Crystal Vibration Element Structure to Prevent Case Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of crystal vibrators leads to increased contact between the mesa part and the inner surface of the case, inhibiting free vibration and affecting vibration characteristics, as existing solutions with protruding parts reduce the central area, thereby increasing equivalent series resistance and compromising vibration quality.
Innovation Solution
A vibration element design featuring a central part with protruding parts that contact the substrate or lid, maintaining a larger central area, reducing contact with the inner surface, and enhancing excitation electrode area, while supporting the vibration element with electrically-conductive holding members and connection electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If protruding parts are provided on the crystal piece to prevent central part contact with the case inner surface, then contact between the central part and case inner surface is reduced, but the area of the central part is reduced, which reduces the excitation electrode area and increases equivalent series resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The crystal piece is segmented into a central part and a peripheral part with different thicknesses. The peripheral part has a smaller thickness and forms protruding parts that contact the case inner surface, while the central part maintains its original thickness and larger area for excitation electrodes. This segmentation allows the protruding peripheral parts to prevent contact between the central part and case inner surface while preserving the central part's area for good vibration characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the crystal piece are given different local qualities - the central part has larger thickness and area optimized for vibration characteristics, while the peripheral part has smaller thickness forming protruding parts optimized for preventing contact with the case inner surface. This local differentiation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the vibration element is reduced, then miniaturization is achieved, but the gap between the central part and case inner surface is narrowed, increasing the likelihood of contact and affecting vibration characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The solution addresses the two-dimensional planar conflict by introducing a third dimension - thickness variation. The peripheral part is made thinner than the central part, creating protruding parts that extend toward the case inner surface. This dimensional change allows the vibration element to be miniaturized in plan view while the protruding peripheral parts prevent contact between the central part and case inner surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the area of the central part is reduced to accommodate protruding parts, then protruding parts can be provided to prevent contact, but the excitation electrode area is reduced, increasing equivalent series resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The crystal piece is segmented into a central part and a peripheral part with different thicknesses. The peripheral part has a smaller thickness and forms protruding parts that contact the case inner surface, while the central part maintains its original thickness and larger area for excitation electrodes. This segmentation allows the protruding peripheral parts to prevent contact between the central part and case inner surface while preserving the central part's area for good vibration characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the crystal piece are given different local qualities - the central part has larger thickness and area optimized for vibration characteristics, while the peripheral part has smaller thickness forming protruding parts optimized for preventing contact with the case inner surface. This local differentiation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
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 achieves a reduction in size while maintaining good vibration characteristics by preventing central part contact with the substrate, minimizing equivalent series resistance, and maintaining a wide excitation region, thus optimizing vibration performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of excitation electrodes 14a, 14b provided on central part main surfaces 111a, 111b on both sides of the central part 11a in the thickness direction
Implementation Method 2
the at least one protruding part 11c protrudes in the thickness direction in a position where the at least one protruding part 11c makes contact with the substrate 30 or the lid part 20
Implementation Method 3
a substrate 30 connected to the connection electrodes 16a, 16b with an electrically-conductive holding member 36 interposed there between
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrator, a vibrating element and a method for producing the vibrating element may include vibrating piece having a central portion and a peripheral portion. The vibrator, the vibrating element and the method may further include a pair of excitation electrodes provided on a first side and a second side of a main surface of the central portion. The vibrator, the vibrating element and the method may further include a pair of connection electrodes provided on the peripheral portion and electrically connected to the pair of excitation electrodes. The vibrator, the vibrating element and the method may further include a substrate configured to be connected to the pair of connection electrodes via an electrically-conductive holding member interposed therebetween and configured to support the vibration element in an excitable manner.