Piezoelectric Element Electrode Observation via Slits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piezoelectric elements used in inkjet devices face challenges in accurately controlling displacement and displacement position when a voltage is applied, leading to variations in ejection volume due to incomplete exposure and inspection of non-electrode regions on one surface.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric element with a rectangular solid structure, featuring electrodes on specific sides and slits, allows for non-destructive observation of electrode and non-electrode widths, enabling precise alignment and connection, and facilitating the removal of external electrodes from one surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrodes are removed from one side of the piezoelectric element to simplify external connection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of non-electrode region width deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for observation by forming observation holes through the piezoelectric element from the electrode-opposed surface to the electrode surface. This allows the non-electrode region width to be measured from the electrode-opposed surface (another dimension) rather than requiring direct observation from the electrode surface, thereby enabling both simplified external connection and accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the observation holes as an intermediary structure to enable indirect measurement of the non-electrode region width. By creating these holes filled with resin, the measurement can be performed through the holes from the electrode-opposed surface, serving as a mediator between the measurement requirement and the physical constraint of electrode coverage.
2Measurement precision
If non-electrode region width is accurately measured from electrode surface, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple surfaces requiring inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement dimension by forming observation holes from the electrode-opposed surface through to the electrode surface. This allows the non-electrode region width to be measured from the electrode-opposed surface rather than requiring inspection of multiple external surfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the external surface inspection process by creating internal observation holes. This separates the measurement capability from the external geometry, allowing accurate measurement without requiring complex multi-surface inspection procedures.
3Productivity
If multiple piezoelectric elements are stacked to achieve required displacement, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of stacking multiple piezoelectric elements with a single-element design that achieves the same displacement through optimized electrode positioning and non-electrode region configuration. This substitution of the mechanical stacking system with an optimized electrical field distribution system maintains productivity while improving manufacturing precision control.
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 enables accurate estimation of maximum displacement and suppression of droplet variations in inkjet heads, ensuring high-precision coating with reduced inkjet droplet inconsistencies.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that is a block of a rectangular solid, the block including: a first sheet with a rectangular principal surface having a first short side, a second short side, a first long side, and a second long side, the principal surface including a first electrode formed up to at least only a part of the first short side and up to only the second long side
Data Source
AI summary
The piezoelectric element includes first and second sheets 30 and 40 that are stacked and burned. In this stacked state, a second electrode 60 is located on a first long side 30a having a first non-electrode region 51. Thus, before a conductive film 100A is formed, the end face of a first electrode 50 and the end face of the second electrode 60 are exposed on lateral surfaces 20b and 20d on the same side and can be observed thereon. Slits 91 are formed at certain intervals in a lengthwise direction X. The conductive film 100A is formed so as to apply a voltage between the second electrode 60 exposed on a front surface 20a and ends 20ab and 20ad, thereby driving the piezoelectric element only with connection from the front surface 20a.