Piezo Linear Drive Control Using Speed-Proportional Variables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Piezo linear drives face challenges with systematic positioning errors and high clamping voltages leading to reduced efficiency and increased response time, especially when positioning heavy objects vertically, due to position-signal-dependent control methods.

Innovation Solution

An operating method that derives control signals from a speed-proportional control variable, approximating linear time dependency of drive travel, and coordinating cycle time and shear stress to reduce permanent voltage loads and control amplifier losses, using a lookup table for interpolated shear stress values to control longitudinal actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If position-signal-dependent control is used for vertical positioning of heavy objects, then positioning capability is achieved, but systematic positioning errors occur and response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control method changes the fundamental parameter used for control from position signal to speed-proportional control variable. By deriving control signals from speed rather than position, the system achieves vertical positioning of heavy objects without the systematic errors and slow response characteristic of position-dependent control methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If position-signal-dependent control is used, then positioning control is achieved, but control effort increases and degradation phenomena occur due to high clamping voltages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcontrol amplifier losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the control parameter from position signal to speed-proportional control variable. This parameter change fundamentally alters the control signals generated, reducing the need for high clamping voltages during positioning operations and thereby reducing energy losses in control amplifiers and degradation in piezo actuators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control method employs periodic activation of piezo stack actuators with coordinated cycle times. By using periodic clamping and feed movements rather than continuous high voltage application, the system reduces permanent voltage loads and associated energy losses while maintaining positioning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If high clamping voltages are applied over longer periods for position control, then positioning stability is maintained, but functionality of the drive deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoiddrive functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control method uses periodic activation of piezo stack actuators with coordinated cycle times instead of continuous high voltage application. This periodic action maintains positioning stability through controlled clamping phases while reducing permanent voltage loads that cause functionality deterioration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

By changing from position-dependent to speed-proportional control, the system alters the temporal pattern of voltage application. This results in reduced duty cycle for high clamping voltages, maintaining stability when needed while preserving actuator functionality through reduced stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances positioning accuracy and response behavior while reducing degradation phenomena, allowing for precise and efficient vertical positioning with lower control effort and improved drive performance.

Implementation Method 1

electrical energy is converted into motion by utilizing the electrostrictive effect of one or more piezoelectric elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostrictive effect: Electrostriction

Implementation Method 2

If an electrical voltage is applied to the outer electrodes, the piezo foils expand in the direction of the field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2242122B1Operating method and control unit of a linear piezo drive
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE (PI) GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2242122B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2242122B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2242122B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Operating method of a piezo linear drive (D) with a group of piezo stack actuators which drive a runner (R), wherein the actuators represent a multi-layer ceramic arrangement located on a common substrate (Sa,Sb), wherein within a stack of the multi-layer arrangement a first stack part is designed as a shear or longitudinal actuator (D1,D2) and a second stack part as a clamping actuator (C1,C2) and the latter is at least indirectly in clamping and shearing contact with the runner and at least two identical actuators are located next to each other in order to perform reciprocal clamping and feed movements in stepping mode, for operation in stepping mode for coarse positioning, wherein the adjacent actuators of the group are controlled to perform alternating clamping and feed movements, wherein control signals are derived from a velocity-proportional control variable.