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Plate-shaped non-contact ultrasonic transporter using flexural vibration
Takahiko Ishii1, Yosuke Mizuno, Daisuke Koyama
1Precision and Intelligence Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan.
Ultrasonics
|July 24, 2013
Summary
Researchers created an ultrasonic levitation transporter for non-contact material handling. This device achieves significant load capacity by balancing acoustic forces with gravity, enabling efficient transport.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Non-contact transport methods are crucial for delicate or sterile material handling.
- Ultrasonic vibration offers a potential mechanism for acoustic levitation and manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a plate-shaped non-contact transporter utilizing ultrasonic vibration.
- To investigate the levitation capabilities and load-bearing capacity of the developed transporter.
Main Methods:
- Designed a transporter using aluminum plates with attached piezoelectric zirconate titanate elements.
- Excited lattice flexural vibration at 22.3 kHz to induce acoustic radiation forces.
- Employed finite-element analysis to optimize post placement for load distribution and minimize flexure.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum levitation height of 256 μm under no-load conditions.
- Demonstrated a maximum transportable load of 4.0 kgf when using two vibrating plates connected to a loading plate.
Conclusions:
- The developed ultrasonic vibration transporter effectively levitates and transports loads non-contact.
- The system shows promise for applications requiring precise manipulation and handling of significant masses.
