Electrostatic Transducer Lead Wire Bonding via Self-Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatic transducers face challenges in reliably and cost-effectively connecting lead wires to pliable electrode sheets without them pulling out or peeling off in the axial direction.

Innovation Solution

The electrostatic transducer employs a self-fusion bonding method using a thermoplastic material to bond the lead wire's coating portion with the electrode sheet, ensuring a secure and low-cost connection, even on flexible substrates, through ultrasonic bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lead wire is attached to the electrode sheet using conventional bonding methods, then the connection is achieved, but the lead wire is likely to pull out or peel off when the electrode sheet is pliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrode sheet flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding structure is divided into three distinct segments: the lead wire, the bonding portion (made pliable), and the electrode sheet. The bonding portion acts as an independent intermediate layer that can deform independently, absorbing mechanical stress and preventing force transmission between the lead wire and electrode sheet, thus preventing pull-out and peeling while maintaining overall connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bonding portion made of pliable material is introduced as an intermediary between the lead wire and the electrode sheet. This intermediate layer serves as a mediator that accommodates the flexibility of the electrode sheet while maintaining secure attachment of the lead wire, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and electrode sheet flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional bonding members or complex processes are used to secure the lead wire, then connection reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidbonding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding portion is merged with the electrode sheet as a single integrated structure in many embodiments, eliminating the need for separate bonding members. The bonding portion is formed as part of the electrode sheet itself through the same manufacturing process, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable lead wire connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding portion performs the bonding function inherently through its material properties and structural design. It self-adheres to both the lead wire and electrode sheet through its pliability and bonding characteristics, eliminating the need for additional bonding agents, adhesives, or complex bonding processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If additional bonding members or complex processes are used to secure the lead wire, then connection reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding portion is merged with the electrode sheet as a single integrated structure formed in the same manufacturing process. This integration eliminates the need for additional bonding members, adhesives, or separate bonding steps, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable lead wire connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bonding portion inherently provides the bonding function through its material properties and structural design, eliminating the need for additional bonding agents or complex bonding processes. This self-bonding capability reduces manufacturing steps and associated costs while ensuring reliable connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method effectively prevents lead wire disconnection by securely bonding the lead wire to the electrode sheet, maintaining reliability and ease of manufacturing while accommodating flexible substrates.

Implementation Method 1

The electrode sheet and the first coating portion are bonded to each other by self-fusion of the first bonding portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-fusion:

Implementation Method 2

bonding both the electrode sheet and the first coating portion through ultrasonic bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic bonding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4002868B1Electrostatic transducer and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SUMITOMO RIKO CO LTD
  • EP4002868B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4002868B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided is an electrostatic transducer that makes it possible to connect a lead wire to a flexible electrode sheet reliably, easily, and at low cost. An electrostatic transducer (1) is provided with: a flexible electrode sheet (12); a lead wire (31) having a conductive part (311) from which a core wire (311a) is exposed and which is disposed on the electrode sheet (12) in conduction with the electrode sheet (12), and a first covering part (312) in which the core wire (312a) is covered by a first insulating material (312b) and which is disposed on the electrode sheet (12); and a first bonding part (41a) that is formed of a thermoplastic material and is fused to bond the electrode sheet (12) and the first covering part (312) to each other.