Piezoelectric Actuator Array Conductive Surface Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric actuator arrays are complex and costly to produce due to the need for intricate lithographic processes to form conductive paths between connector leads and common leads, which complicates the connection to electronic control circuits.
Innovation Solution
The common lead is separated from the connector lead by a gap, and an electrically conductive path is established using a conductive outer surface layer on piezoelectric bodies to bridge this gap, allowing for the formation of straight conductive paths without costly lithographic techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lithographic processes are used to form conductive paths between connector leads and common leads, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductive path formation from the substrate plate and transfers it to the piezoelectric bodies themselves. The outer surface layer of the piezoelectric bodies is made conductive to establish electrical connection between connector leads and common leads, eliminating the need for complex lithographic processes on the substrate plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive outer surface layer of the piezoelectric bodies acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between connector leads and common leads. This intermediate conductive layer simplifies the overall manufacturing process by replacing complex substrate-based lithographic patterns with simpler piezoelectric body surface metallization.
2Ease of operation
If connector leads and common leads are disposed on opposite sides of the piezoelectric body row, then connection to electronic control circuits is facilitated, but short-circuiting of signal leads may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conductive elements into distinct groups: connector leads on one side, common leads on the opposite side, and signal leads in between. The conductive outer surface layer of piezoelectric bodies provides controlled electrical connection only between connector and common leads, while maintaining isolation from signal leads through physical separation and gap structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The layout employs asymmetric positioning where connector leads and common leads are placed on opposite sides of the piezoelectric body row, with signal leads positioned in between. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with gaps and the specific conductive path through piezoelectric body surface layers, prevents short-circuiting while facilitating external circuit connection.
3Reliability
If common lead is separated from connector lead by a gap, then short-circuiting is prevented, but electrical connection becomes more difficult to establish
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive outer surface layer of the piezoelectric bodies serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between separated common leads and connector leads. This intermediate conductive path allows electrical connection to be established through the piezoelectric bodies themselves, simplifying manufacturing compared to requiring precise lithographic patterns across the gap on the substrate.
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 approach simplifies the production process and reduces costs by enabling easy formation of separated connector and common leads on the substrate surface, facilitating easier mounting and connection of piezoelectric bodies without short-circuiting signal leads or electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive path from the connector lead to the common lead is established by a conductive outer surface layer on a piezoelectric body which bridges said gap
Implementation Method 2
a voltage drop will occur across the piezoelectric material, causing the same to expand or contract and thereby to generate the pressure wave
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A piezoelectric actuator array comprising a substrate plate (10) with a number of signal leads (14) and at least one common lead (18) formed on at least one surface (12) thereof, and a number of piezoelectric bodies (30, 32) arranged in a row (34) on one surface (12) of the substrate plate and formed by dividing a common piezoelectric block, said piezoelectric bodies comprising a number of active bodies (30) each of which has, on a first side of said row (34), a signal electrode (38) in contact with one of said signal leads (14) and, on an opposite second side of the row, a common electrode (40) in contact with said common lead (18), said substrate plate (10) having at least one connector lead (16) disposed on the first side of the row (34) and electrically connected to the common lead (18) on the second side of the row, wherein said piezoelectric bodies comprise at least one piezoelectric body (32) with a conductive outer surface layer (42) that establishes an electrically conductive path from the connector lead (16) to the common lead (18).