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Delta Design - Motorized µAlignment Research

Link to Executive Summary

4X Scale Prototype (Video Below)

Project Description

Why Squiggle Motors?

Currently SMA wires have troubling limiting factors - Squiggle motors have their own limiting factors but they fit in the space and therefore are worth research.

Final Design (3 Prototypes Created)

    Three prototypes were created to research motorized micro-alignment: (1) A 52 mm footprint model demonstrated one axis of motion and closed loop control. This model demonstrated 1 μm precision and a large holding force (2) Another 52 mm footprint model was able to utilize a lever supported by a flexural bearing for mechanical advantage.  Using a squiggle motor for actuation, this model displayed a 3.6:1 mechanical advantage (3) Lastly, a 4X scale model incorporating mechanical advantage, position sensing, and stepper motors was used to give a tangible representation of a model that could be used for X, Y and θ micro-alignment.

Link to detailed analysis on 4X Scale Model

Concluding Statements

    Three prototypes constructed and tested by the team yielded valuable results for the sponsoring company, Delta Design.  Not only have Squiggle motors been proven to be more than capable of being adapted in a 52 mm footprint model but the 4X scale model provides significant insight on the scaling down of the design to incorporate mechanical advantage and position sensing.  In the future, New Scale Technologies (manufacturer of the Squiggle motor) plans to integrate the motor into the cell phone industry.  This move will lower the cost of Squiggle motors making it a viable option for actuation.  The research developed from the findings of the project will be useful as Delta Design progress to next generation microchip handlers.