Note: Lever-type bidirectional stick-slip piezoelectric actuator with flexible hinge

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Piezoelectric actuators are crucial for precision motion control.
• Existing designs often face limitations in stroke length, velocity, or bidirectional capability.
• Lever amplification offers a potential solution to enhance actuator performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a lever-type stick-slip piezoelectric actuator.
• To achieve large strokes, high velocity, and bidirectional actuation.
• To validate the actuator's performance through simulation and experimental testing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the lever amplification principle for enhanced displacement.
• Employing a single piezoelectric stack for actuation.
• Performing finite element simulation of the flexible hinge mechanism.
• Experimental testing of a prototype actuator.

Main Results:

• Maximum forward velocity of 7.69 mm/s at 100 V_p-p (20% symmetry).
• Maximum reverse velocity of 7.12 mm/s at 100 V_p-p (80% symmetry).
• Displacement deviation within 0.88 μm over 10 cycles.
• Capability to handle a maximum load of 105 g.

Conclusions:

• The lever-type stick-slip piezoelectric actuator effectively achieves large strokes and high velocities.
• The design enables precise bidirectional motion with minimal deviation.
• The actuator demonstrates robust performance and significant load-bearing capacity.