Gimbal mechanism design based on piezoelectric motors

Abstract:
Piezoelectric have a demonstrated potential in high-precision energy efficient positioning devices due to their micrometric deformation when energized so, in the frame of H2020 programme, a Consortium formed by PhiDrive and Arquimea have carried out the development of a cutting-edge piezoelectric-based gimbal mechanism for space applications. This paper overviews the mechanical design of the mechanism; that consist of two degrees of freedom mechanism able to rotate completely around yaw (Azimuth) and roll (Elevation) axes, the actuation principle; that is based on two groups of stacked piezos that push axially two conical elements, and the results obtained in the test performed; tests in relevant environment which leads this technology to a TRL 5.