Closed-loop optimal control-enabled piezoelectric microforce sensors

This paper presents a closed-loop optimally controlled force-sensing technology with applications in both micromanipulation and microassembly. The microforce-sensing technology in this paper is based on a cantilevered composite beam structure with embedded piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) actuating and sensing layers. In this type of sensor, the application of an external load causes deformation within the PVDF sensing layer. This generates a signal that is fed through a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) optimal servoed controller to the PVDF actuating layer. This in turn generates a balancing force to counteract the externally applied load. As a result, a closed feedback loop is formed, which causes the tip of this highly sensitive sensor to remain in its equilibrium position, even in the presence of dynamically applied external loads. The sensor's stiffness is virtually improved as a result of the equilibrium position whenever the control loop is active, thereby enabling accurate motion control of the sensor tip for fine micromanipulation and microassembly. Furthermore, the applied force can be determined in real time through measurement of the balance force.