Piezoelectric micro motor and miniaturized drive circuit enable tiny motion systems that operate directly from 3V battery power
New Scale Technologies has received a U.S. patent for its reduced-voltage miniature piezoelectric motor and drive system, capable of operating directly from battery voltage as low as 2.3 VDC. By eliminating the need for boost circuits, this invention reduces system size and component cost and enables integration into a wide range of battery-driven products to move elements such as optical lenses. The patented motor system is more than five times smaller than commercial electromagnetic linear motor systems and uses 40% less power, while delivering competitive force and range of motion.
U.S. patent # 8,217,553 was issued July 10, 2012 to inventors Qin Xu, David Henderson and Daniele Piazza by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The reduced-voltage motor uses New Scale’s proven SQUIGGLE piezo motor design, which delivers longer travel range, higher push force and greater precision than competing piezo motors. The latest invention replaces the original SQUIGGLE motor’s monolithic piezoelectric elements with advanced multi-layer piezoelectric elements from TDK-EPC (www.epcos.com) to achieve the reduced operating voltage. The NSD-2101 drive circuit was developed in partnership with ams (www.ams.com) using New Scale’s patent-pending control algorithms to increase motor efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions and refine the motor control capabilities.
Seventh patent in a growing portfolio
Since 2002, New Scale has secured seven US patents and corresponding international patents for piezoelectric motors and motion systems with unmatched miniaturization, micrometer-scale resolution, fully-integrated microelectronics and intelligent firmware. The company both licenses this technology and applies it in custom development projects for original equipment manufacturers in consumer imaging, security, medical, scientific and other markets.
September 19, 2012
