Piezoelectric Transducer Internal Ventilation Path for Continuous Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic devices with piezoelectric transducers face overheating issues due to energy dispersion as thermal energy, leading to device failure when used continuously, as existing forced air cooling methods are insufficient for continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic transducer with a casing that includes an internal ventilation path for cooling air to flow from the outside to the inside, combined with external and internal cooling mechanisms to effectively manage temperature, utilizing a piezoceramic or polymer piezoelectric element sandwiched between a countermass and a connection plate with radial channels for efficient air flow and pressure drop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If forced air circulation cooling is used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but it is insufficient for continuous use due to overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransducer temperatureVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent pathways: an internal ventilation path through the piezoelectric device and external cooling paths around the casing. This segmentation allows distributed heat removal from different heat-generating regions, preventing localized overheating and enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The internal ventilation path is nested within the piezoelectric device structure, with cooling channels integrated into the piezoelectric element and surrounding components. The external cooling chamber is nested within the casing, creating a multi-layered cooling architecture that maximizes heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Temperature

If internal ventilation path is added, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiezoelectric device temperatureVSAvoidtransducer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling function is merged with the structural components of the transducer. The piezoelectric device housing serves dual purposes as both structural enclosure and cooling channel pathway. The connection plate and countermass elements are integrated with cooling channels, eliminating the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing structural components are given multiple functions: the casing serves as both protective enclosure and external cooling chamber; the connection plate provides both mechanical connection and cooling air passage; the piezoelectric device housing acts as both structural element and internal cooling channel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated cooling components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design maintains the transducer's temperature below 30°C, enabling continuous operation without ceramic material breakdown, overcoming the limitations of previous cooling methods.

Implementation Method 1

the transformation of the electrical signal into mechanical force is obtained in the transducer due to the use of a piezoelectric material, which has the ability to polarize, generating a difference in potential when subjected to mechanical deformation (direct piezoelectricity) and vice versa to deform when subjected to a difference in potential which induces a charge polarization therein (inverse piezoelectricity)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInverse piezoelectricity: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the piezoelectric device comprises an internal ventilation path for the passage of cooling air from the outside of the piezoelectric device to the outside of the casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

A problem related to the use of these ultrasonic devices is the dispersion of energy in the form of thermal energy. This causes the device to overheat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy dissipation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3782738B1Forced cooling piezoelectric transducer
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 SONIC ITAL SRL
  • EP3782738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782738B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a piezoelectric transducer, of the type normally used in sonication devices, with forced cooling, in particular air cooling. In particular, the invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer device (1) comprising a casing (2) which encloses a piezoelectric device (3), characterized in that the piezoelectric device (3) comprises an internal ventilation path (13, 11, 14) for the passage of cooling air from the outside of the piezoelectric device (3) to the outside of the casing (2).