Electrostatic Transducer With Fused Heater-Shield Wire Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic transducers with heater functions are bulky due to separate heater and shield electrode wires, necessitating a reduction in size while maintaining functionality.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a heater-cum-shield wire that serves both as a heater and shield electrode, joined to the insulator sheet by fusion, enhancing adhesion and thermal efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If separate heater wire and shield electrode wire are provided, then heater function is achieved, but transducer size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater functionVSAvoidtransducer size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heater wire and shield electrode wire into a single integrated wire structure. The wire has a conductive core that serves as the heater element, surrounded by an insulating layer, with the insulator sheet serving as the shield electrode. This merging eliminates the need for separate heater and shield wires, reducing overall transducer size while maintaining both heating and shielding functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated wire structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the conductive core provides both heating capability and electrical shielding function, while the insulating layer provides both electrical insulation and structural support. This multi-functionality allows the transducer to achieve heater function without increasing size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If heater wire and shield electrode wire are separately provided, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidwire structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple wire components into a single integrated wire assembly. Instead of having separate heater wire and shield electrode wire that need to be positioned and connected independently, the invention provides a unified structure where the conductive core is surrounded by the insulating layer, simplifying the overall wire structure and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer acts as an intermediary element that resolves the complexity issue. It provides electrical insulation between the conductive core and the insulator sheet, eliminating the need for additional insulation components or complex positioning mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If adhesion between wire and insulator sheet is increased by fusion, then thermal efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition (melting) of the insulating layer to achieve fusion bonding. The insulating layer is designed to melt at a specific temperature, allowing it to flow and bond the wire to the insulator sheet. This phase transition approach provides strong adhesion and improves thermal efficiency while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, as the fusion occurs automatically during the heating operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 integrated design reduces the transducer's size and improves thermal efficiency by efficient heat transfer through the insulator sheet.

Implementation Method 1

a heater-cum-shield wire 30 configured to serve both as a heater wire and a shield electrode wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

heat generated by the heater-cum-shield wire can be efficiently transferred to the electrode sheet side via the first insulator sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the heater-cum-shield wire is joined to the first insulator sheet by fusion of the first insulator sheet itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFusion: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP4386342B1Electrostatic transducer
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SUMITOMO RIKO CO LTD
  • EP4386342B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4386342B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4386342B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This electrostatic transducer (1) comprises: a first insulator sheet (110) formed containing a thermoplastic elastomer; an electrode sheet (20) disposed on a first surface of the first insulator sheet (110); and a heater-and-shield wire (30) that is bonded to a second surface of the first insulator sheet (110) by fusing of the first insulator sheet (110) itself, and that doubles in function as a heater wire and a shield electrode wire.