Piezoelectric dispenser based on a piezoelectric-metal-cavity actuator

Lam, K.H. , Sun, C.L., Kwok, K.W. and Chan, H.L.W. (2009) Piezoelectric dispenser based on a piezoelectric-metal-cavity actuator. Review of Scientific Instruments, 80(7), (doi: 10.1063/1.3187220) (PMID:19655984)

Abstract

A piezoelectric dispenser has been fabricated based on the idea of a piezoelectric-metal-cavity (PMC) actuator. The PMC actuator consists of a metal ring sandwiched between two identical piezoelectric unimorphs. The radial contraction of the piezoelectric ceramic is converted into a flextensional motion of the unimorph, causing a large flexural displacement in the center part of the actuator. With the PMC actuator as a fluid chamber, the large flexural actuation can be used to produce the displacement needed to eject fluid. By applying an appropriate voltage to the piezoelectric unimorphs, a drop-on-demand ejection of ink or water can be achieved. The efficiency of fluid ejection can be enhanced after installing a valve in the fluid chamber. With the simple PMC structure, the dispenser can be operated with a low driving voltage of 12–15 V.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lam, Dr Koko
• Authors: Lam, K.H., Sun, C.L., Kwok, K.W., and Chan, H.L.W.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics
• ISSN: 0034-6748
• ISSN (Online): 1089-7623