A Novel Type of Noncontact Linear Piezoelectric Actuator Modulated by Electromagnetic Field: Design and Experiment

To explore a noncontact drive solution for linear piezoelectric actuators, a novel type of noncontact linear piezoelectric actuator modulated by the electromagnetic field is proposed. The proposed actuator employs electromagnetic force to modulate and transfer the locomotion between the stator and the runner. The drive scheme reduces the wear and friction between the stator and the runner and can control the coupling force by the electric system. Here, the design pattern and working principles are described. The amplification ratio equation of the flexible amplification mechanism is established, and the calculation method of the dynamic electromagnetic force is illustrated. For assessing the validity and measure the output characteristics of the proposed actuator, a prototype is fabricated to measure the output speeds, the stepping distances, and the output forces. The experimental results show the actuator with the driving frequency of 1 Hz, the electromagnetic modulation voltage of 4 V, and the piezoelectric driving voltage of 100 V can continuously output a stall load force of about 0.15 N and speed of 0.33 mm/s.