Characterization of a Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Linear Motor for Braille Displays

This paper introduces a novel miniature piezoelectric ultrasonic motor and its characterization for the design and implementation of Braille tactile displays. The motor consists of a shaft, a mobile element or slider, and a piezoelectric ceramic transducer and achieves linear motion based on the principle of inertia displacement. Unlike existing mechanisms, this motor offers a compact, ultra-lightweight, and simple design that intends to make possible highly-portable Braille displays for the blind. Actuation approach, design concept, and on-going development of a first prototype are presented and discussed.