Miniature Rotary Actuator

New Scale Technologies Inc.'s miniature rotary actuator module has a torque of 0.17N-m and speeds of more than 400 degrees per sec in a 60 mm diameter by 8 mmthick design. This non-inductive rotary actuator module delivers higher poweroutput in a smaller footprint than electromagnetic pancake motors or otherpiezoelectric actuators.The module isnon-magnetic and does not interfere with systems such as magnetometer(navigation) systems, MRI systems or variable inductors. The highly scalabledesign can be adjusted for dynamic performance, velocity, torque or size. Thelow-mass configuration withstands high-G launch accelerations.

Based on New Scale's M3 micro-mechatronic designplatform, the "M3-R" rotary actuator module features integratedpiezoelectric motors, tangential drive mechanism, angular motion sensor and alldrive and control electronics into a compact footprint of less than 1 cubicinch. It operates on lower input voltage than other piezoelectric flat motors,accepting direct battery voltage of 24V withoutboost circuits. It draws less than 60W when moving. New Scale has demonstrated M3-R modules using both itsSQUIGGLE and UTAF piezoelectric micro motors. In the M3-R module, multiplemotors work together to achieve the required torque and speed. Each piezo motorgenerates ultrasonic vibrations that create tangential force that directlyrotates a central shaft with high acceleration and velocity, without gears orother mechanical linkages.

Applications include guided munitions and missilesystems, MRI-compatible medical devices, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)controls, gimbal systems and computer equipment.

Miniature Rotary Actuator