A magnification device for precision mechanisms featuring piezoactuators and flexure hinges: Design and experimental validation

This work presents an experimentally-validated approach for designing a precision magnification mechanism featuring flexure hinges and piezoelectric actuators. The governing equations of motion are derived using Lagrange’s equation and a two-step amplification mechanism is optimally designed and fabricated. Subsequently the analytical model is verified experimentally by comparing the simulated magnification ratio with experimental data. The device is then integrated with a piezostack actuator, and subsequently tracking control responses for step and sinusoidal trajectories are empirically evaluated in the time domain. Finally, an animation code is developed for the mechanism and some snapshots are presented.