Parallel Piezoelectric Actuator Displacement Magnifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement magnifying devices face challenges in reducing size while maintaining a large displacement amount, as the diaphragm structure and piezoelectric actuators are typically arranged in series, limiting their compactness and versatility in applications.
Innovation Solution
A displacement magnifying device with a diaphragm structure and actuators arranged in parallel, where a first member with displacing sections is coupled to both ends of the actuator, allowing for increased displacement of the diaphragm and reducing the device's size by crossing the displacing directions of the actuator and diaphragm, and optionally using multiple actuators to enhance displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the diaphragm structure and piezoelectric actuators are arranged in series in the displacing direction, then the displacement amount is large, but the device size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from series (one-dimensional linear arrangement in the displacing direction) to parallel (two-dimensional arrangement where actuators are positioned at opposite sides of the diaphragm structure). The actuators displace in directions that cross the diaphragm's displacing direction, enabling compact integration while maintaining large displacement through the first member's lever arm mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is positioned to overlap with the diaphragm structure in the plan view, with the displacing section coupled to both ends of the actuator. This nested arrangement allows the actuator to be integrated within the spatial envelope of the diaphragm structure, reducing overall device size while the first member amplifies the displacement
2Length of moving object
If multiple piezoelectric actuators are provided side by side, then the displacement amount increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first member serves multiple functions: it couples the actuators to the diaphragm structure, amplifies the displacement through its lever arm mechanism, and enables the actuators to displace in directions crossing the diaphragm's displacing direction. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the coupling function and the displacement amplification function into a single first member structure. The displacing section that couples to both ends of the actuator simultaneously performs mechanical coupling and lever arm amplification, simplifying the overall structure compared to separate coupling mechanisms and amplification mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables a compact displacement magnifying device with a large displacement amount, suitable for applications like projectors, recording apparatuses, and three-dimensional molded object manufacturing, achieving high performance and miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
two piezoelectric actuators are provided on the outside of a diaphragm structure. In the displacement magnifying device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, one piezoelectric actuator is coupled to the diaphragm structure and the two piezoelectric actuators are coupled
Data Source
AI summary
A displacement magnifying device includes a diaphragm structure including a substrate and a diaphragm provided separately from the substrate, actuators provided side by side with the diaphragm structure, and a first member including displacing sections coupled to both ends of the actuators and displaced according to displacement of the actuators. The displacing sections are coupled to the diaphragm of the diaphragm structure.