Design and Testing of a Novel Piezoelectric Rotary Motor Based on Improved Deformation Wave Precession Mechanism

Abstract:
This paper describes the functioning principle, implementation and testing of a novel piezoelectric actuated motor. The basic principle behind the motor (patented) is called Deformation Wave Precession (DWP), it employs three pushing piezostacks and three fixed pins for actuating upon a flexible ring that creates rotational motion when sequentially deformed by the stacks. In this work, an evolution of the basic functioning principle is presented, where three blocking piezostacks are included which, actuated in coordination with the three pushing piezostacks, are able to create a rotary motion with improved torque with respect to the basic version. A prototype with the six-piezostack improved mechanism has been designed, engineered and tested. Finite element models have been implemented for estimation of motor torque characteristic, as well as for introduction of structural modifications for performance improvement. Results achieved by testing, validation and implemented improvements are explained in this paper, showing the ability of the motor to reach high torque for a compact motor construction. Finally, a discussion is presented on the identified critical aspects and areas of improvement to be exploited on a future version of the prototype. This work has been developed in the framework of Pre2Pos project, with funding of European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation Programme under Grant Agreement no. 733209.