Development of a Plate Linear Ultrasonic Motor Using the Power Flow Method

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Robotics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Linear ultrasonic motors offer stable, high thrust in confined spaces.
• Existing designs have limitations in driving foot amplitude and overall performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the output performance of plate linear ultrasonic motors.
• To investigate novel stator slotting schemes for enhanced thrust and speed.
• To introduce an optimization method for evaluating motor designs.

Main Methods:

• Illustrated the configuration and operating principle of a Pi-type linear ultrasonic motor.
• Proposed two stator slotting schemes: arc and V-slotted.
• Utilized a power flow method for stator energy flow analysis and design optimization.
• Manufactured and experimentally tested prototypes of the proposed motor designs.

Main Results:

• Both arc and V-slotted designs demonstrated excellent output performance.
• The arc slotted motor achieved a maximum thrust of 94 N and a no-load speed of 213 mm/s.
• The V-slotted motor reached a maximum thrust of 120 N and a no-load speed of 368 mm/s.

Conclusions:

• The novel slotting schemes significantly enhance the performance of plate linear ultrasonic motors.
• The V-slotted design offers superior thrust and speed capabilities compared to the arc slotted design.
• The power flow method provides an effective approach for optimizing ultrasonic motor stator designs.