1-Precision Alignment: Deep Dive into Kinematic Couplings (Half-Day, In-person)
Dr. Folkers Rojas (Millie Rojas Engineering Corporation)
Monday, November 4, 2024 (8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon)
Precision Alignment: Deep Dive into Kinematic Couplings
This tutorial is a deep dive into the kinematic coupling design process and engineering model. Now we all know of kinematic couplings (three spheres, three vee’s) plug and play micrometer level precision. Knowing, Designing, and Understanding kinematic couplings are three very different things. We will go over each equation in the process with a laser eye focus on how it impacts the repeatability of the interface. Topics of discussion include: failure analysis, friction, assumptions & limitations of the model, design for manufacturing, design for assembly, adjustment techniques, common pitfalls, expected life, and simultaneous multiple parameter sensitivity evaluation.
In essence, we will take the nominal +12 input parameters to design a basic kinematic coupling and navigate through the +50 equations it takes to characterize the precision and life of a kinematic coupling design.
About the Instructor
Dr. Folkers Rojas received four degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has a Ph.D. (2014), Master’s (2011), and Bachelor’s (2009) degrees all in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, as well as a Bachelor’s in Nuclear Science and Engineering. At the completion of his doctoral work Folkers received the Repsol Entrepreneur’s Award. In 2017, Folkers received his Professional Engineering license launching him on a new journey assisting patent litigation cases. In 2020, Folkers created Millie Rojas Engineering Corporation, to assist startups and mid-sized enterprises perform R&D. He has (co)authored 5 journal articles, and 6 patents on a variety of subjects including astronomical instruments, oil and gas safety, and precision microfluidic devices. Recently Folkers, has launched Art of Machine Design, web-based engineering calculators to improve efficiency throughout the mechanical design development cycle.