Ultrasonic motors for mass-consumer products

Abstract

Some new approaches and experiments on active kinematic pairs, transforming resonant non-harmonic periodical vibrations into a continuous directional motion are presented. Uniqueness of a piezoelectric motor utilizing these approaches is that it can be made limited arbitrary cross-section size. Some examples of this type of the piezomotor are presented, allowing miniature on plane positioning systems and angular scanning systems to be created. Examples of multi-degree-of-freedom piezomotors application in mass-consumer products are shown by "smart" toy prototypes made from standard LEGO™ construction blocks and minifigure.