Actuators MDPI’s Post

#Article 📜 Non-Inchworm Electrostatic Cooperative Micro-Stepper-Actuator Systems with Long Stroke by Lisa Schmitt, Peter Conrad, Alexander Kopp, Christoph Ament and Martin Hoffmann 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gU9vA2tn MDPI; Ruhr University Bochum; University of Augsburg #actuators #longstroke #stepperactuators #EWOD #digitalmicrofluidics #Abstract In this paper, we present different microelectromechanical systems based on electrostatic actuators, and demonstrate their capacity to achieve large and stepwise displacements using a cooperative function of the actuators themselves. To explore this, we introduced micro-stepper actuators to our experimental systems, both with and without a guiding spring mechanism; mechanisms with such guiding springs can be applied to comb-drive and parallel-plate actuators. Our focus was on comparing various guiding spring designs, so as to increase the actuator displacement. In addition, we present systems based on cascaded actuators; these are converted to micromechanical digital-to-analog converters (DAC). With DACs, the number of actuators (and thus the complexity of the digital control) are significantly reduced in comparison to analog stepper-actuators. We also discuss systems that can achieve even larger displacements by using droplet-based bearings placed on an array of aluminum electrodes, rather than guiding springs. By commutating the voltages within these electrode arrays, the droplets follow the activated electrodes, carrying platforms atop themselves as they do so. This process thus introduces new applications for springless large displacement stepper-actuators.

Our team’s technical paper has been published in the SEI Technical Review. The title is “Prediction of Physical Properties of Optical Fiber Coatings.”

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#Article 📜 Experimental Validation of a Permanent Magnets Magnetorheological Device under a Standardized Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Test Cycle by Claudia Simonelli, Luca Sani, Nicolò Gori, Miguel Fernández-Muñoz, Antonino Musolino and Rocco Rizzo 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g3u3RmKU MDPI; Università di Pisa; Universidad de Alcalá #magnetorheologicalfluids #permanentmagnets #MRFclutch #vacuumpump #Abstract In this paper, the experimental validation of an innovative clutch based on magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) excited by permanent magnets is described. The device, used in automotive applications to engage and disengage the vacuum pump, is tested using a standardized Worldwide harmonized Light-duty Test Cycle (WLTC). A test bench is built, and the system is observed in its operation for one hour, considering two consecutive WLTCs. The temperature increase slightly impacts the clutch’s behavior; in particular, the on-state performance of the device, mainly determined by the magnetic field-induced torque, remains largely unaffected by the temperature increase. The results showed that the performance of the proposed MRF-based device is only marginally affected by the phenomena that take place during the actual operation (e.g., temperature increase, shaft slip), confirming the effectiveness of the design.

🌟 Innovative Breakthrough – world’s first long length striated HTS tapes🌟 Exciting news from the Filaments4Fusion project: project partners THEVA (Germany) and SUBRA (Denmark) have achieved a milestone in superconducting technology! 🎉 For the first time ever, long, filamentized High-Temperature Superconductor (HTS) tapes can now be produced continuously, reaching lengths of over 400 meters without quality loss. This advancement represents a leap forward in creating efficient, high-performance HTS conductors for applications in high-field magnets and time-varying current systems. Why this matters: Striated HTS tapes suppress unwanted shielding currents and reduce AC losses in various applications, significantly improving overall performance. This has been a major technical challenge, as conventional structuring methods can damage the delicate conductor filaments. However, with an innovative approach that pre-structures the metal substrate, THEVA and SUBRA have succeeded in producing these tapes at industrial quality and scale, with the added ability to adjust electrical coupling as needed. This project, funded by the European Eurostars program, marks an important step towards a new, high-quality tape product for advanced magnetic and fusion applications. 👏 Kudos to Theva Dünnschichttechnik GmbH, SUBRA A/S, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Etch and everyone involved in pushing the boundaries of HTS technology! #Innovation #Superconductors #HTS #Engineering #FusionEnergy

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#Article 📜 Wireless Piezoelectric Motor Drive by Burhanettin Koc, Sebastian Kist and Ammar Hamada 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gw82u__V MDPI; Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH & Co. KG #wirelessdrive #piezoelectric #inertiamotor #GalliumNitridetransistors #Abstract Nanopositioners with embedded piezoelectric motors are used in a variety of industries, from microscopy to laser processing or measurement systems. A concrete example would be fine-tuning of multiple mirror or lens units in a system. After fine adjustment of a mirror or lens, its position is expected to be maintained when the system is not energized. Features such as small size, direct drive, and maintaining position with high rigidity at power off make inertia-type piezoelectric motors suitable for such “set and go”-type applications. However, wiring with dedicated control electronics for each positioner can increase system complexity. In this study, a wireless driving method for piezoelectric inertia-type motors is introduced for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. In our approach, sawtooth signals for driving a two-phase piezoelectric inertia motor are converted into two complementary pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signals at 1.0 MHz and amplified by class-D amplifier topology, in which GaN transistors are implemented. The amplified complementary PWM signals are applied to a transmitter coil.

Infineon's application note on LLC converter design guidelines! And if you haven't already, be sure to revisit the LLC puzzle I posted earlier; it's a fun challenge to deepen your understanding! Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gEqmztEV. #PowerElectronics #LLCConverter #Infineon #MOSFET #Resonance #Magnetics #LeakageInductor #Transformer Let me know your thoughts!