Design and characteristic analysis of L1B4 ultrasonic motor considering contact mechanism.

Up to the present time, the analysis and design of ultrasonic motors (USMs) have been performed using rough analytic methods or commercial analysis tools without considering the complex contact mechanisms. As a result, it was impossible to achieve an exact analysis and design of a USM. In order to address the problem, we proposed the analysis and design methodology of an L1B4 USM using a three-dimensional finite element method combined with an analytic method that considers complex contact mechanisms in linear operation. This methodology is applicable to many other kinds of USMs which use resonance modes and contact mechanisms. Also, we designed and prototyped the mechanical system and driving circuit of the L1B4 USM, and finally validated the proposed analysis and design methodology by comparing their outcomes with experimental data.