Tuning Fork Vibrator Arm Cushioning to Prevent Frequency Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of tuning fork-type vibrators has led to increased susceptibility to frequency fluctuations due to external impacts, as existing cushioning solutions are inadequate in preventing damage to electrode edges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrodeless regions on the arm portions of the tuning fork-type vibration piece with shock-absorbing metal films and strategically placing frequency adjustment metal films to absorb shocks, preventing direct contact with the package's bottom surface and maintaining electrode integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tuning fork-type vibration piece is miniaturized to reduce device size, then the outer dimensions and thickness are reduced, but the susceptibility to frequency fluctuations due to external impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cushioning portion is formed on the bottom surface of the package at a position that contacts the arm portion before the electrode can contact. This cushioning structure absorbs impact energy and prevents direct contact between the electrode and the package bottom surface, thereby protecting the electrode from damage during external impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning portion acts as an intermediary element between the vibration piece and the package bottom surface. When impact occurs, the cushioning portion interposes itself to absorb the shock, preventing the harmful direct contact between the electrode and the hard package bottom surface.
2Reliability
If a cushioning portion is added to protect against impact, then shock resistance is improved, but the device complexity and structure are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning portion is integrated into the package structure by forming it directly on the bottom surface of the package. This merging approach combines the protective function with the existing package structure, avoiding the need for separate protective components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning portion serves multiple functions: it provides shock absorption during impact, maintains the structural integrity of the package, and ensures proper positioning of the vibration piece. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 solution enhances shock resistance and prevents frequency fluctuations by absorbing impacts and maintaining electrode integrity, even under external stress, thus improving the reliability of miniaturized tuning fork-type vibrators.
Implementation Method 1
The cushioning portion is in contact with abutting portions which are a portion but the edges of the plurality of arm portions when the plurality of arm portions are bent toward the bottom surface, whereby the edges are prevented from contacting the bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
A tuning fork-type vibration piece is provided, in which a cushioning portion is formed on the base of a package to make contact with abutting portions of arm portions which are any parts but their edges, and the abutting portions of the arm portions allowed to contact the cushioning portion are electrodeless regions including no electrode, which prevents the risk of frequency fluctuations that may occur in case an electrode is chipped off by possible contact with the cushioning portion.