Vibration-Wave Motor Coupling Part Orthogonal to Pressing Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic motors face challenges in miniaturization due to overlapping components, leading to reduced rigidity and mechanical delays in force transmission, which affects their ability to stably move driven members.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a vibrator, a first holding member, a second holding member, multiple pressing members, a movable plate, and a coupling part to minimize the pressing direction size while maintaining rigidity, allowing for stable force transmission without mechanical delays by positioning the coupling and transmitting parts outside the vibrator's pressing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the pressing member and vibrator are arranged to overlap in the pressing direction, then the motor size is reduced, but the rigidity of the movable unit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the coupling part from overlapping with the vibrator in the pressing direction to a location adjacent to the vibrator in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction. This spatial rearrangement reduces the motor's length in the pressing direction while maintaining structural rigidity through the adjacent configuration of the coupling part with the second holding member or movable plate.
2Volume of moving object
If the pressing member and vibrator are arranged to overlap in the pressing direction, then the motor size is reduced, but mechanical delays occur in force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is relocated to an area adjacent to the vibrator outside the pressing direction, creating a more direct and rigid force transmission path. This adjacent configuration eliminates mechanical delays by ensuring close coupling between the vibrator and the force transmission components without the interference of overlapping structural elements.
3Volume of moving object
If the coupling part and transmitting part are positioned away from the vibrator, then the motor can be made smaller, but the rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is positioned locally adjacent to the vibrator in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction, creating a rigid connection point close to the vibration source. This localized configuration maintains structural rigidity where it is most needed for force transmission while allowing the rest of the motor structure to be compacted.
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 creation of a smaller ultrasonic motor that can stably transmit driving forces without mechanical delays, enhancing the motor's controllability and positioning precision.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator configured to vibrate at a high frequency when a driving voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pressing members arranged around the vibrator and configured to press the vibrator against a contacting member
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration-wave motor includes a vibrator, a first holding member configured to hold the vibrator, a second holding member configured to hold the first holding member, a plurality of pressing members arranged around the vibrator and configured to press the vibrator against a contacting member that contacts the vibrator, a movable plate disposed opposite to the vibrator with respect to the contacting member, and a coupling part configured to couple the second holding member and the movable plate with each other. The vibrator and the contacting member move relatively to each other due to a vibration generated by the vibrator. One of the second holding member and the movable plate includes a transmitting part configured to transmit a driving force of the vibration-wave motor to a driven member.