Piezoelectric Element Through-Hole Connection for Thin Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric elements face challenges in reliably connecting thin electrode layers due to oxidation and difficulty in applying conductive materials, especially with thin protective layers, leading to inconsistent conductivity and increased material costs.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric element design featuring a conductive filling member within a hole in the protective layer, connected by a conductive member and fixed by a fixing member, ensuring stable electrical connection without excessive conductive material use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a thin protective layer is used to maintain flexibility and lightness, then the piezoelectric element achieves the required flexibility and thinness, but it becomes difficult to reliably apply conductive material to the electrode layer through the protective layer
Solution Approach 1:
A hole is formed in the protective layer at a position corresponding to the electrode layer before applying the conductive material. This preliminary action creates a direct pathway through the thin protective layer, enabling reliable application of the conductive material to the electrode layer without being hindered by the protective layer's thinness or flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is segmented by forming a hole through it, dividing the continuous protective layer into regions separated by the opening. This segmentation allows the conductive material to be applied directly to the electrode layer through the hole, bypassing the limitations of the thin protective layer while maintaining the integrity of the protective layer in other areas.
2Length of moving object
If the electrode layer is made extraordinarily thin to enable voltage application and vibration, then the piezoelectric element achieves the required flexibility and electroacoustic conversion properties, but it becomes difficult to pull the electrode layer out for wiring connection and the electrode is prone to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive material is introduced as an intermediary substance that fills the hole in the protective layer and establishes electrical connection between the electrode layer and external wiring. This intermediary approach allows the thin electrode layer to remain in place while still enabling reliable electrical connection without requiring the electrode to be pulled out or exposed to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive material filling the hole creates a protected environment for the thin electrode layer, preventing direct exposure to oxidizing atmospheres. By routing connections through the hole rather than exposing the electrode surface, the electrode layer maintains its conductivity and structural integrity over time.
3Reliability
If conductive material is increased to ensure electrical connection through the hole, then the conductivity is improved, but the material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive material is applied locally only at the hole position where electrical connection is required, rather than covering the entire surface. This localized application maintains the necessary electrical conductivity at the connection point while significantly reducing the overall quantity of expensive conductive material used in the piezoelectric element.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying conductive material uniformly across the entire electrode layer or protective layer, the invention applies conductive material partially and selectively only where needed to establish electrical connection through the hole. This partial action approach achieves the required conductivity with minimal material consumption.
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 design provides reliable electrical connectivity to the electrode layer, preventing oxidation and reducing material costs by maintaining consistent conductivity and minimizing conductive material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer, electrode layers formed on both sides of the piezoelectric layer... sheet-like piezoelectric element (electroacoustic conversion film) having properties of stretching and contracting in response to an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a piezoelectric element capable of reliably performing an electrical connection to an electrode layer. A piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric layer, electrode layers formed on both sides of the piezoelectric layer, and a protective layer laminated on a surface of the electrode layer opposite to a surface on the polymer composite piezoelectric body side. The protective layer has a hole that penetrates from the surface to the electrode layer. The piezoelectric element further includes a filling member consisting of a conductive material, which is formed from the inside of the hole to a part of a surface of the protective layer and is electrically connected to the electrode layer, a conductive member which covers at least a part of the filling member and is electrically connected to the filling member, and a fixing member for fixing the conductive member.