초록 ▼

A mechanical amplifier has an elongated beam rotatable about a virtual pivot point in an amount proportional to the displacement of an actuator connected to the amplifier. A pair of ceramic multilayer piezoelectric actuators apply forces to opposite sides of the elongated beam causing rotation of th

A mechanical amplifier has an elongated beam rotatable about a virtual pivot point in an amount proportional to the displacement of an actuator connected to the amplifier. A pair of ceramic multilayer piezoelectric actuators apply forces to opposite sides of the elongated beam causing rotation of the beam about the virtual pivot point in an amount proportional to the displacement of the actuators. In addition, a pair of flexures are connected to the opposite sides of the beam and to a frame. The frame functions as a substantially non-vibrating mechanical ground. The shape of the mechanical amplifier elements including the flexures, the beam and connectors for the flexures and actuators are designed to substantially maintain the virtual pivot point of the beam under load conditions within or near an area defined by the intersection of the axes of the flexures and the actuator forces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ It is claimed:] [1.] A mechanical amplifier receiving an input displacement and providing an output displacement proportional to the input displacement comprising:a displacement beam having a longitudinal axis, a first side, a second opposite side, a load end and a driven end;said driven end of sa

[ It is claimed:] [1.] A mechanical amplifier receiving an input displacement and providing an output displacement proportional to the input displacement comprising:a displacement beam having a longitudinal axis, a first side, a second opposite side, a load end and a driven end;said driven end of said displacement beam receiving the input displacement at said first and second sides;a mechanical ground;a first flexure arm having a longitudinal axis and connecting said mechanical ground to said first side of said beam;a second flexure arm having a longitudinal axis and connecting said mechanical ground to said second opposite side of said beam;said flexure arms and said driven end defining a virtual pivot point about which said beam pivots; andsaid load end of said displacement beam providing the output displacement about the virtual pivot point proportional to the input displacement.