Impact-Based Amplification and Frequency Down-Conversion of Piezoelectric Actuation for Small Robotics

This paper explores a concept for dynamic amplification of piezoelectric actuator motion using repeated impacts between the active transducer and compliant mechanism. The design shows good performance in amplifying vibration lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) bimorph while down-converting output frequency from more than 150 Hz to less 20 Hz. A simple model is used identify conceptual opportunities impact-based PZT displacement. Experimental results are gathered prototype system with dimensions 55 mm × 22 1 mm. displacement amplified by factor 100 near-periodic oscillations at select input frequencies. Implications leveraging low-frequency small mobile robots briefly discussed.