. Yet existing designs present significant technical limitations that restrict their potential.
For applications requiring a high number of cycles, conventional pivots allow only small angular amplitudes, typically less than +/- 10 degrees. Drawing on our expertise in compliant mechanisms for space applications, Almatech has developed a simple, elegant solution that achieves a genuine breakthrough in the field.
Our patent-pending Almaflex technology delivers rotational amplitudes up to +/-90 degrees with "infinite" cycle life, opening new possibilities for applications requiring both high accuracy and large-amplitude movements. Almaflex pivots operate flawlessly in cryogenic environments and meet demanding cleanliness requirements, with performance characteristics that can be precisely tuned to meet your specific needs.
Publications
The technology was patented by Almatech in 2016 and presented at Space Tech Expo (Bremen, 2017) and the Optical Mechanism Workshop (ESA, 2018).
Datasheet
Key Features
Main Advantages
- LARGE ANGLE DEFLECTIONS COMBINED WITH INFINITE LIFE
- ZERO GEOMETRICAL CENTERSHIFT
- EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE
- COMPATIBLE FROM CRYOGENIC TO HIGH TEMPERATURES
Simple Launch Lock
In case the specifications require the use of a launch lock device, Almatech has several designs ready to propose. Please contact us for more details.
A Wide Range of Applications
Almatech large angle pivots will provide benefits to any space instrument requiring rotational motion: scanning the Earth, calibrating, flipping a mirror, sampling, pointing, imaging (lidars, radars), remote sensing, etc etc the list is still growing today! They have also raised a lot of interest to be used as a micro-vibration damping system. Finally, the pivot can also be designed to store elastic energy, therefore providing motion to the entire spacecraft.
Case Studies:
Highly Stable and precise pointing
Examples: Antenna Pointing Mechanisms, Laser terminals for optical communications, etc
Main Benefits:
- Very high pointing stability (micro-rad level) by inertial decoupling of the steering mirror from spacecraft micro-vibrations
- Ability to point to adjacent satellites within a constellation
- No pointing degradation over long service life
- Minimal risk of mirror deformation and contamination
High-temperature and resettable SMA Actuator
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuator for Satellite Propulsion Line
Almatech has developed a revolutionary actuator based on innovative Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology using Cu-Al alloys. These advanced materials offer activation temperatures well above those typically found onboard spacecraft, eliminating the risk of accidental actuation in normal operating conditions.
Our actuator employs a bi-stable mechanism in a push-pull configuration, capable of sustaining high deformations while remaining electrically resettable. Successfully tested through more than 1,000 cycles, the system incorporates triple-redundant heating elements to ensure maximum reliability in mission-critical applications.
The patent-pending design can be adapted to a wide range of force requirements and stroke lengths, providing unprecedented flexibility for space mechanisms that demand absolute dependability.
Publications
Paciotti, Bidaux, Girard, Rottmeier and Blecha, Development and testing of a Bi-stable Actuator based on a High Transition Temperatures Shape Memory Alloy, Proceedings of the 43rd Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, NASA Ames Research Center, May 4-6, 2016 Gabriel Paciotti, Space technologies Studies 2012, Swiss Space Center
Datasheet
Key Features
FEATURE LIST
- Space-Qualified Reliability: Technologies tested and validated for the harshest operational environments
- Precision Engineering: Swiss-designed mechanisms maintaining exceptional accuracy through thousands of cycles
- Customizable Performance: Adaptable designs that can be precisely tuned to your specific requirements
- Reduced System Complexity: Elegant solutions that eliminate the need for complex mechanical arrangements
- Extended Operational Life: Breakthrough designs that significantly outlast conventional alternatives
- Cross-Industry Applications: Space-proven technology applicable to precision industrial and scientific instruments
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Countdown to ESMATS 2025!
Almatech is proud to co-organize, together with CSEM and EPFL, the upcoming European Space Mechanisms and Tribology Symposium (ESMATS 2025).
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