Piezoelectric Electrode Peripheral Segmentation for Short Circuit Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dual actuator system for disk drive head suspensions using piezoelectric elements faces a risk of short circuits due to uneven dispersion of insulative fillers in adhesives, particularly when the elements are placed obliquely or near the edges of the attaching part, which can hinder power supply and lead to positioning inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The electrode structure of the piezoelectric elements includes a non-electrode part in the peripheral zone, preventing short circuits by ensuring electrical insulation even if the peripheral zone touches the attaching part, achieved through techniques like mask formation, etching, or grinding to create the non-electrode areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the piezoelectric elements are placed close to the periphery of the opening to effectively use space, then the space utilization is improved, but the risk of electrode contacting the attaching part increases causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into a central region and a peripheral region, with the peripheral region having a reduced width or being absent entirely at the edges. This segmentation allows the electrode to extend closer to the periphery for better space utilization while maintaining electrical insulation through the reduced peripheral portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure exhibits local quality variation where the central region maintains full electrode coverage for optimal electrical contact, while the peripheral region has reduced or eliminated electrode material to prevent short circuits. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between space utilization and electrical insulation reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If the piezoelectric elements are placed obliquely in the opening, then the space utilization is improved, but the risk of causing short circuit between electrodes and attaching part increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into central and peripheral regions with the peripheral region having reduced width. This segmentation allows oblique placement of piezoelectric elements to achieve better space utilization while the reduced peripheral electrode portion prevents contact with the attaching part, eliminating the short circuit risk.
3Ease of manufacture
If the filler in the adhesive is sparse at certain locations, then the adhesive application is simpler, but short circuits occur between electrodes and attaching part
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented to have a reduced peripheral region, which provides inherent electrical insulation without relying on adhesive filler distribution. This eliminates the need for uniform filler dispersion and allows simpler adhesive application while maintaining electrical insulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduced peripheral electrode region acts as an intermediary insulating barrier between the central electrode and the attaching part, replacing the unreliable adhesive filler as the primary insulation mechanism. This intermediary structure ensures electrical insulation regardless of filler distribution uniformity.
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 prevents short circuits between the electrodes and the attaching part, ensuring reliable power supply and precise positioning of the magnetic head, enhancing the operational stability of the head suspension.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator arranged on an object to minutely move a movable part of the object relative to a base part of the object according to deformation occurring on the piezoelectric element in response to a power applied state of the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode structure of a piezoelectric element is provided. The piezoelectric element 23a (23b) constitutes a piezoelectric actuator 19 attached to an attaching part 30 of an object, to minutely move a movable part 15 of the object relative to a base part 13 of the object according to deformation occurring on the piezoelectric element in response to a power applied state of the piezoelectric element. The electrode structure in response an electrode 41a formed on one of a pair of electrode forming faces 31a and 31b of the piezoelectric element on an inner side of a peripheral zone 31a1, the peripheral zone being defined along the periphery of the electrode forming face 31a on which the electrode is formed. The electrode structure also includes a non-electrode part 51 formed in the peripheral zone. Even if the peripheral zone 31a1 of the electrode forming face 31a having a short-circuit causing possibility touches the attaching part 30, no short circuit occurs.