Self-Contained Actuator/Sensor for Positioning/Vibration Isolation

The proposed effort focuses on the need for innovative, space realizable, self-contained actuators for precision positioning and vibration isolation. The proposed mechanism is a sealed linear actuator capable of high bandwidth (O-lkHz) control. A design feasibility study will be performed on the use of piezoelectrics in an innovative configuration to provide robust linear actuation for positioning and vibration isolation. The specific design concept involves use of piezoelectric elements in an improved variation of the induced strain configuration to provide increased bandwidth and displacement. Active or passive damping is included in the actuator design through the use of active/passive constrain layer damping. All supporting electronics including sensor signal processing, microprocessor, and power management are to be included within the device. Advantages of this particular design include an ability to: dimensionally customize the device for a specific design need, tune active/passive vibration characteristics, operate self-contained, and choose between independent sensing and actuation or the use of a self-sensing technique for control. The result of achieving the design objectives will be a device that requires low maintenance and can be implemented with minimal effort in almost any positioning and/or vibration isolation application.