Vibration Actuator Orthogonal Output via Rotation Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration type actuators have limited design flexibility due to the rectangular shape of the vibration member, which restricts the output direction and movement amount.
Innovation Solution
The vibration type actuator incorporates a rotation member with a rotation shaft intersecting the relative movement direction, allowing the output portion to move in a direction orthogonal to the relative movement, thereby enhancing design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular shape vibration member with two protrusions is used, then the structure is simple and the actuator can be driven accurately and quietly, but the output direction is limited to the same as the longer side direction of the vibration member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotation member with a rotation shaft extending in a direction intersecting the first direction (output direction). This adds a rotational dimension to the system, allowing the output portion to move not only in the first direction through relative movement of the vibration member and contact member, but also in a second direction through rotation of the rotation member, thereby achieving two-dimensional output capability from a fundamentally one-dimensional vibration mechanism
2Device complexity
If the relative movement between the vibration member and contact member is used as the output, then the actuator structure remains simple, but the movement amount to be output is limited to the movement amount of the relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation member acts as an intermediary between the vibration member and the output portion. The relative movement of the vibration member and contact member drives the rotation of the rotation member, which in turn drives the output portion. This intermediary mechanism allows the output movement amount to be amplified or modified beyond the direct relative movement distance, while maintaining the simplicity of the basic vibration actuator structure
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 enables the conversion of the output direction, allowing for a more compact size in the output direction while maintaining accurate and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element joined to the other surface (rear surface) of the elastic member
Implementation Method 2
generates a driving force by pressure-contacting a vibration member and a driven member to relatively friction-drive the vibration member and the driven member by vibrations excited in the vibration member
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration type actuator including a vibration member including an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic member, and a contact member in contact with the vibration member, wherein the vibration member and the contact member are configured to relatively move in a first direction, includes a base, a holding member held by the base and configured to hold the vibration member, a rotation member including a rotation shaft held by the base and extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and configured to be in contact with the holding member and rotate in association with the relative movement of the vibration member, and an output portion held by the base to be movable in a third direction intersecting with the second direction, and configured to be in contact with the rotation member and move in association with a rotation of the rotation member.