A single PZT stack actuated piezoelectric actuator with bidirectional alternating driving: design, simulation, and experimental evaluation

Abstract At present, bidirectional piezoelectric actuators (PAs) typically utilise multiple PZT stacks, which make the structure and driving principle complicated. In this work, a non-resonant PA with bidirectional motion using a single PZT stack is proposed. It incorporates a secondary displacement magnification mechanism, which improves the two driving feet’s output displacement. A lever reversing mechanism is designed to change the lever’s output direction, which in turn switches the driving direction of the driving feet, thus enabling the bidirectional drive. The PA’s working principle is described: an oblique linear trajectory is composed at the end of the driving foot, achieved bipedal alternating driving the guide rail. The PA model is analysed using finite element simulation to confirm the structure’s magnification ratio and the driving foot’s motion trajectory. Subsequently, an experimental assessment is performed on the PA prototype, confirming its capability to achieve bidirectional motion. Experimental findings demonstrate that the velocities of driving the guide rail leftward and rightward are 3.894 mm s −1 and 4.07 mm s −1 , respectively, under the conditions of 140 V and 40 Hz. This paper introduces a new idea on the compact structure design of a bidirectional-driven PA.