Actuator Connection Part Durability via Local Thickness Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control devices with easily deformable connection parts are prone to damage due to external shocks and pressure differences, leading to potential damage of the drive body during operation.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a first main plate, a frame body, and a connection part with a connection body and gap along the outer edge, where the connection body is thicker than the main plate, enhancing structural durability and preventing damage from external forces while maintaining desired vibration functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection part is made easily deformable to enable diaphragm vibration, then the diaphragm can perform bending vibration, but the connection part becomes prone to damage from external shock and pressure differences
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thick portion with greater thickness than the diaphragm and thin portions with lesser thickness. This local quality variation allows the thick portion to provide structural strength and damage resistance, while the thin portions maintain ease of deformation for vibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the connection part is strategically varied to resolve the contradiction. By changing the thickness parameter locally (thicker at critical stress points, thinner at vibration-critical regions), the design achieves both durability under external forces and sufficient flexibility for diaphragm vibration.
2Reliability
If the connection part is made thicker to increase structural durability, then the connection body resists external forces better, but the vibration performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly thickening the connection part, the design applies local quality by concentrating thickness at the thick portion where structural support is needed, while maintaining thinner sections where vibration flexibility is required. This localized approach preserves vibration performance while enhancing structural durability at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part is segmented into regions of different thickness (thick portion and thin portions), allowing each segment to fulfill its specific function: the thick portion provides structural durability and resistance to external forces, while the thin portions facilitate diaphragm vibration.
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
The actuator design effectively prevents damage and ensures reliable operation by increasing the durability of the connection part and maintaining the required vibration, thereby enhancing the reliability of the fluid control device.
Implementation Method 1
The connection part has a connection body and a gap that are disposed along the outer edge, the connection body being connected to the first main plate and the frame body... An average thickness of the connection body is more than an average thickness of the first main plate
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a first main plate at which a piezoelectric element is disposed, a frame body, and a connection part. The frame body is disposed on an outer side of an outer edge of the first main plate and apart from the first main plate. The connection part is disposed between the first main plate and the frame body. The connection part has a plurality connection bodies and a gap, which are disposed along the outer edge, the plurality of connection bodies being connected to the first main plate and the frame body, the gap being disposed between the plurality of connection bodies. The first main plate and the connection bodies are made of the same material. A thickness of the connection bodies is more than a thickness of the first main plate.