High-Speed Peizoelectric Positioner for Precision Machining

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of an innovative concept in high-speed closed-loop feedback control systems for piezoelectric positioners used in precision manufacturing. There is considerable use, and considerably greater potential for use, of piezoelectric actuators, positioners, and sensors in precision manufacturing, and specifically precision machining. In such applications the piezo element is not dynamically controlled. The speed of operation, settling time, and accuracy of the piezoelectric element could be dramatically improved with an improved control system. PIEZOMAX Company's proposed piezoelectric feedback system will be much more effective than presently available methods. Such a system has none of the drawbacks of existing technology and is easily implemented. The approach can in principle be engineered for use with a variety of precision machining and other manufacturing applications in which piezoelectric components are used: piezoelectric tool or workpiece positioning systems, piezoelectric platform dynamometers, piezoelectric drilling dynamometers, piezoelectric single-point diamond tools for nanometric cutting, accelerometers, micropneumazic controllers, ultrasonic motors, and micromechanical linear-to-rotary motion -Transducers. In the feasibility study, the controller concept will be developed for a generic piezoelectrictioner. Speed, accuracy, and settling time of the positioner and performance improvement relative to conventional piezoelectric control will be determined.