ABSTRACT
Piezoelectric stack or multi-layer actuators are capable of producing very large forces, but only minute displacements. Their very high rate of response and virtually zero steady-state power consumption make them potentially attractive for a wide range of machinery applications if their output displacements can be amplified to be useful in mechanisms constructed with normal engineering tolerances.
This paper discusses possibilities for mechanical amplification using flexure-hinged structures. Possible amplifier topologies are considered and appropriate techniques for the design and manufacture of flexure hinges in monolithic structures discussed.
Finally, some examples of successful amplifiers are presented including a compound amplifier structure applied to a clutching device which is capable of sub-millisecond actuation, a piezoelectric harmonic motor which utilises flexure hinged amplifiers to provide a novel type of non-magnetic stepping motor, and a low-cost roller clutch based piezomotor.
