The company’s 22nd patent improves speed control and reduces power consumption over a wide range of input voltages for piezoelectric motors
Victor, NY – Feb. 9, 2022 – New Scale Technologies has been issued its 22nd patent for micro motion system technology and applications. US patent 11,196,375, METHODS FOR IMPROVING SPEED OF VELOCITY CONTROL AND POWER EFFICIENCY OF AT LEAST A PARTIALLY RESONANT ACTUATOR SYSTEM AND SYSTEMS THEREOF, was issued to inventor Thomas Guidarelli on Dec. 7, 2021 and assigned to New Scale Technologies.
This innovation enables the company’s patented SQUIGGLE® and UTAF piezoelectric micro motors to operate at lower power over a wider range of operating conditions, including variations in temperature, friction and battery voltage. It is used in many of the company’s standard M3 micro motion modules and custom motion systems.
The company has dubbed the innovation “Pseudo Voltage Control (PVC)” because it emulates the speed control achieved when the drive circuit input voltage (supply voltage) is changed, but without the extra space, cost and complexity. PVC adjusts motor velocity by combining the speed control features of pulse-width modulation (PWM) and full-bridge to half-bridge modulation (Hybrid). It uses New Scale’s advanced digital electronics and firmware to generate a novel combination of Hybrid and PWM voltage pulses to drive piezoelectric motors and achieve the commanded velocity while optimizing the power and efficiency.
“PVC is a strong extension of our patent portfolio and reflects our continuing technology leadership in piezoelectric motors, drive methods, and motion systems,” said David Henderson, CEO of New Scale Technologies. “Underscoring the uniqueness of the innovation, this patent was awarded less than 18 months after filing.”
Growing patent portfolio
In the 20 years since its founding, New Scale has secured 22 US patents and corresponding international patents for piezoelectric motors, drive and control systems, and all-in-one motion solutions with unmatched miniaturization, micrometer-scale resolution, and fully integrated electronics. The company applies this technology to develop standard and custom smart motion systems for original equipment manufacturers in optical, medical, scientific, aerospace, defense and other markets.
