Patent ID: 6359370
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: H01L,H02N,Y10S

Abstract:
A piezoelectric actuator capable of providing multiple degree of freedom positioning in linear and angular directions, said piezoelectric actuator comprising:a base actuator fabricated of piezoelectric material and generally disposed in an x-y plane, said base actuator having a first surface facing in a positive z-direction and orthogonal to the x-y plane and a second surface facing in a negative z-direction and orthogonal to the x-y plane, said base actuator being shaped to define a center hub with a plurality of pairs of limb members extending radially outward therefrom, each said limb member of each said pair of limb members being disposed on opposite sides of said hub from its paired member, each said first surface and each said second surface of said limb members having electrically conductive material deposited thereon, thereby forming at least one electrode area on said first surface of each said limb members, and thereby forming a ground electrode area on said second surface of each said limb member; and a base unit for supporting the outer radial ends of said plurality of limb members; wherein said electrode areas are capable of being selectively electrified to cause at least a portion of each limb member of at least one of said pairs of limb members to move in an opposite direction within the x-y plane from at least a portion of its paired member, thereby causing said center hub to move in a predetermined direction.