Vibration Actuator Orthogonal Guide Stabilizes Pressing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration-type actuators with multiple vibration bodies face challenges in maintaining consistent pressing and reaction forces, leading to variations in frictional forces, which can result in reduced thrust and torque or excessive wear due to deformation of the contact body.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vibration-type actuator with a plurality of vibration body units, where a restriction unit fixes one vibration body unit and a supporting guide unit supports another, allowing for orthogonal movement, thereby stabilizing the pressing and reaction forces and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple vibration bodies are arranged in series to increase thrust and torque, then the size of the contact body in the longitudinal direction increases, but the contact body becomes difficult to accurately form and maintain, leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into multiple vibration body units (first, second, and third units) arranged in series along the longitudinal direction. Each unit contains its own vibration body and electro-mechanical energy conversion element, allowing the system to generate increased thrust and torque through combined operation while maintaining manageable individual component sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting guide unit introduces a new dimension of movement by allowing the second vibration body unit to move in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined longitudinal direction. This orthogonal degree of freedom enables the contact body to accommodate deformation without compromising the accuracy of its shape in the longitudinal direction
2Length of moving object
If the contact body size increases in the longitudinal direction, then more vibration bodies can be arranged, but the contact body is likely to be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static contact body configuration to a dynamic one where the second vibration body unit can move orthogonally to the longitudinal direction. This dynamic capability allows the contact body to adapt its position and accommodate deformation while maintaining shape stability in the operational longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting guide unit changes the degrees of freedom parameter by allowing movement in the orthogonal direction while constraining movement in other directions. This selective parameter change enables the contact body to maintain its longitudinal shape accuracy while accommodating necessary deformations
3Power
If deformation of the contact body occurs, then pressing force and reaction force vary between vibration bodies, but this leads to reduced thrust and torque or excessive frictional force
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting guide unit provides a feedback mechanism where the orthogonal movement of the second vibration body unit responds to deformation of the contact body. This movement adjusts the positioning to maintain consistent pressing force distribution across all vibration bodies, preventing both insufficient and excessive frictional forces
Solution Approach 2:
By making the second vibration body unit movable in the orthogonal direction, the system dynamically adjusts to maintain uniform pressing force. This dynamic adjustment ensures that all vibration bodies operate within their design parameters, maintaining reliable thrust and torque generation
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 configuration effectively suppresses variations in pressing and reaction forces, ensuring stable frictional forces, preventing wear, and maintaining accurate thrust and torque generation.
Implementation Method 1
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (kokai) No. S63-316675 discloses arranging a plurality of piezoelectric vibration bodies in series
Implementation Method 2
a vibration-type actuator that generates vibration with different vibration modes combined to obtain thrust between a vibration body and a contact body
Implementation Method 3
a vibration-type actuator that implements excitation in a single vibration mode to change frictional force between a vibration body and a contact body
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration-type actuator that can suppress variation in pressing force and reaction force on vibration bodies and contact bodies includes vibration body units, each including a vibration body including an elastic body and an electro-mechanical energy conversion element, and a contact body contacting with the vibration bodies, with the contact body and the vibration bodies moving relatively in a predetermined direction. A first vibration body unit, from among the vibration body units, includes a restriction unit configured to fix the first vibration body unit and restrict a degree of freedom in the predetermined direction, and a second vibration body unit, from among the vibration body units, includes a supporting guide unit configured to support the second vibration body unit while the second vibration body unit is movable in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.