TECHNOLOGY
What is MechaTrans®?
A piezoelectric device produces a useful displacement at low voltage and converts electrical energy into mechanical energy at about 60 per cent efficiency. A device with a 10 mm by 10 mm cross section, for example, generates 3,500 N, or 357 kgf. Its displacement, however, is only a few micrometres up to about 40 µm, and that small movement limits where it can be used.
To overcome that limit, Mechano Transformer Corporation developed a displacement enlargement mechanism based on a lever principle of our own design. It multiplies the movement of the piezoelectric device by up to one hundred times. The mechanism is entirely passive and needs no additional energy.
Because it works on a similar principle to the transformer used in electrical circuits, we called it a mechanical transformer, later shortened to MechaTrans® and registered as a trademark in Japan. The name originally referred only to the enlargement mechanism, but we now use it for the complete actuator, piezoelectric device included.
Features of MechaTrans®
High energy efficiency
Including the displacement enlargement mechanism, MechaTrans® converts electrical energy into mechanical energy at about 25 per cent efficiency, and the current needed to hold a given displacement is very small.
High speed operation
MechaTrans® operates faster than conventional actuators such as electromagnetic types. The resonance frequency, which sets the drive limit, is covered in section 3 of the technical notes.
Effective use of space
For the same displacement or force, MechaTrans® is more compact than an electromagnetic actuator, particularly in thickness.
Easy to use
Displacement is proportional to the supply voltage, so the actuator is simple to control. For finer control, and to allow for the hysteresis that depends on the direction of the voltage change, we recommend adding a displacement sensor.
Where MechaTrans® is used
Actuator is a general term for a motion mechanism, and MechaTrans® is one kind of actuator. It is used in industrial equipment, medical devices, vehicles, consumer products, aircraft, aerospace and agriculture, and it produces rotary motion as readily as straight line motion.
Discuss your application
Tell us the displacement, force and speed your design needs and we will suggest a MechaTrans® series, or adapt one to fit.
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