Patent ID: 6518689
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A piezoelectric motor comprising:a stator having a surface with a plurality of levers distributed in spaced relation on the surface and projecting outwardly therefrom to define a plurality of slots; a plurality of piezoelectric stacks, with each of the piezoelectric stacks being mounted within a respective one of the slots, and each of the piezoelectric stacks comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements; and a drive source coupled with the piezoelectric stacks and operable to induce expansions and contractions therein, wherein the piezoelectric stacks each have a first endcap secured to a first end and a second endcap secured to a second end, with the endcaps being fixedly attached to two or more of the levers, at least one of the endcaps being tapered, and expansions and contractions of the piezoelectric elements within the slots act upon the levers such that a wave is generated in the stator to thereby drive a rotor.