Piezoelectric Actuator Electrode Contact Area Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric actuators face challenges in preventing or reducing voltage drops due to limited contact area between electrodes, which affects their performance.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a configuration where the first and second common electrodes are electrically connected at multiple points, including first, second, third, and fourth contacts, with the first contact tapering down in the perpendicular direction, increasing the contact area and preventing voltage drops, and the individual electrodes are arranged to enhance electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first common electrode and the second common electrode are connected at one side of the individual electrode, then the structure is simple, but the contact area between electrodes is insufficient causing voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first common electrode and the second common electrode is divided into multiple segments (first contact and second contact) positioned at different sides of the individual electrode. This segmentation increases the total contact area and reduces voltage drop while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode connections are extended from a single-point connection to multi-point connections distributed across different spatial dimensions (different sides of the individual electrode). This dimensional expansion increases contact area without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple contacts are used to increase contact area, then voltage drop is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first contact and second contact serve dual purposes: they provide electrical connection between common electrodes and also function as structural support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the first contact has a large dimension in the arrangement direction, then contact area is increased, but individual electrodes cannot be arranged densely
Solution Approach 1:
The contact area is increased by extending the first contact in the perpendicular direction (thickness direction) rather than only in the arrangement direction. This dimensional shift allows larger contact area while preserving space for dense electrode arrangement in the arrangement direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The first contact has an asymmetric shape with different dimensions in different directions: larger in the perpendicular direction to increase contact area, and controlled in the arrangement direction to allow dense electrode arrangement. This asymmetric design optimizes both contact area and electrode density.
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 configuration effectively increases the contact area between the electrodes, preventing voltage drops and simplifying manufacturing by reducing the need for protective films, thereby enhancing the performance of the piezoelectric actuator.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric body disposed at one side of the first electrode in a thickness direction of the first electrode, an individual electrode disposed at one side of the first piezoelectric body in the thickness direction, a second piezoelectric body disposed at one side of the individual electrode in the thickness direction
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric actuator includes a first electrode, a first piezoelectric body disposed at one side of the first electrode in a thickness direction of the first electrode, an individual electrode disposed at one side of the first piezoelectric body in the thickness direction, a second piezoelectric body disposed at one side of the individual electrode in the thickness direction, a second electrode disposed at one side of the second piezoelectric body in the thickness direction, a wiring that electrically connects to the individual electrode, a first contact, and a second contact. At the first and the second contacts, the first electrode and the second electrode electrically connect to each other. The first contact is disposed at one side of the individual electrode in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. The second contact is disposed at the other side of the individual electrode in the perpendicular direction.