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Victor, NY - April 23, 2010 – New Scale
Technologies, Inc. has been awarded a Phase I Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Navy to develop a
non-inductive rotary actuator system that will move flight control
surfaces in miniature precision guided munitions. The closed-loop
actuator module incorporates piezoelectric micro motors and control
electronics (drive ICs, position sensor and microprocessor) in a
one-inch-cubed volume. The actuator system generates no magnetic
fields, and can therefore be located in close proximity to
navigation systems that use the earth's magnetic field to measure
orientation and roll rate. The combination of small size and
non-inductive operation enables further miniaturization of guided
munitions systems.
The award supports New Scale’s continuing development of
miniature motion systems based on its patented and patent-pending
piezoelectric ultrasonic motor technology. New Scale is already
commercializing miniature motion modules for several commercial
applications including: mobile phone cameras with auto focus, zoom,
or optical image stabilization; vibration or “haptic” motors that do
not interfere with magnetic compasses used with GPS systems; medical
devices that are MRI-safe and image compatible; and scientific
instruments that function in large magnetic fields without degrading
measurement accuracy.
This non-magnetic actuator system will use multiple piezoelectric
motors to directly rotate a shaft, delivering 0.2 N-m torque and
speed of 300 degrees/sec without gears or mechanical linkages. The
system is designed to be simple, low mass and strong enough to
withstand high launch accelerations. A key advantage is its
extremely compact design and very high power density, achieved by
optimizing the resonant frequency and Q (amplification) of each
piezoelectric motor for maximum force and speed on the rotating
shaft. Other rotary piezo motors have larger structures and
propagate a single traveling wave through the entire structure, an
approach that is difficult to optimize for power density, force and
speed.
"This award allows us to build on our unique piezoelectric micro
motor and driver technology, expanding further into the development
of rotary micro actuator systems," said David Henderson, co-CEO and
chief technology officer of New Scale. "The results will be a
significant improvement over the current state of the art in
non-magnetic actuator systems and will provide new benefits for both
military and commercial customers."
About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies (www.newscaletech.com) designs and manufactures
miniature motion systems for precise movement of optics in imaging applications.
Our simple and elegant products deliver best-in-class performance in consumer
imaging, biometric authentication, surveillance, medical and machine vision
markets. With more than a decade of motion systems innovation, we integrate
piezoelectric micro motors, miniature drive control electronics and precise
mechanical systems. Our customers benefit from complete solutions for rapid
commercialization of their next generation products.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark, and TRACKER, New Scale Pathway and UTAF are trademarks of New Scale Technologies, Inc.
Please note: Press releases are current as published, but are not updated
after posting. Refer to our product pages for current product information including
specifications.
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"This award allows us to build on our unique
piezoelectric micro motor and driver technology, expanding
further into the development of rotary micro actuator systems,
The results will be a significant improvement over the current
state of the art in non-magnetic actuator systems and will
provide new benefits for both military and commercial customers."
- David Henderson, co-CEO and chief technology officer, New
Scale Technologies |
