General Brochure - PiezoMotor - #9

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PiezoMotor 9 The PiezoWave® motor consists of two piezo elements that vibrate with an ultrasonic frequency when activated electrically. This vibration causes the motor drive pads to move elliptically as the piezo elements bend. As a result, the drive pads push on either side of the drive rod to create linear movement. Originally developed for applications inside handheld consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones, PiezoWave® motors are now integrated into many more applications, including other handheld devices, medical technology products, electromechanical door locks, advanced toys and cameras. The motor is now also available in a rotating version. Small size is an obvious advantage of PiezoWave®, but the motor’s other qualities – including robustness, motion dynamics, cost, power efficiency and weight – make it an ideal choice for demanding applications. Its simple design facilitates integration into a wide range of products. What do you need to design your motion system? Normally five parts will do nicely: a piezo motor, a power supply, control electronics, a position sensor and mechanical interface. You’ll soon discover that what these small ceramic cubes can do is nothing short of astonishing. Actual size of a PiezoWave® motor. 1 The motor consists of two piezo elements (upper and lower), each with a drive pad attached. When activated, the piezo elements move, pushing both drive pads to the right and causing the drive rod (dark blue) to move in the same direction. 2 When the first motion cycle is complete, the drive pads have moved as far to the right as possible. 3 The drive pads then lift from the drive rod surface to allow the piezo elements to reposition. 4 Motion recommences and the motor continues to push the drive rod to the right. The PiezoWave® linear motor. This is how a PiezoWave® motor moves