Design and modeling of an improved bridge-type compliant mechanism with its application for hydraulic piezo-valves

Bridge-type compliant mechanisms have been frequently utilized as the micro displacement amplifier for a variety of precision manipulation applications. However, the inertial movement of internal actuators (e.g. piezo-stacks) limits the system's dynamic bandwidth in some traditional design. This paper presents an improved bridge-type compliant mechanism with double output ports that can generate homodromous bi-motions actuated by only one group of piezo-stacks. The inertial motion of piezo-stacks is avoided and the dynamic bandwidth is enhanced. The two-port dynamic stiffness model is established to straightforwardly capture its kinetostatic and dynamic characteristics from the perspective of input and output ports. The displacement amplification ratio, input stiffness, fundamental frequency and dynamic response spectrum of the improved bridge-type compliant mechanism are curved against key geometric parameters, then the optimal performance can be confirmed. Of particular interest for the mechanism application is applying it to develop a new type of piezoelectric two-stage flow control valve with relatively fast dynamic response and large flow rate. The inner leakage and oil contamination is effectively overcome in contrast to traditional nozzle-flapper servovalves. The presented piezoelectric flow control valve is fabricated and experimentally measured with the step response time of 8.5 ms, frequency bandwidth of 120 Hz, and stroke of +/- 0.8 mm (corresponding to the flow rate of 180 L/min at the supply pressure of 210 bar). (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this paper, an improved bridge-type compliant mechanism with double output ports is presented, which can generate homodromous bi-motions actuated by only one group of piezo-stacks to avoid inertial motion and enhance dynamic bandwidth. The mechanism's dynamic characteristics are captured through a two-port dynamic stiffness model, allowing for optimal performance confirmation. This mechanism is further applied to develop a piezoelectric two-stage flow control valve with fast dynamic response and large flow rate, effectively overcoming issues of inner leakage and oil contamination.