Piezoelectric Transducer Spring Mounting for Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone conduction devices face challenges in withstanding high accelerations and decelerations without damaging the piezoelectric components, which can lead to failure modes such as deformation or breakage of the piezoelectric material.

Innovation Solution

A transducer-seismic mass assembly is configured within a housing, where the piezoelectric component is supported by springs that allow the entire assembly to move freely, absorbing and distributing forces during acceleration and deceleration, thereby preventing excessive stress on the piezoelectric material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the piezoelectric component is rigidly fixed in the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to damage from high accelerations and decelerations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddamage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric component is supported by springs that allow it to move dynamically within the housing during high acceleration and deceleration events. This dynamic support system enables the component to absorb shock forces while maintaining proper positioning during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and damage resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Spring elements are pre-installed between the piezoelectric component and the housing to provide cushioning before shock events occur. These springs are designed to compress and extend during acceleration and deceleration, absorbing impact forces before they can damage the piezoelectric material, thus preventing damage in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the piezoelectric component is supported by springs to allow movement, then the damage resistance from high G-forces is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage resistanceVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring support system creates a dynamic mounting arrangement where the piezoelectric component can move during shock events but returns to a stable equilibrium position during normal operation. The springs provide both movement capability for shock absorption and restoring force for positional stability, simultaneously achieving damage resistance and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring support system acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the harmful effects of high G-forces. During acceleration and deceleration, the springs compress and extend to counteract the inertial forces, preventing excessive stress on the piezoelectric component while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Power

If the transducer-seismic mass assembly is fixed rigidly, then the force transmission efficiency is improved, but the piezoelectric material becomes susceptible to deformation and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmission efficiencyVSAvoidpiezoelectric material integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Spring elements are introduced as intermediary components between the piezoelectric component and the housing. These springs mediate the force transmission by providing a compliant connection that allows controlled movement during shock events, reducing peak forces transmitted to the piezoelectric material while maintaining adequate force transmission efficiency during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical properties of the support system are changed from rigid to compliant by introducing springs. This parameter change in the support stiffness allows the system to accommodate high G-forces without transmitting excessive stress to the piezoelectric material, thereby protecting the material integrity while maintaining functional performance.

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

This configuration enhances the durability of the bone conduction device by allowing the piezoelectric component to move within the housing, reducing the risk of damage from high G-forces and ensuring continued functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric component, wherein the piezoelectric component is supported in the housing via at least one spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the piezoelectric component is supported in the housing via at least one spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230070821A1Passive integrity management of an implantable device

Publication Date: 2023.03.09 BERGS TOMMY

AI summary

A medical device prosthesis, including a housing and a piezoelectric transducer including a piezoelectric component, wherein the piezoelectric transducer is supported in the housing via at least one spring. In some embodiments, the medical device prosthesis is a bone conduction device, such as a transcutaneous passive or active bone conduction device.