Piezoelectric Actuator with Narrower Second Layer for Inkjet Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric actuators require a larger physical size due to the non-active portions of the second piezoelectric layer covering the side surfaces of the first piezoelectric layer, which impede deformation efficiency when active portions are deformed, leading to reduced pressure application in inkjet systems.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric actuator design where the second piezoelectric layer is narrower than the first piezoelectric layer, with the third electrode covering both side surfaces of both layers, allowing for reduced size and increased deformation efficiency by eliminating non-active portions that impede deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second piezoelectric layer covers the side surface of the first piezoelectric layer, then the piezoelectric element can be formed with complete coverage, but the physical size increases and deformation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the non-active portion of the second piezoelectric layer that covers the side surface of the first piezoelectric layer. By taking out this unnecessary covering portion, the physical size is reduced while the active portions remain intact to provide complete coverage over the pressure chamber, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage completeness and physical size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the second piezoelectric layer extend beyond the first layer to provide coverage, the patent inverts the approach by making the second layer narrower and using the third electrode to extend coverage. This inversion allows the piezoelectric element to maintain functional coverage while reducing the overall physical dimensions.
2Reliability
If the second piezoelectric layer covers the side surface of the first piezoelectric layer, then complete coverage is achieved, but deformation efficiency is reduced due to non-active portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the non-active portion of the second piezoelectric layer that covers the side surface. By taking out this non-functional portion, deformation efficiency is improved as fewer non-active materials impede the deformation process, while the active portions maintain complete coverage over the pressure chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having the second piezoelectric layer be narrower than the first layer only in the regions where it would create non-active portions. The active portions of both layers maintain their full width for complete coverage, while the side surface coverage is achieved through the extended third electrode rather than additional piezoelectric material.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second piezoelectric layer extends continuously over the first piezoelectric layers, then structural continuity is achieved, but the device size increases in the first direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the second piezoelectric layer narrower than the first layer instead of extending continuously. Structural continuity is maintained through the stacked configuration of active portions and the extended third electrode, while the device size in the first direction is reduced by eliminating the continuous extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the coverage function from the horizontal dimension (first direction) to the vertical dimension by extending the third electrode to cover side surfaces. This dimensionality change allows structural continuity and coverage to be achieved without increasing the device size in the first direction.
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 design achieves a reduced size and higher deformation efficiency compared to traditional piezoelectric actuators, enhancing pressure application in inkjet systems by minimizing inactive areas that hinder deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the first piezoelectric layer, which is sandwiched between the first common electrode and an individual electrode, functions as an active portion to be deformable by a potential difference therebetween, and a portion of the second piezoelectric layer, which is sandwiched between the second common electrode and an individual electrode, functions as an active portion to be deformable by a potential difference therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric actuator comprises a vibration plate, a first electrode, a first piezoelectric layer, a second electrode, a second piezoelectric layer and a third electrode. With respect to a top-bottom direction orthogonal to a surface of the vibration plate, the vibration plate, the first electrode, the first piezoelectric layer, the second electrode, the second piezoelectric layer and the third electrode are stacked in this order. The second piezoelectric layer is narrower than the first piezoelectric layer in a first direction parallel to the surface of the vibration plate. The third electrode extends in the first direction and covers both side surfaces of both of the first piezoelectric layer and the second piezoelectric layer in the first direction.