Buckling resistant piezoelectric actuator

摘要

A piezoelectric actuator assembly allows maximization of the cross-sectional area of a piezoelectric driver assembly such that axial stiffness of the actuator assembly is substantially increased. The actuator assembly is coupled to an application structure and includes the piezoelectric driver assembly having a stack inboard end longitudinally extending in an inboard direction with respect to the application structure. The driver assembly also has a stack outboard end longitudinally extending in an outboard direction with respect to the application structure. The driver assembly further provides a longitudinal displacement in response to an applied voltage. The actuator assembly also includes an amplification arm having an arm outboard end coupled to a load. An outboard hinge mechanism rotatably couples an arm inboard end of the amplification arm to the stack outboard end such that the arm outboard end extends in the outboard direction. Voltage signals selectively applied to the driver assembly cause rotational displacement of the amplification arm.