Extended-temperature-range piezoactuator system with very large movement

Paul M. Weaver; Andrew Ashwell; Yulan Zheng; Simon C. Powell

doi:10.1117/12.484690

13 August 2003 Extended-temperature-range piezoactuator system with very large movement

Paul M. Weaver, Andrew Ashwell, Yulan Zheng, Simon C. Powell

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5053, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484690
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Servocell planar bimorph actuator employs a very simple novel construction which provides a very large movement (up to 3mm) in a compact profile. It provides solid state actuation for high volume, cost sensitive applications e.g. valves, locks and circuit breakers. Thermal variations in the piezoelectric properties usually result in a compromise in performance, particularly at low temperature. This paper presents new data on the effects of thermal variations in piezoelectric properties on actuator performance. These data are used to devise a control regime which takes advantage of thermal variations in piezo activity to provide a wide operating window across the temperature range -40 to +125°C. It is shown how the stroke of the actuator can actually be increased at lower temperatures. The system is very simple and can thus be implemented using a very low cost microcontroller. The use of the system is illustrated by real life applications in optical switching, valves, locks, and trip mechanisms.

Citation Download Citation

Paul M. Weaver, Andrew Ashwell, Yulan Zheng, and Simon C. Powell "Extended-temperature-range piezoactuator system with very large movement", Proc. SPIE 5053, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics, (13 August 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484690

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