Actuator Film Thickness Gradient for Deformation Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of deformation relative to applied voltage in electro-mechanical transducer elements is low, leading to reduced drive efficiency in actuators, particularly in structures with concave thin wall parts that are deformed by the transducer elements.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a base member with a concave thin wall part and an electro-mechanical transducer film where the film thickness gradually reduces from the center to the edges, with a relationship of Wp≧Wi, enhancing deformation efficiency and drive efficiency by optimizing the deformation characteristics of the thin wall part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an electro-mechanical transducer element with uniform film thickness is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the deformation efficiency relative to applied voltage is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform film thickness distribution where the electro-mechanical transducer film is thinner at the edges and thicker at the center. This local variation in film properties optimizes the deformation characteristics of the thin wall part, improving deformation efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through inkjet deposition methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the film thickness parameter to vary spatially across the transducer element. By adjusting the deposition parameters of the inkjet method, the film thickness is made to decrease from center to edge, creating an optimized thickness profile that enhances deformation efficiency relative to applied voltage.
2Power
If the film thickness is reduced at the edges, then the deformation efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the natural characteristics of the inkjet deposition process to achieve the desired non-uniform film thickness profile. The method leverages the inherent ability of inkjet technology to deposit varying amounts of material, allowing the system to self-regulate and create the optimal thickness distribution without requiring complex additional manufacturing steps or extreme precision controls.
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 design significantly improves the deformation efficiency and drive efficiency of the electro-mechanical transducer elements, allowing for effective deformation and reduced wasteful drive in the actuator, thereby enhancing the overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-mechanical transducer element formed on one surface side of the base member and including a first electrode, an electro-mechanical transducer film, and a second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a base member and an electro-mechanical transducer element including a first electrode, an electro-mechanical transducer film, and a second electrode. Further, the base member includes a thin wall part having a concave shape, the electro-mechanical transducer film is formed in a manner such that a film thickness of the electro-mechanical transducer film is gradually reduced from a center part of the electro-mechanical transducer film to both end parts of the electro-mechanical transducer film in at least one direction crossing a film thickness direction of the electro-mechanical transducer film.