Piezo-electric Actuators With Split Electrodes for Sound Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new Digital Sound Reconstruction (DSR) speakers and methods of manufacturing them, as existing technologies lack innovation in this field.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric actuator assembly with split electrodes and a configuration that allows movement in response to electrical stimuli, integrated into a DSR speaker element with peripheral flexure benders and a mechanical stopper, is developed. This assembly includes multiple electrode layers and piezoelectric layers, with the electrodes split into sub-electrodes for efficient sound pressure production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrodes are split into sub-electrodes for precise sound pressure control, then sound production capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are divided into multiple sub-electrodes (first sub-electrode and second sub-electrode) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise control over different regions of the piezoelectric layer, enabling sophisticated sound pressure wave generation patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through modular electrode design
2Power
If multiple piezoelectric layers are stacked for enhanced sound pressure output, then power is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple piezoelectric layers are stacked in a nested configuration where each layer is aligned with the others through shared electrode structures. The first and second piezoelectric layers are positioned between corresponding electrode pairs, creating a compact multi-layer assembly that enhances sound pressure output while using the electrode structures as alignment references to manage manufacturing precision
3Ease of operation
If conductive layers and via holes are added for electrical connectivity, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive layers and via holes serve as intermediary elements that bridge the electrical connection between sub-electrodes and external power sources. The conductive layer is insulated from the first sub-electrode by an insulating layer, and the via hole provides a controlled pathway through the insulating layer to connect to the second sub-electrode, enabling electrical connectivity while managing complexity through structured intermediary components
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 enables the creation of DSR speakers with improved sound production capabilities, allowing for precise control of sound pressure waves and efficient manufacturing processes, enhancing the performance and production of sound pressure producing elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric layer located between said first electrode and said second electrode, wherein at least part of the assembly is configured to move upwards or downwards, in response to an electrical stimulus applied to at least one of said first and second electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a piezo-electric actuator comprising an assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and at least one piezoelectric layer located between said first electrode and said second electrode, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is split into at least two different sub-electrodes, wherein at least part of the assembly is configured to move along an axis perpendicular to a surface of the assembly, in response to an electrical stimulus applied to at least one of said first and second electrodes.