Solid-State Actuator Drive Apparatus for Multi-Axis Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state actuator drive devices are not well-suited for multi-axis rotation applications, often resulting in complex mechanical structures and inefficient use of components, particularly when adjusting components in non-parallel planes.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state actuator drive device with a first and second drive body coupled via a coupling device, utilizing three solid-state actuators to enable compact, low-noise, and high-positioning accuracy rotations, allowing for independent control of shafts with reduced construction volume and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If miniature electric motors with gear are used to adjust components in non-parallel planes, then multi-axis rotation capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to complicated mechanical structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-axis rotation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single integrated solid-state actuator system. The first and second solid-state actuators work together to drive the drive body, enabling multi-axis rotation capabilities without requiring separate motors and gear mechanisms for each axis, thus reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical motor-gear systems with solid-state actuators that use piezoelectric or similar non-mechanical actuation principles. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission elements like gears and bearings, achieving multi-axis rotation through direct solid-state actuation of the drive body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple solid-state actuators are used to achieve precise positioning in multi-axis applications, then positioning accuracy improves, but construction volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidconstruction volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the first shaft leads into the drive body opening and the second shaft is coupled through the drive body, with the second actuator arranged to overlap the coupling device. This nesting allows multiple actuation functions to be packed into a compact volume while maintaining independent control capability for precise positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The second solid-state actuator is designed to directly drive both the first and second drive body through the coupling device, enabling a single actuator to perform multiple drive functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of actuators needed while maintaining the capability for precise independent positioning of both shafts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables cost-effective and space-saving configurations for precise positioning in multi-axis applications, suitable for low to medium torque requirements, with simplified control electronics and the ability to implement memory functions and control arbitrary speeds.

Implementation Method 1

A solid-state actuator drive device in the form of a piezoelectric drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2027613B1Solid-state actuator drive apparatus and method for driving a solid-state actuator drive apparatus
Publication Date: 2010.05.05 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2027613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2027613B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2027613B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a solid-state actuator drive apparatus comprising a first drive body (1), an actuator opening (2) in the first drive body (1), a first shaft (3) leading into the actuator opening (2), and a first and a second solid-state actuator (4, 5; 4º, 5º), for driving the drive body (1) to effect a translational movement that causes the shaft (3) to rotate (?). A second drive body (7) with a drive body opening (8) is coupled to the first drive body (1) by means of a coupling device (12; 12º; 12*) and a third solid-state actuator (10; 10º) is coupled to the second drive body (7), for driving the second drive body (7) and a second shaft (9) leading into the drive body opening (8) thereof. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for driving such a solid-state actuator drive apparatus.