Study on Non-Contact Rotation Mechanism Using Single Ultrasonic Transducer : 2nd Report : Installation of Reflector

Ultrasonic motors are known as actuators that use ultrasonic vibration. Actuation force is induced though friction, which causes wear and damage on sliding parts, resulting in a shortened lifetime. Previously, an airborne non-contact rotation mechanism using ultrasonic vibration was proposed. In this mechanism, an ultrasonic transducer is fixed with its vibration surface facing upward, and a rotor with geometrically designed holes was placed on the surface. The rotor is levitated and rotated with ultrasonic vibration. Since this rotating mechanism is non-contact, a longer lifetime of the actuator can be expected. Non-contact rotation was observed, and the effect of the shape of the rotor holes on rotation was examined. In this report, a new mechanism using reflected ultrasonic wave was proposed, and the effect of the reflected wave on rotation was evaluated in expectation of improving stability and rotational performance.