Design Evolution of the Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Motor Using Three Rotating Mode Actuators

The development process and experimental investigation of the multicell piezoelectric motor is presented in this paper. The proposed design consists of three individual cells integrated into the stator, double rotor, and a preload system. Those elements are combined into a symmetrical structure of the motor. The two new prototypes have been designed, simulated and tested. Finite element numerical analysis is carried out to obtain optimal dimensions of the individual cell in terms of generated vibrations and resonant frequencies of the structure. The results of the numerical analysis are compared with analytical calculations based on the equivalent circuit model. The stator of the motor was manufactured using a three-dimensional (3-D) printer using alumide material. Finally, the experimental tests were conducted and presented. Analytical, numerical and experimental results are in satisfactory agreement. Two new prototypes of the multicell piezoelectric motor exhibit torque-speed characteristics similar to the original while being cheaper and easier to manufacture.