Piezo Actuator Adhesive Connection Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of connecting a piezoelectric actuator to a printed circuit board using an electrically conductive adhesive is prone to alignment issues, leading to smearing and short circuits, and requires precise dosing of a small amount of adhesive, increasing manufacturing effort and risk of mechanical stress on the adhesive connection.
Innovation Solution
A form-fitting, rivet-like adhesive connection is achieved by precisely aligning the piezoelectric actuator and printed circuit board before bonding, allowing for a larger and less precisely measured amount of adhesive to be used, avoiding smearing and short circuits, and enabling a direct, planar arrangement for enhanced mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small amount of adhesive is used for precise alignment, then the adhesive connection is more compact, but the dosing precision becomes difficult to achieve and manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied to the connection contact on the piezoelectric actuator before the printed circuit board is positioned. This preliminary application allows the adhesive to be placed precisely on the correct location without requiring complex dosing systems, as the subsequent positioning of the PCB ensures proper alignment and distribution of the adhesive.
2Strength
If the flexible line is pressed onto the piezoelectric actuator, then mechanical connection is achieved, but the adhesive connection becomes flattened and excess adhesive is pressed out causing short circuit risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pressing the flexible line onto the piezoelectric actuator in a way that flattens the adhesive laterally, the connection is established by positioning the PCB with its connection contact overlapping the actuator's connection contact. The adhesive is contained within this overlapping area, and pressing occurs vertically to establish electrical and mechanical connection without lateral displacement of adhesive.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment correction is attempted after adhesive application, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but adhesive smearing occurs causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied in advance to the connection contact on the piezoelectric actuator before the printed circuit board is positioned. This allows the adhesive to set or at least stabilize before any positioning adjustments are made, preventing smearing during alignment corrections. The preliminary application ensures the adhesive remains in place while allowing for controlled positioning adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the adhesive connection is made between misaligned components, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but connection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection contact on the printed circuit board is designed with a surface area that is larger than the connection contact on the piezoelectric actuator. This larger contact surface provides a tolerance zone that accommodates minor misalignments while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connection. The universal design of the connection interface allows for assembly flexibility without compromising connection reliability.
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 solution simplifies the assembly process by allowing for precise alignment before bonding, reducing the risk of short circuits and mechanical stress, while providing a resilient and stable adhesive connection that supports reliable electrical contact.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric actuator 1 is excited via an electrical voltage that is applied to the top of the piezoelectric actuator 1 via a printed circuit board 3
Implementation Method 2
The flexible line 3 is connected to the points of the piezoelectric actuator 1 to be contacted with a conductive adhesive, so that a voltage is introduced into the piezoelectric actuator 1 exclusively at the points connected by the adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Arrangement comprising a piezo actuator (1) and a printed circuit board (3) connected by at least one adhesive connection (5), with at least one electrical connection made by an electrically conductive adhesive between a first terminal contact (13) on the printed circuit board (3) and a second terminal contact (15) on the piezo actuator (1), wherein the terminal contacts (13, 15) point in the same direction and the adhesive connection (5) is made through an opening in one of the components.