Motors and Stages are suited for miniaturized products.
Press Release Summary:
Squiggle(TM) ultrasonic linear motor uses piezoelectric ceramic tube that supports 2 threaded nuts which hold threaded shaft. Tube is electrically driven at ultrasonic frequency. Measuring less than 10 mm in dia and 20 mm in length, motor exhibits up to 5 N force with resolution of better than 100 nm. Speed Range is 1 µm/sec to 5 mm/sec, and range of motion is 50 mm or more. Squiggle stage, with one direction of movement, is smaller than one deck of cards.
Original Press Release:
New Scale Technologies has Squiggle(TM) Motor and Stages
SQUIGGLE(TM) Motors
The Squiggle(TM) ultrasonic linear motor is a tiny tool for nanotechnology research and making miniaturized products. This Patent-Pending design sets a new benchmark for small size and high performance.
Squiggle motors create superior tools for nanotechnology research and enable highly miniaturized products. The motion control industry has long been dominated by electromagnetic actuators (magnets, coils, solenoids, etc.) Squiggle motors use piezoelectric ceramics that achieve higher performance even in very small volumes.
Squiggle(TM) Motor - Ultrasonic Vibrations Rotate a Threaded Screw
Patent Pending
Miniature motion control is highly desired for nanotechnology tools used for scientific discovery and new product development. For most applications "Smaller equals More Precise" because miniature systems move faster, resist vibrations, and have lower thermal distortion. Applications for Squiggle motors include:
Nanopositioning Tools for:
Optics/Photonics/Lasers
Biological Research
Nanotechnology
Microelectronics
Miniature Actuators for:
Medical Devices
Aerospace and Defense
Fluid Control
Office/Consumer Products
A squiggle motor is about the size of a pen. A Squiggle stage, with one direction of movement, is smaller than a deck of cards. A squiggle robot, with three dimensions of motion, is smaller than a coffee mug. These sizes are one half to one quarter the size of competitive products with similar precision.
Squiggle(TM) Operating Principle
The Squiggle motor uses a piezoelectric ceramic tube that supports two threaded nuts which hold a threaded shaft. The tube is electrically driven at an ultrasonic frequency that you can't hear or see. The tube vibrates like person trying to keep a "Hula Hoop" up on their hips. The nuts orbit and the shaft rotates and translates in and out.
Squiggle(TM) Motor Specifications
Parameter
Features
Size: Diameter less than 10 mm. Length less than 20 mm.
Force: Up to 5 Newton's.
Resolution: Better than 100 nanometers.
Speed Range: 1 micrometer per second to 5 millimeters per second.
Range of Motion: 50 millimeters or more.
Off-Power Hold: Yes. (Threads are self locking.)
Vacuum/Spacecraft: Yes. (No lubrication or out gassing materials.)
Squiggle motors can move either very slow or very fast. Smooth motion is achieved at microscopic speeds and also at several millimeters per second. The Squiggle motor offers a unique combination of range and precision. It is a simple integrated solution for solving complex motion control problems. Squiggle motors are ten times more efficient than competitive products, which means they produce high force and speed while using little power.
SQ-1000, Squiggle(TM) Motor System
Patent Pending
How can the Squiggle motor enhance your research or new product development?
Contact New Scale Technologies for additional information.
