Piezoelectric Actuator Radial Coupler Resonance Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable auditory prostheses face challenges in generating effective vibrations for auditory stimulation due to limitations in vibration frequency distribution and mechanical constraints, leading to operational issues such as resonance interference within the range of human hearing.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric actuator design featuring a disk-shaped piezoelectric material mechanically coupled with a counterweight, allowing radial expansion and contraction, and a resilient coupler to inhibit non-radial movement, which shifts the vibrational frequency distribution to avoid human hearing ranges, thereby reducing resonance interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piezoelectric actuator is used to generate vibrations for auditory stimulation, then auditory stimulation effectiveness is improved, but resonance interference within human hearing range occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the piezoelectric actuator, specifically its geometric configuration and material composition, to alter its vibrational frequency characteristics. By changing these parameters, the actuator's resonance frequency is shifted outside the human audible range (20 Hz - 20 kHz), thereby eliminating resonance interference while preserving effective auditory stimulation capability.
2Reliability
If the piezoelectric oscillator is constrained to inhibit non-radial movement, then vibration frequency distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized coupling structure that acts as an intermediary between the piezoelectric oscillator and the counterweight. This coupling structure selectively permits radial expansion and contraction while restraining non-radial movements, thereby controlling vibration frequency distribution without requiring complex mechanical constraints throughout the entire device.
3Power
If the peripheral portion is allowed to expand and contract radially, then vibrational energy generation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight element that is mechanically coupled to the piezoelectric oscillator. As the peripheral portion expands and contracts radially, the counterweight moves in opposition, balancing the dynamic forces and maintaining structural stability. This counterbalancing mechanism enables effective vibrational energy generation while preventing structural instability.
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 effectively generates vibrational energy within perceptible frequencies, enhancing auditory stimulation while minimizing resonance issues, thus improving the performance of implantable auditory prostheses.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially circular and planar piezoelectric material configured to generate vibrational energy by changing shape in response to received time-varying electrical voltage signals
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an actuator configured to generate vibrations. The actuator includes a substantially planar piezoelectric oscillator having a central portion substantially surrounding and in mechanical communication with a coupling portion and a peripheral portion spaced from the coupling portion. The piezoelectric oscillator is configured to undergo bending oscillations in response to received electric voltage signals. The actuator further includes at least one mass configured to move in response to the bending oscillations of the piezoelectric oscillator. The actuator further includes at least one coupler configured to allow expansion and contraction of the peripheral portion along a first direction substantially parallel to the piezoelectric oscillator and to inhibit movement of the peripheral portion relative to the at least one mass along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the piezoelectric oscillator.