Actuator Terminal Alignment for Secure Signal Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuators with piezoelectric elements face difficulties in securely supplying a drive signal due to the mismatched positions of external connection terminals in the thickness direction, making it challenging to connect and wire them effectively.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design includes a conductive first member with a piezoelectric element, a power supply member, and an insulating layer, where the power supply members have external connection terminals aligned in the same thickness direction, allowing direct connection to the frame body and ensuring secure signal supply with a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two external connection terminals are arranged on mutually-different positions in the thickness direction, then the piezoelectric element can be connected to power supply surfaces, but wiring from the outside to the two external connection terminals becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional arrangement where external connection terminals are at different thickness positions to a two-dimensional arrangement where both terminals are positioned on the same surface plane. This dimensional change enables both terminals to be accessed from the same direction, dramatically improving wiring ease while maintaining connection reliability through the conductive plate's internal connectivity
2Ease of operation
If external connection terminals are positioned on the same surface, then wiring becomes easier, but it becomes difficult to supply drive signals to power supply surfaces on mutually-different positions in the thickness direction
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive plate serves as an intermediary element that bridges the external connection terminals positioned on the same surface with the piezoelectric element's power supply surfaces at different thickness positions. The plate's conductive properties enable electrical signal transmission through the thickness direction, maintaining signal supply reliability while allowing simplified surface-level terminal arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the conductive plate to extend connectivity from the two-dimensional surface level to the three-dimensional thickness direction. External terminals on the same surface connect to piezoelectric surfaces at different depths through the plate, effectively adding a vertical connectivity dimension to the horizontal terminal arrangement
3Device complexity
If external connection terminals are arranged on the same position in the thickness direction, then wiring is simplified and device size can be reduced, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a structural support frame, provides electrical connectivity between external terminals and the piezoelectric element, and enables signal transmission across different thickness positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall configuration while managing device size
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 configuration securely supplies a drive signal to the piezoelectric element while maintaining a simple setup, facilitating easier wiring and potentially downsizing the actuator by aligning external connection terminals in the thickness direction.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric element has a third main surface and a fourth main surface, the third main surface facing the first main surface of the first flat plate, and is arranged on the first flat plate
Data Source
AI summary
A first power supply member and a second power supply member are arranged on the same side of a first member in a thickness direction of an actuator. The first power supply member includes a first external connection terminal. The second power supply member includes a second external connection terminal. The first external connection terminal and the second external connection terminal are arranged on the same positions in the thickness direction. A second insulating layer is arranged between the second power supply member and a frame body. A far end side portion on an opposite side to a side, on which the first external connection terminal protrudes, in the first power supply member is bent toward the frame body to be electrically connected with the frame body.