Design and experimental investigation of a novel stick-slip piezoelectric actuator based on V-shaped driving mechanism

High-precision delivery of fluids is an important tool in modern science and technology, and the demand for the precise control of insulin amount in the body of patients with diabetes is increasing. In this study, a novel stick–slip piezoelectric actuator based on a V-shaped driving mechanism is proposed to achieve a large lateral displacement. The actuator stator is fabricated using beryllium and lead zirconate titanate thick films, which form a bimorph. It is based on the stick–slip driving principle and uses the coupled motion of the proposed V-shaped stator to produce a clamping action in the stick phase and a release action in the slip phase. A theoretical structure model based on structural mechanics is proposed, and a simulation analysis is conducted to predict output performance. Experimental results indicate that the slider step displacement is 1.04 μm under 1 Hz, 100 Vpp. The slider speed increases linearly as the driving frequency and voltage increase. The step displacement also increases linearly as the driving voltage increases. A displacement difference of 0.04 μm exists between forward and reverse motions. A sawtooth-holding wave is proposed to reduce backward displacement, achieving an increased step displacement of 32 %.