Piezoelectric Transducer Side-Surface Driving Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Piezoelectric actuators face challenges in achieving high driving force while maintaining compactness due to the need for efficient elongation and contraction of the piezoelectric element, which is hindered by the connection method to the drive shaft, leading to increased length in the elongation/contraction direction.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical transducer design featuring an elongating/contracting member with electrodes applied along its side surfaces, allowing for longitudinal piezoelectric expansion, reducing the need for non-expanding portions and enabling a larger driving force with a more compact size, where the driving member is strategically positioned on side surfaces to minimize obstruction and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the drive shaft is connected to the end surface of the piezoelectric element, then the energy efficiency of elongation and contraction is improved, but the length of the actuator in the elongation/contraction direction is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the driving member from the end surface (one-dimensional connection) to the side surface (two-dimensional surface) of the piezoelectric element. This allows the driving force to be applied laterally rather than axially, reducing the required length in the elongation/contraction direction while maintaining effective energy transfer through frictional contact between the driving member and the load-bearing component.
2Volume of moving object
If the driving member is provided on the side surface of the elongating/contracting member, then the size of the transducer is reduced, but the driving force may be reduced due to less stable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling (which would require a long axial connection) with friction-based mechanical interaction. The driving member contacts the side surface of the piezoelectric element, and the elongation/contraction motion is transferred to the driven member through frictional force, eliminating the need for a long axial connection while maintaining effective force transmission.
3Force
If electrodes are applied along the side surfaces for longitudinal piezoelectric expansion, then the driving force and displacement are increased, but the manufacturing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrode configuration parameter from traditional end-surface application to side-surface application. This parameter change enables longitudinal piezoelectric expansion along the height of the element rather than along the length, increasing the effective driving stroke and force while the electrodes remain confined to lateral surfaces, which can be manufactured using standard coating techniques.
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 allows for increased driving force and displacement with reduced size, improved precision, and enhanced durability by minimizing surface roughness demands and allowing for more flexible wiring designs, while maintaining high energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the elongating/contracting member elongates and contracts in response to application of a voltage using the longitudinal piezoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical transducer that includes an elongating/contracting member and a driving member. The elongating/contracting member elongates and contracts in response to application of a voltage thereto. The elongating/contracting member has a side surface that is parallel to an elongation/contraction direction. The driving member is provided on the side surface of the elongating/contracting member. The driving member is displaced with elongation and contraction of the elongating/contracting member.