Piezoelectric and electrostrictive actuators

摘要

An actuator for tilting the plane of an object is constructed from a stack of piezoelectric or electrostrictive members. First alternate interstices between the members are filled with a first conductive material, except that a first gap remains between the material and one side of the stack. Similarly, second alternate interstices between the members are filled with a second conductive material, except that a second gap remains between the material and an opposite side of the stack. The first gap and the second gap have unequal depth into the stack. The first material in the first interstices is coupled in common and the second material in the second interstices is coupled in common. A voltage applied between the first material and the second material will thereby cause the stack to bend, thereby tilting the plane of the op of the stack.