Piezoelectric Vibration Element Recess Electrode Layout for Stable Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric vibration elements, such as quartz crystal oscillators, face challenges in ensuring reliable electrical continuity and vibration stability due to the thinness of the vibration portion and the thickness of the fixation portion, which can lead to strain and noise issues during mounting and operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a piezoelectric blank with a vibration portion and a fixation portion having different regions, featuring recesses on the fixation portion that increase the width and depth of the extension electrodes, enhancing electrical continuity and reducing strain by allowing for a sufficient cross-sectional area and dispersing reflected waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vibration portion is made thin to reduce mass and improve vibration characteristics, then the vibration performance is improved, but the electrical continuity and structural strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a recess structure that extends in the depth dimension (thickness direction) of the fixation portion. This vertical dimensional extension allows the extension electrode to achieve sufficient cross-sectional area and electrical continuity without increasing the planar dimensions or compromising the thin vibration portion. The recess creates a three-dimensional pathway for the electrode that bypasses the limitation of the thin vibration portion thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension electrode is nested within the recess structure of the fixation portion. The recess acts as a cavity that houses and supports the extension electrode, allowing the electrode to extend from the vibration portion through the recess to the third surface. This nesting arrangement provides structural support and maintains electrical continuity while preserving the thin profile of the vibration portion.
2Strength
If the fixation portion is made thick to ensure structural strength and mounting stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the strain on the vibration portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the piezoelectric blank into distinct functional regions: a thin vibration portion for optimal vibration characteristics and a thick fixation portion with a recess for structural strength. The recess creates a transitional zone that separates the mechanical support function (handled by the thick fixation portion) from the vibration function (handled by the thin vibration portion). This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different thickness qualities to different portions of the piezoelectric blank. The vibration portion maintains a thin profile with uniform thickness for optimal vibration performance, while the fixation portion features a localized recess that increases thickness only where structural support and electrode extension are needed. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall thickness requirements for strength and local thickness requirements for vibration performance.
3Reliability
If the extension electrode is extended to ensure electrical continuity, then the electrical continuity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess structure is formed in the fixation portion before the extension electrode is applied or connected. This preliminary creation of the recess pathway simplifies the subsequent electrode extension process, as the electrode can be directly formed or attached within the pre-prepared recess space rather than requiring complex routing through solid material. The recess acts as a pre-formed channel that guides and supports the electrode extension.
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 improves the reliability of electrical continuity, reduces strain on the vibration portion, and minimizes noise by ensuring a stable and efficient vibration mechanism, leading to improved performance and durability of the piezoelectric device.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric vibration element includes a piezoelectric blank, a first excitation electrode, and a first extension electrode... By applying an AC voltage to the pair of extension electrodes, the AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric blank through the pair of excitation electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric blank of a piezoelectric vibration element includes a vibration portion and a fixation portion including different regions in plan view. A third surface of the fixation portion on a first side is higher than a first surface of the vibration portion on the first side in a direction of the first side. An excitation electrode overlies the first surface. An extension electrode is extended from the excitation electrode and overlies the third surface. The piezoelectric blank includes a recess recessed from the third surface toward a second side opposite to the first side. The recess has a shape in plan view in which an edge portion of the third surface on a first surface side is cut in. The extension electrode includes a portion extending from the first surface via the recess to the third surface.