Parallelogram Ultrasonic Actuator for Low-Power Torque Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic actuators for ultrasonic motors face challenges in achieving a simple construction, low energy consumption, and reliable operation while being suitable for mass production and miniaturization, with previous designs either being complex and expensive or requiring high electrical power.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic actuator with a non-right-angled parallelogram inscribed in its base area, featuring an octagonal base and top surface with isosceles trapezoidal sides, allowing for efficient deformation excitation and reduced material usage, combined with a holding device for stable rotor contact, enabling low energy consumption and scalable manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular piezoelectric plate is used as the resonator, then the design is simple and manufacturing is easy, but relatively high electrical power is required resulting in increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a parallelogram-shaped resonator instead of a conventional rectangular plate. This asymmetric geometry modifies the vibration modes and mechanical coupling, enabling more efficient energy transfer to the rotor while maintaining simple manufacturing processes. The parallelogram shape creates favorable stress distributions that reduce the electrical power required for actuation.
2Reliability
If complex composite vibrators with piezoelectric excitation plates are used, then operational stability is improved, but the design becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resonator body and the piezoelectric excitation structure into a single integrated parallelogram-shaped component. This eliminates the need for separate piezoelectric plates glued to a resonating body, simplifying both design and manufacturing while maintaining operational stability. The integrated design reduces assembly steps and potential failure points from material bonding.
3Device complexity
If the inscribed parallelogram has right angles, then the structure is simpler, but no torque can be generated to rotate the ultrasonic actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces geometric asymmetry by using a parallelogram with non-right angles. This asymmetry is essential for generating torque because it creates unequal force distributions during ultrasonic vibration, producing a rotational moment. The specific angular deviation from 90 degrees enables the conversion of linear vibration into rotational motion while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
The solution provides a simple, energy-efficient ultrasonic actuator that supports reliable motor operation with high positioning accuracy and robustness against external influences, suitable for miniaturized devices with low energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the plate comprises an electromechanical material and electrodes for exciting periodic deformations of the plate are arranged on its base and on its top surface opposite the base
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ultrasonic actuator (1) in the form of a plate (2) having a base (3), a cover surface (4) which is geometrically similar to the base, and a lateral surface (5) which interconnects the base and the cover surface, wherein the plate comprises an electromagnetic material and electrodes (6, 6', 7, 7') for inciting periodic deformations of the plate are arranged on the base of the plate and on the cover surface of the plate opposite the base, and the base (3) comprises at least two faces (8, 8') which are arranged in parallel with one another and form contact portions (50, 50') of the lateral surface (5), and the two faces of the base arranged in parallel with one another, together with connecting lines (9, 9') which interconnect the respective end points of the faces (8, 8') arranged in parallel, form a parallelogram (10) inscribed in the base, in which parallelogram an angle different from 90° is enclosed between adjacent faces. The invention also relates to a motor having such an ultrasonic actuator.