Piezoelectric Polymer Composite Using Conductive Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite articles with piezoelectric polymer layers sandwiched between metal layers are costly, complex, and lack flexibility due to the need for additional protective layers, limiting their applications.

Innovation Solution

A composite article with a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between conductive polymer layers, which are resistant to oxidation and cost-efficient, eliminating the need for additional protective metal layers and enhancing flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal layers (copper, nickel) are used to sandwich the piezoelectric layer, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but oxidation resistance deteriorates and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidnumber of protective layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, oxidation-prone metal layers (copper, nickel) with a conductive polymer layer that is inherently oxidation-resistant. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple protective metal layers, reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical conductivity and improving oxidation resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite conductive polymer material that combines electrical conductivity with oxidation resistance in a single layer. This composite material approach replaces the multi-layer metal structure, simplifying the device architecture while achieving both conductivity and corrosion protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multiple metal layers (copper, nickel) are used, then electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive metal layers with a cost-effective conductive polymer layer. This material replacement significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance properties, making the piezoelectric device more economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If rigid metal layers are used, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid metal layers with a flexible conductive polymer layer. This substitution maintains electrical conductivity while introducing flexibility and bendability to the piezoelectric device, enabling new applications that require conformability and adaptability to various shapes and surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 provides a cost-effective, flexible, and oxidation-resistant composite article with enhanced piezoelectric properties, opening up new applications by using conductive polymers instead of metals, such as nylon with carbon nanotubes, which maintain the piezoelectric properties while reducing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric layer (22) having a piezoelectric property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A first conductive layer (28) is disposed in contact with the first side (24) of the piezoelectric layer (22). The first conductive layer (28) is a polymer having an electrically conductive property

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7443082B2Piezoelectric polymer composite article and system

Publication Date: 2008.10.28 BASF CORPORATON

AI summary

The subject invention provides composite articles (20, 120) and associated systems (32, 132). A first composite article (20) includes a piezoelectric layer (22) having a piezoelectric property. The piezoelectric layer (22) is sandwiched between a first conductive layer (28) and a second conductive layer (30). At least one of the conductive layers (28, 30) is a conductive polymer having an electrically conductive property. A second composite article (120) includes first and second piezoelectric layers (122, 124) having a piezoelectric property. The first and second piezoelectric layers sandwich an insulating layer (126). A first system (32) and a second system (132) each include a control device (34) electrically connected to the first composite article (20) or the second composite article (120), respectively. The control device (34) measures an electrical signal generated by the respective piezoelectric layers (22, 122, 124) and/orproduces an electrical signal to actuate the respective piezoelectric layers (22, 122, 124).