Piezoelectric mechanisms

Piezo mechanisms are based on at least one piezo actuator and on additional functions:

• A piezoelectric mechanism can be based on only one actuator which takes care of some other degrees of freedom by guiding mechanisms. For example the Optical Phase Difference Actuator (OPDA), a space-qualified linear piezo stage developed for Oerlikon-Contraves Space into the LISA mission presented hereafter, is based on one APA®; and on an elastic guiding.
• A piezoelectric mechanism can be based on several actuators offering a complementary role. For example in CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES' XY piezo stages, the piezo actuators of the Y axis provide motion guidance of the X axis actuators and vice-versa.

Most of CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES' piezoelectric mechanisms are based on standard or customised Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators (APA®) or Parallel Pre-stress Actuators (PPAs). They allow the realisation of X and XY stages, tip-tilts, hollow actuators, shutters and 5 or 6 degrees of freedom precision mechanisms.

CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES' piezo mechanisms benefit from a large aerospace heritage, which itself results from the design choices towards a high reliability and a high energy density: CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES' piezoelectric actuators are highly pre-stressed and do not include weak points (as hertzian pivot or flexural hinges). This provides several advantages : a very good ability to withstand external loads (as external vibrations), high dynamics (capability in a large bandwidth from Dc to above resonance) and a long life time.

CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES' monolithic (solid state) piezo mechanisms combine one or several actuators and guidance in one single part, as in the XY stages. This provides additional benefits in terms of compactness, cost and reliability.  

The following examples show various prototypes and customised products. Other examples can be found in the mechatronic systems section and among the related publications.