How does a Piezo Ratchet Mechanism Work in a Closed-Loop Precision Actuator?

PI (Physik Instrumente) LP Posted 06/05/2019

Piezo Ratchet Motors are inertia motors based on the stick-slip effect. A small piezo ceramic actuator embedded in a precision mechanism drives a high resolution screw. An optical encoder reads position changes and feeds the information back to a closed-loop controller. Resolution in the nanometer rage is feasible, self-locking design with high holding forces compared to the compact size.