Piezoelectric Switch Actuator for Contact Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piezoelectric actuators used as switches face issues with contact points sticking together and uneven drive voltage application due to charge accumulation, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A switching apparatus employing two piezoelectric films with independent drive voltages, where one film contracts to bring contact points together and the other expands to separate them, with a control section managing the voltages to prevent sticking and ensure effective switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piezoelectric film is used as an actuator to move contact points, then the structure is simple, but the contact points stick together and cannot be disconnected due to charge accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two separate piezoelectric films (first and second piezoelectric films) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows one film to be activated for contact closure while the other can be activated for contact separation, preventing the sticking issue that occurs with a single film due to charge accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameter control by applying different drive voltages to the two piezoelectric films. The control section applies a first drive voltage to the first piezoelectric film for contact closure and a second drive voltage to the second piezoelectric film for contact separation, dynamically adjusting the electrical parameters to prevent charge accumulation issues.
2Productivity
If drive voltage is continuously applied to piezoelectric films for switching operation, then switching function is achieved, but charge accumulates in the films making it difficult to effectively apply drive voltage to all films
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the actuator into two independently controllable piezoelectric films, the system can apply drive voltage to only the required film at any given time. This reduces overall charge accumulation and improves voltage application efficiency, as the control section can selectively activate the first or second film based on switching needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section implements periodic alternation between applying first drive voltage and second drive voltage to the respective piezoelectric films. This periodic switching prevents continuous charge accumulation in a single film and ensures effective voltage application throughout the switching cycle.
3Ease of operation
If piezoelectric films are used to expand and contract for contact switching, then contact points can be moved into and away from each other, but the contact points stick together and become unable to be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into two piezoelectric films that work in opposition. When the first film expands to close contacts, the second film can contract to separate them, ensuring reliable operation without sticking. This segmentation provides independent control over contact closure and separation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The second piezoelectric film acts as a counterweight to the first piezoelectric film. When one film expands to close contacts, the other film contracts to provide the separating force, ensuring that contact points can be reliably disconnected without sticking, much like a mechanical counterweight system.
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 enables reliable ON/OFF switching with reduced contact point sticking and improved drive voltage distribution, enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of the switching apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator including a first piezoelectric film that expands and contract according to a first drive voltage and a second piezoelectric film that is provided in parallel with the first piezoelectric film and expands and contract according to a second drive voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A switching apparatus comprising a contact point section including a first contact point; an actuator including a first piezoelectric film that expands and contracts according to a first drive voltage and a second piezoelectric film provided in parallel with the first piezoelectric film and expands and contracts according to a second drive voltage, and a control section that controls the first drive voltage and the second drive voltage is provided. The actuator moves a second contact point to contact or move away from the first contact point according to the contraction and expansion of the first piezoelectric film and the second piezoelectric film. When switching from a contact state to a separated state, the control section stops supplying the first drive voltage and applies the second drive voltage causing the second piezoelectric film to contract to the second piezoelectric film, such that the actuator is biased to return.