Piezoelectric Actuator with Polymeric Encapsulation for Body Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of piezoelectric actuators for delivering mechanical vibratory energy to body tissues is limited due to requirements for high voltages, protection from liquids, mechanical fragility, and challenges in maintaining efficient energy transmission and amplitude under mechanical loads.

Innovation Solution

A polymer-packaged piezoelectric actuator design that includes electrodes and a protective polymeric layer to insulate from liquids, enhance mechanical resistance, and maintain actuation even with defects, allowing for direct skin contact and efficient vibration delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If piezoelectric actuators are used to deliver mechanical vibratory energy to body tissues, then therapeutic vibration delivery is achieved, but the actuators require high voltages and are mechanically fragile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibratory energy deliveryVSAvoidmechanical fragility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric actuator is pre-packaged in a protective layer of polymeric material before deployment, creating a cushioning effect that protects the fragile piezoelectric element from mechanical damage during handling and application to the body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible polymeric protective layer encapsulates the piezoelectric actuator, providing mechanical protection while maintaining the ability to conform to body surfaces and transmit vibrations effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Power

If piezoelectric actuators are used for vibration delivery, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but protection from liquids is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibratory energy deliveryVSAvoidliquid exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible polymeric protective layer encapsulates the piezoelectric actuator, creating a barrier that protects the electrical component from liquid exposure (sweat, wound exudates, bathing) while allowing the device to be used on or near the body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The polymeric protective layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the piezoelectric actuator and the body environment, preventing direct contact with liquids while still allowing effective transmission of vibratory energy to the tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If piezoelectric actuators are used to deliver vibrations, then therapeutic benefits are achieved, but efficient energy transmission and amplitude maintenance under mechanical loads is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibratory energy transmissionVSAvoidamplitude maintenance under load

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible polymeric protective layer is designed to be thin and compliant, allowing it to conform to body surfaces and transmit vibratory energy efficiently without significant energy loss or amplitude reduction under mechanical loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer uses polymeric materials that combine mechanical protection with good vibratory transmission properties, creating a composite structure that maintains amplitude under load while protecting the piezoelectric element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides improved resistance to mechanical failure, effective vibratory energy transmission, and maintains actuation functionality, addressing the limitations of existing piezoelectric actuators in delivering therapeutic vibrations to body tissues.

Implementation Method 1

one or more piezoelectric elements, electrodes in electrical communication with a power source and the piezoelectric element to drive the piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2677987B1Actuator for delivery of vibratory stimulation to an area of the body and method of application

Publication Date: 2019.12.25 PERFUZIA MEDICAL

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AI summary

An actuator is disclosed for delivering mechanical vibrations to the body of a subject. The actuator includes a piezoelectric element, electrodes in electrical or wireless communication with an electrical source and the piezoelectric element to drive the piezoelectric element, a polymeric protective layer encapsulating the piezoelectric element and at least part of the electrodes, and an enclosure attached to the protective layer and defining a space between the protective layer and the enclosure allowing desired modes of vibration to develop across a surface of the protective layer that encapsulated the piezoelectric element. The actuator can include a skin attachment article having a mounting pad for attaching to the skin of the subject and for attaching the actuator and having a cover that overlies the actuator and the mounting pad when the article is attached to the skin of the subject.