A novel stick-slip piezoelectric actuator based on two-stage flexible hinge structure

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional stick-slip piezoelectric actuators with single flexible hinges exhibit limitations in working stroke, speed, and load capacity due to insufficient clamping force.
• The output force of the piezoelectric stack often exceeds the clamping force, hindering optimal actuator performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and analyze a novel piezoelectric actuator utilizing a two-stage flexible hinge structure.
• To enhance the working stroke, speed, and load capacity of stick-slip piezoelectric actuators.

Main Methods:

• A new design combining lever and triangular flexible hinges was developed.
• Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to verify displacement amplification and clamping force.
• Performance testing was conducted to evaluate output speed and load capacity.

Main Results:

• The proposed actuator demonstrated amplified working stroke and speed via the lever flexible hinge.
• The triangular flexible hinge effectively converted lateral displacement into coupled motion, enhancing load capacity.
• Experimental results showed an output speed of 354.55 mm/s at 150 V and 4.7 kHz, with a maximum load capacity of 3 kg.

Conclusions:

• The two-stage flexible hinge piezoelectric actuator offers superior performance over traditional designs.
• This novel design provides a promising new direction for developing advanced stick-slip piezoelectric actuators.
• The enhanced actuator design addresses key limitations, paving the way for broader applications.