Open AccessSimulation of translational piezoelectric microactuators with application in miniaturized robots
Author(s) -
Marta Vílchez Monge,
Estuardo Herrera Muñoz,
Natalia Rodríguez Rodríguez,
Paola Vega Castillo
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
tecnología en marcha
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2215-3241
pISSN - 0379-3982
DOI - 10.18845/tm.v25i5.485
Subject(s) - multiphysics , actuator , microelectromechanical systems , piezoelectricity , robot , voltage , displacement (psychology) , degrees of freedom (physics and chemistry) , microactuator , mechanical engineering , computer science , control engineering , engineering , electronic engineering , materials science , electrical engineering , nanotechnology , physics , artificial intelligence , finite element method , structural engineering , psychology , quantum mechanics , psychotherapist
In the design of miniaturized robots, different types of microelectromechanical actuators must be evaluated to determine the most appropriate one for each specific function as well as the best actuation effect for the size, force, supply voltage, energy, precision and degrees of freedom required.The piezoelectric effect is one of the most promising effects to incorporate microactuators in miniaturized robots. This paper presents a brief comparison on actuation methods for translational displacement and discusses its feasibility for application in miniaturized robots. The specific case of evaluation of a translational piezoelectric actuator using COMSOL Multiphysics is described, as well as an application example for a microgripper to be incorporated in a miniaturized robot for grasping submicrometric objects.