Extremely Large Deflection MicroActuators for Translation or Rotation
A novel piezoelectric microactuator provides large translational or rotational deflections with low power consumption, enabling operation in aqueous environments for applications in biomedical engineering, optics, and manufacturing.
An actuator is a type of motor that is used to move or control a system. These devices convert energy into motion. Thermal actuators usually require a relatively large amount of heat, while electrostatic actuators are usually constrained to operate in a clean environment.
Purdue University researchers have developed a novel type of piezoelectric microactuator that can produce large translational or rotational deflections while overcoming these limitations. Thus, the actuator requires less power and can operate in the aqueous conditions required by many biomedical applications.
Additionally, this piezoelectric actuator uses lateral deflection to create an 'S' shape upon actuation. This large deflection actuator has potential application in a variety of fields, including biomedical engineering, optics, micro/nanoassembly, or scanning probe microscopy.
Advantages:
-Produces large rotational or translational deflections
-Requires less power than thermoelectric actuators
-Operates in aqueous conditions not tolerated by electrostatic actuators
-Uses lateral deflection
Potential Applications:
-Materials
-Manufacturing
TRL: 4
Intellectual Property:
Provisional-Patent, 2012-11-08, United States
Keywords: Piezoelectric microactuator, large deflection actuator, low power actuator, aqueous operating actuator, biomedical engineering, optics, micro/nanoassembly, scanning probe microscopy, translational deflection, rotational deflection, Actuators, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Micro & Nanoelectronics, Motors, Piezoelectric