Piezoelectric Acoustic Wave Structure for Safer Hollow Etching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The production efficiency of acoustic wave devices decreases, and the piezoelectric layer is easily damaged when forming a hollow portion by providing a through-hole in the piezoelectric layer.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a raised portion along the depth direction of the through-hole on the inner wall of the piezoelectric layer, which facilitates easier introduction of an etching solution, thereby reducing unnecessary damage to the piezoelectric layer and shortening the etching period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a through-hole is provided in the piezoelectric layer to form a hollow portion, then the hollow portion can be formed, but the piezoelectric layer is easily damaged and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehollow portion formationVSAvoidpiezoelectric layer damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a raised portion at the bottom of the through-hole that provides localized support to the piezoelectric layer. This localized structural modification strengthens the area where the hollow portion is formed, preventing the piezoelectric layer from collapsing or becoming damaged during the etching process, while still allowing the hollow portion to be formed as intended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If a through-hole is provided in the piezoelectric layer to form a hollow portion, then the hollow portion can be formed, but production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehollow portion formationVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming the raised portion structure before the final hollow portion etching process. This pre-formed structural support eliminates the need for repeated etching steps or repairs during production, streamlining the manufacturing process and improving overall production efficiency while ensuring the hollow portion is formed correctly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a through-hole extends through the piezoelectric layer, then the hollow portion is accessible, but the piezoelectric layer becomes vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveetching solution accessVSAvoidpiezoelectric layer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The raised portion creates a localized reinforcement zone at the through-hole bottom that maintains piezoelectric layer integrity while allowing etching solution to access the hollow portion. The local structural enhancement provides mechanical support precisely where needed without obstructing the etching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces the likelihood of damage to the piezoelectric layer during production, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the acoustic wave device.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic wave device including a piezoelectric layer made of lithium niobate or lithium tantalate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230421129A1Acoustic wave device
Publication Date: 2023.12.28 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US20230421129A1 patent drawing
  • US20230421129A1 patent drawing
  • US20230421129A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric layer including first and second main surfaces opposed to each other, a functional electrode on at least one of the first and second main surfaces, and a support substrate on a second main surface side of the piezoelectric layer. A hollow portion is between the support substrate and the piezoelectric layer. The functional electrode at least partially overlaps the hollow portion when viewed in a laminating direction in which the support substrate and the piezoelectric layer are laminated. A through-hole extends through the piezoelectric layer to the hollow portion. A raised portion extending along a depth direction of the through-hole is on an inner wall of the through-hole.