INTEGRAL PRELOAD MECHANISM FOR PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR

摘要

A piezoelectric actuator that may include a monolithic frame having an integral bias band that provides a resilient restoring force between a first contact surface and a second contact surface of the actuator that may be used to rotate an adjustment shaft. In some cases, a preload mechanism may also be included with the frame. Such piezoelectric actuators may be used for adjustable optical mounting devices such as optical mounting devices.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing a monolithic actuator frame for a piezoelectric actuator, comprising cutting an actuator frame from a piece of continuous high strength material, the cut actuator frame including (i) a monolithic configuration with all elements of the actuator frame being formed from a single piece of continuous uninterrupted material, (ii) a first support element including a first contact surface, (iii) a second support element including a second contact surface, the second contact surface being disposed in a spaced and substantially opposed relation relative to the first contact surface, (iv) a bias band which is disposed between first support element and the second support element and which is configured to provide a resilient restoring force that resists perpendicular displacement of the first contact surface away from the second contact surface, and (v) a piezoelectric element cavity disposed between a first mount surface of the actuator frame and a second mount surface of the actuator frame.