Actuator Device Conductive Ink Electrode Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator devices using electrostrictive material films face challenges in ensuring reliable electrical connection between inner and outer electrodes due to the use of metal electrodes, which restrict displacement and can lead to micro-discharge and electrode degradation, especially when electrode thickness decreases to several micrometers or less.

Innovation Solution

The actuator device employs conductive ink applied to cut portions that reach the inner electrodes, allowing for heat-hardened electrical connection between outer and inner electrodes, with inner electrodes shifted to avoid short circuits and ensure precise cutting and connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal electrodes are used in the multilayer body, then electrical connection is achieved, but displacement is restricted and micro-discharge occurs degrading the electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidmicro-discharge and electrode degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the electrode from metal to organic conductive material. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of micro-discharge and electrode degradation while maintaining electrical connection stability, as the organic conductive material is softer and more compliant with the electrostrictive material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining organic conductive material with the electrostrictive material films. This composite structure allows the electrode to flex with the electrostrictive material during actuation, preventing micro-discharge and degradation while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If thermal spraying of conductive material is used, then electrode formation is achieved, but the electrodes and films are melted making connection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode formationVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal spraying process with a different electrode formation method that does not involve high-temperature thermal energy. This substitution avoids melting the electrostrictive material films while still achieving proper electrode formation and connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter during electrode formation by avoiding thermal spraying. Instead, a lower-temperature process is used that is compatible with the electrostrictive material, ensuring both ease of manufacture and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If electrode thickness is reduced to several micrometers or less, then device flexibility is improved, but cutting precision and electrical connection become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator weightVSAvoidcutting precision and connection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The use of organic conductive material as electrode creates a composite structure that is more forgiving of thickness variations. The softer organic material can be more easily cut and connected even at very thin dimensions, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving the desired weight reduction and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method ensures stable electrical connection between outer and inner electrodes, preventing micro-discharge and electrode degradation, while allowing for precise control and flexibility in actuator devices.

Implementation Method 1

By heat-hardening the conductive ink, it is possible to ensure electrical connection between outer and inner electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat hardening: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

actuator devices using films of electrostrictive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostriction: Electrostriction

Data Source

PatentUS9543498B2Actuator device and method for manufacturing the actuator device

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An actuator device and a method for manufacturing the actuator device, which is formed by stacking and rolling films of electrostrictive material into a cylindrical body and can ensure electrical connection with inner electrodes at both end portions of the cylindrical body. The actuator device is formed by stacking and rolling two films of electrostrictive material into a cylindrical body, the two films each having an inner electrode on one or both surfaces thereof. The cylindrical body has at least one cut portion at each end portion thereof, the cut portion being configured to reach the inner electrode (electrode pattern). By applying conductive ink to each of the cut portions, the conductive ink flows through the cut portions and reaches the inner electrodes on the films. By heat-hardening the conductive ink, it is possible to ensure electrical connection between outer and inner electrodes.