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A Polymer-based Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester with a 3D Meshed-Core Structure
Published on: February 20, 2019
A transparent polymeric flexure-hinge nanopositioner, actuated by a piezoelectric stack actuator
Ki Woon Chae1, Wook-Bae Kim, Young Hun Jeong
1Graduate School of Knowledge-based Technology and Energy, Korea Polytechnic University, 2121 Jeongwang-dong, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do 429-793, Korea.
Nanotechnology
|July 27, 2011
Summary
This study introduces a novel polymeric nanopositioner using piezoelectric actuation and a flexure mechanism. The chip-like device offers a 15 µm travel range with precise control, overcoming limitations of traditional metal nanopositioners.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditional metal nanopositioners face environmental limitations like corrosion.
- Developing advanced materials for precision engineering is crucial.
- Piezoelectric actuation and flexure mechanisms are key for nanopositioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel chip-like polymeric flexure-based nanopositioner.
- To enable fabrication via injection moulding for mass production.
- To demonstrate high-precision nanopositioning capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Finite element analysis (FEA) for motion performance prediction.
- Injection moulding simulation for design optimization.
- Fabrication using mesoscale injection moulding of cyclic olefin copolymer.
- Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control algorithm implementation.
Main Results:
- A polymeric nanopositioner with a 15 µm travel range was successfully fabricated.
- High linearity was achieved in the nanopositioner's motion.
- A root mean square control error of 3 nm was demonstrated using PID control.
Conclusions:
- Polymeric flexure-based nanopositioners offer a viable alternative to metal designs.
- Injection moulding enables cost-effective mass production of nanopositioning devices.
- The developed nanopositioner demonstrates excellent precision and control for nanoscale applications.

