Piezoelectric Vibration Sensor Planar Layout for Low Profile

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional piezoelectric vibration sensors have a stacked structure that increases their thickness, making them unsuitable for assembly and mounting in terminals or similar applications where space is limited.

Innovation Solution

A vibration sensor design where the piezoelectric vibrator and signal process substrate are arranged alongside each other in a planar direction nearly perpendicular to the vibration direction, allowing for a lower height and equalized weights to stabilize the center of gravity and reduce crosstalk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the piezoelectric vibrator and signal process substrate are arranged in a stacked structure, then the assembly is straightforward, but the thickness of the vibration sensor becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly straightforwardnessVSAvoidsensor thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical stacked arrangement to a horizontal planar arrangement, changing the spatial dimension of component placement. The piezoelectric vibrator and signal process substrate are positioned side-by-side on the same plane rather than stacked vertically, which reduces the thickness direction dimension while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the piezoelectric vibrator and signal process substrate are arranged alongside each other, then the height is reduced, but the weight balance and crosstalk reduction become critical design considerations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor heightVSAvoidweight balance design
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a weight adjustment mechanism where weights can be added to either the piezoelectric vibrator or signal process substrate to balance the center of gravity. This counterweight approach allows the horizontal arrangement to maintain stability by compensating for weight differences between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the piezoelectric vibrator and signal process substrate are arranged alongside each other, then crosstalk is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidcomponent alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent physically separates the piezoelectric vibrator and signal process substrate into distinct horizontal zones on the same plane, with clear spatial separation between them. This segmentation reduces electromagnetic interference and crosstalk by increasing the distance between sensitive electrical components while maintaining functional connectivity through controlled connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design lowers the height of the vibration sensor, improves assembly stability, reduces crosstalk, and enhances manufacturability and maintainability by allowing easier adjustment and replacement of components, while maintaining high sensitivity and noise resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric vibrator (2) comprising a diaphragm (6) and a piezoelectric element (5) firmly fixed to at least one plane surface of the diaphragm (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2610597B1Vibration sensor
Publication Date: 2015.11.18 NEC CORP
  • EP2610597B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2610597B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2610597B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A vibration sensor according to the present invention includes a piezoelectric vibrator including a diaphragm and a piezoelectric element firmly fixed to at least one plane surface of the diaphragm and a signal process substrate performing a predetermined process to a signal outputted from the piezoelectric vibrator, and wherein the piezoelectric vibrator and the signal process substrate are arranged alongside in a planar direction nearly perpendicular to a vibration direction of the piezoelectric vibrator.