Elimination of periodic nonlinearities of actuators with internal periodic processes

TL;DR

This paper presents an algorithm to eliminate periodic nonlinearities in bimorph piezo actuators by phase modification of drive waveforms, enabling optimized motion control and improved performance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel phase-based optimization method to reduce nonlinearities in actuators with internal periodic processes, applicable to various similar devices.

Findings

Effective nonlinearity elimination demonstrated experimentally

Optimization improves actuator response under different loads

Method applicable to other internal periodic process actuators

Abstract

We discuss an algorithm that eliminates the periodic non-linearity of a bimorph piezo actuator by modifying the phase of the voltage waveforms used for driving the actuator. The procedure presented allows for a separate optimization of the motion of the actuator groups in order to obtain the properties desired (such as a specific stepsize or maximum force). The resulting response of a bimorph piezo drive, also under different loads, is experimentally investigated. The optimization process can be applied to other actuators relying on internal periodic processes, if the motion is reproducible, and is limited by measurement noise or manufacturing tolerances only.