Piezoelectric Sensor Nanocomposite Membrane Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing piezoelectric sensors for measuring vibrations and sound frequencies in medical applications are complex to manufacture and suffer from transmission reductions due to interfaces between membranes and sensitive elements, with inadequate sensitivity and measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A piezoelectric sensor with a nanomaterial-infused polymer matrix that directly contacts the source of vibrations, eliminating the need for an interface, and featuring a nanocomposite membrane with adjustable acoustic impedance, supported by a conductive layer structure for enhanced signal collection and a transmission rod for low-amplitude vibration measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate membrane and sensitive element are used in the sensor, then the sensor can capture mechanical movement and convert it to electrical signals, but the interface between membrane and sensitive element causes transmission reductions and increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the membrane and sensitive element into a single integrated structure. The piezoelectric material itself forms the membrane, eliminating the need for a separate membrane and sensitive element interface. This integration removes the interface that caused transmission reductions and simplifies the overall sensor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite piezoelectric materials that combine the mechanical properties of a membrane with the piezoelectric properties of the sensitive element. By using materials that exhibit both membrane-like flexibility and piezoelectric sensitivity, the sensor achieves both functions in a single component, reducing complexity and improving signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If spring elements are added to keep the sensitive element in contact with the membrane, then contact is maintained, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the membrane and sensitive element into one integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for spring elements to maintain contact. The single structure inherently maintains contact between the mechanical sensing portion and the piezoelectric conversion portion, removing the complexity of adding spring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated structure is self-sustaining in terms of contact maintenance. The mechanical and piezoelectric portions of the sensor work together inherently without requiring external spring elements or additional mechanisms to maintain contact, making the manufacturing process simpler.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the sensitive layer directly contacts the vibration source, then sensitivity to low-amplitude vibrations improves, but acoustic impedance matching becomes more critical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration detection sensitivityVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite piezoelectric materials that can be engineered with specific acoustic impedance properties. By selecting and combining materials with appropriate acoustic impedances, the sensor achieves both direct contact sensitivity for low-amplitude vibrations and efficient power transfer through acoustic impedance matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the acoustic impedance parameters of the piezoelectric material to optimize the match between the vibration source and the sensor. By changing material composition, density, or elastic properties, the sensor achieves optimal power transfer efficiency while maintaining direct contact sensitivity for detecting low-amplitude vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides improved sensitivity and simplified production, enabling effective measurement of low-amplitude vibrations with enhanced power transfer coefficients, suitable for medical applications such as monitoring auditory transmission during surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor uses a PVDF membrane for its piezoelectric properties so that sound waves are transformed into electrical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3275024B1Piezoelectric sensor and instrument with such a sensor
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 UNIVERSITY OF LORRAINE
  • EP3275024B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3275024B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3275024B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A piezoelectric sensor includes: a body (10) with a central cavity (12); and a membrane (11) extending over the cavity (12), which membrane is fastened to the body (10) via its periphery and includes a carrier layer (111) made of polymer and a sensitive layer (113) made of piezoelectric polymer, the membrane (11) being able to deform or vibrate. The sensitive layer (113) is made of a material comprising a polymer filled with inorganic nanomaterials. Instrument including such a sensor.