Resonant-structure Micromotors: Historical Perspective and Analysis

Resonant-structure micromotors are a class of mechanism that operates on the principle of mechanical resonance, so that the armature is driven for maximum displacement and power. The application of resonance in motors is placed in historical perspective and scaling issues for such resonant systems are identified and quantified. Along with a conventional, tensile-element resonant structure, a novel, ‘crab-leg’ flexure system is described and flexural spring constant and stress formulae derived.