Piezoelectric Actuator with Independent Directional Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional piezoelectric actuators face challenges in independently controlling vibrations in the lifting and feed directions, leading to inefficient vibration in these directions.

Innovation Solution

A piezoelectric actuator design incorporating first and second piezoelectric elements for thickness-shear vibration in different directions, along with a pressurizing section using a third piezoelectric element to control pressure between the driven member and the base, allowing independent control and efficient vibration in both directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional piezoelectric actuator design is used, then the structure is simple, but the vibrations in lifting and feed directions cannot be independently controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent control of vibrationsVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is divided into multiple independent piezoelectric elements (first piezoelectric element for lifting direction, second piezoelectric element for feed direction) that can be controlled separately. Each element is responsible for a specific vibration direction, enabling independent control while maintaining manageable structural complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from single-direction control to multi-directional control by adding piezoelectric elements oriented in different spatial dimensions. The first piezoelectric element operates in the lifting direction while the second operates in the feed direction, creating independent control capabilities across multiple dimensional axes without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional piezoelectric actuator design is used, then the structure is simple, but the vibration efficiency in lifting and feed directions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVibration efficiencyVSAvoidStructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the actuator into specialized piezoelectric elements for different vibration directions, each element can be optimized for its specific function. The first piezoelectric element is optimized for lifting direction vibration while the second is optimized for feed direction vibration, significantly improving overall vibration efficiency compared to traditional designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the actuator are assigned different functional qualities - the first piezoelectric element region provides lifting vibration capability while the second piezoelectric element region provides feed vibration capability. This local differentiation of functional quality enables high vibration efficiency in each direction without requiring complex overall restructuring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If pressure is not dynamically adjusted, then the structure is simple, but the driving efficiency varies with driving state

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDriving efficiencyVSAvoidPressure control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing section implements dynamic pressure adjustment based on the driving state of the driven member. The pressure applied by the pressurizing section varies according to operational requirements, enabling the actuator to maintain optimal driving efficiency across different driving states. This dynamic adaptation transforms the system from static to dynamic pressure control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressurizing section operates with feedback from the driving state of the driven member, adjusting pressure levels according to actual operational conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that pressure is optimized for each driving state, improving overall driving efficiency while keeping the pressure control mechanism relatively simple through intelligent regulation rather than complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables independent control and efficient vibration in two directions, optimizing the driving mechanism for improved performance by adjusting pressure based on the driving state of the rotor.

Implementation Method 1

a first piezoelectric element that performs thickness-shear vibration in a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second piezoelectric element that is supported by the first member and that performs thickness-shear vibration in a second direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the pressurizing section changes the pressure via a third piezoelectric element that deforms corresponding to a driving state of the driving target member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8611020B2Piezoelectric actuator, lens barrel, and imaging device
Publication Date: 2013.12.17 NIKON CORP
  • US8611020B2 patent drawing
  • US8611020B2 patent drawing
  • US8611020B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A piezoelectric actuator includes a first piezoelectric element that performs thickness-shear vibration in a first direction, a first member that is driven by the first piezoelectric element and that vibrates in the first direction, a second piezoelectric element that is supported by the first member and that performs thickness-shear vibration in a second direction, a second member that is driven by the second piezoelectric element and that vibrates in the second direction, a pressurizing section that generates a pressure between the second member and a driving target member driven by the second member. The pressurizing section includes a third piezoelectric element that changes the pressure between the second member and a driving target member on the basis of a driving state of the driving target member.