Piezoelectric Sensor Alignment via Elastic Pressing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force sensors using piezoelectric materials face challenges in maintaining high sensor sensitivity due to misalignment and degradation caused by vibration or external forces during integration, particularly when multiple sensor elements are arranged and fixed in a device.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device design that includes a piezoelectric substance and an electrode laminated within a first and second case, with a pressing mechanism, such as an elastic gasket or bellows, to maintain precise alignment and prevent excessive force application, ensuring stable detection precision across multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are arranged and fixed in the device, then the force detection capability is improved, but misalignment and degradation occur due to vibration and external forces during integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the sensor elements at the factory with high precision before integration into the device. The elements are positioned and fixed in their correct orientations beforehand, so that during device assembly, no additional alignment operations are needed. This preliminary positioning prevents misalignment caused by vibration and external forces during the integration process, as the elements are already secured in their proper positions before being subjected to such forces.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sensor element is pressed firmly during integration, then alignment precision is improved, but the piezoelectric substance may be damaged by excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating a resilient pressing portion that applies controlled pressure to the sensor element during integration. This pressing portion is designed to provide just enough force to maintain precise alignment of the sensor elements, while its resilient nature prevents excessive force from being applied that could damage the piezoelectric substance. The cushioning effect absorbs any excess force, protecting the fragile piezoelectric material while still achieving the necessary alignment precision.
3Strength
If the sensor element is not pressed during integration, then the piezoelectric substance is protected from damage, but misalignment occurs due to vibration and external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a pressing portion with specifically controlled mechanical properties - it is designed to be resilient rather than rigid, and to apply a specific range of pressure that is sufficient for alignment but insufficient to damage the piezoelectric substance. By carefully selecting and tuning the pressing force parameter and the compliance parameter of the pressing portion, the system achieves both alignment precision and protection of the piezoelectric material simultaneously.
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 effectively suppresses misalignment and maintains high sensitivity of the sensor device, allowing for precise force detection in multiple directions, including 3-axis and 6-axis configurations, while protecting the piezoelectric substance from damage and ensuring reliable operation in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor element which is formed by laminating a piezoelectric substance and an electrode
Implementation Method 2
the pressing portion is an elastic member which is pressed by the first case and the second case
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a sensor element which is formed by laminating a piezoelectric substance and an electrode, a first case and a second case which house the sensor element therein, and a pressing portion which presses the sensor element in the lamination direction of the piezoelectric substance and the electrode via the first and second cases.