Piezoelectric Actuator
Multilayered actuators are made up of 200 to 300 alternating layers of ceramic and electrodes. Then the block is cut into what ever shape is needed. It can be made in to cylindars, tubular or ring shape pieces. The actuators will make the wings of our robot flap.
These kind of actuators have a lot of advantages over hydraulic or air pressure, or electromagnetic motors. The response time is very fast: 0.01 milliseconds and they have very precise motion capabilities. They can move as small as 0.01 microns. They can generate a large force for the size, up to 3 kilograms per square millimeter. The low energy needs is also a plus along with the fact that they can be very small and lightweight.[12]
An actuator changes power like electricty to mechnical movement. The word ‘piezo’ has to do with crystals that can change their shape when an electric charge is put to them. They in turn produce an electric voltage because of the change. Peizoelectric machines are very stable, very energy efficient, and do not get hot under use. They also have very simple designs so they can be very small. They are used in televisions, cell phones, video cameras, DVD players, and other electronic devices.
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