Micromechanical Component With Piezoelectric Bending Actuators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micromechanical components require high energy for rotational axis movement and necessitate permanent magnets or coils, limiting energy efficiency and component miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The use of four piezoelectric bending actuators, oriented perpendicularly to each other, to induce gyroscopic effects for energy-efficient oscillating motion about rotational axes, eliminating the need for permanent magnets and coils, and allowing static/quasi-static deflection through resonant excitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional drives (electromagnetic or electrostatic) are used for rotational axis movement, then the adjustable part can be actuated, but energy consumption is high and component size increases due to permanent magnets and coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic drives and electrostatic drives with a purely mechanical resonant excitation system. Four piezoelectric bending actuators generate oscillating motions that couple through the adjustable part's inertia to produce rotation about the third rotational axis, eliminating permanent magnets, coils, and high-voltage electrostatic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration by exciting the adjustable part into resonant oscillating motions about two rotational axes simultaneously. The coupling of these vibrations through gyroscopic effects generates the desired rotational movement, achieving energy-efficient actuation without conventional drives
Solution Approach 3:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using resonant frequencies for actuation. By exciting the adjustable part at its natural resonant frequencies, the system achieves amplified motion responses with minimal input energy, contrasting with conventional drives that operate outside resonance
2Ease of operation
If conventional drives with permanent magnets and coils are used, then rotational movement can be achieved, but the micromechanical component cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic drives and electrostatic drives with a purely mechanical resonant excitation system. Four piezoelectric bending actuators generate oscillating motions that couple through the adjustable part's inertia to produce rotation about the third rotational axis, eliminating permanent magnets, coils, and high-voltage electrostatic components
Solution Approach 2:
The four piezoelectric bending actuators serve multiple functions: they individually control oscillations about the first and second rotational axes, and collectively through coupling generate rotation about the third rotational axis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drive mechanisms for each axis
3Ease of operation
If direct excitation of rotation about the third rotational axis is used, then rotational movement is achieved, but energy efficiency is poor or the action is hardly/not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration by exciting the adjustable part into resonant oscillating motions about two rotational axes simultaneously. The coupling of these vibrations through gyroscopic effects generates the desired rotational movement, achieving energy-efficient actuation without conventional drives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by applying time-varying excitation signals at resonant frequencies to the piezoelectric actuators. This periodic excitation sustains oscillating motions that couple to produce continuous rotational movement about the third axis with minimal energy input
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 approach reduces energy consumption, minimizes component size, and enhances manufacturing efficiency by utilizing purely resonant excitations for static/quasi-static deflection, making the micromechanical components suitable for applications like scanners and virtual reality glasses.
Implementation Method 1
four piezoelectric bending actuators, of which a first piezoelectric bending actuator and a second piezoelectric bending actuator extend in succession along a first axis oriented in parallel to the rotational axis, a third piezoelectric bending actuator and a fourth piezoelectric bending actuator extend in succession along a second axis oriented in parallel to the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
the actuator device is configured in such a way that the adjustable part is settable into a first resonant oscillating motion as the first oscillating motion, and at the same time is settable into a second resonant oscillating motion as the second oscillating motion
Implementation Method 3
The present invention provides options that are advantageously suitable for effectuating a movement/oscillating motion of the adjustable part about a rotational axis (oriented perpendicularly with respect to the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis), making use of gyroscopic effects
Data Source
AI summary
A micromechanical component, including an adjustable part that is connected, at least via springs, to the mounting, and an actuator device with which a first oscillating motion of the adjustable part is excitable about a first rotational axis and at the same time a second oscillating motion of the adjustable part is excitable about a second rotational axis. The actuator device includes four piezoelectric bending actuators, and the adjustable part is settable into the first oscillating motion and/or into the second oscillating motion by deformation of the four piezoelectric bending actuators, and each of the four piezoelectric bending actuators at its first end is anchored to the mounting, and the adjustable part is suspended, at least via the springs, on the four piezoelectric bending actuators.