Piezoelectric Vibrator With Integrated Side Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piezoelectric vibrators are difficult to miniaturize due to the need for external electrodes and complex manufacturing processes, which hinders mass production and simplification of the structure.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric vibrator design featuring a piezoelectric bar with alternately stacked plates, internal electrode patterns, and external side electrodes that connect diagonally disposed vibration sectors, along with a power transmission member for efficient vibration transfer, facilitating miniaturization and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external electrodes made of wires are used to apply alternating voltages to vibration sectors, then the piezoelectric vibrator can function properly, but the device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal electrodes and external electrodes into a single integrated electrode structure. The external electrodes are formed directly on the side surfaces of the piezoelectric element, eliminating the need for separate wire connections. This integration reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the functionality of applying alternating voltages to the vibration sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wire connections from the device structure by forming direct electrode contacts on the piezoelectric element surfaces. This eliminates the external wire electrodes that previously occupied space, thereby reducing device size while preserving the electrical connection function.
2Reliability
If external electrodes made of wires are used to apply alternating voltages to vibration sectors, then the piezoelectric vibrator can function properly, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode formation process with the piezoelectric element manufacturing process. The external electrodes are formed directly on the side surfaces during the same manufacturing steps used to create the internal electrodes, eliminating separate wire attachment operations and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with a direct electrical contact system formed through standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques such as screen printing or sputtering. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly steps and enables more straightforward manufacturing.
3Reliability
If wire electrodes are used for connecting vibration sectors, then electrical connections can be established, but mass production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or semi-automatic wire attachment processes with automated thin-film deposition or printing processes that can be easily integrated into mass production lines. The external electrodes are formed using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques that are inherently suited for high-volume production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal electrode structure that serves multiple functions: internal electrodes for field generation, external electrodes for electrical connection, and integrated bonding structures. This multi-functional design simplifies manufacturing and enables standardized mass production processes.
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 enables the creation of a compact, easily manufactured piezoelectric vibrator capable of generating both longitudinal and flexural modes, suitable for linear actuation, with reduced manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric bar including a plurality of piezoelectric plates alternately stacked
Data Source
AI summary
The piezoelectric vibrator includes the piezoelectric bar having a plurality of piezoelectric plates alternately stacked and a plurality of vibration sectors divided vertically and horizontally with respect to the direction in which the piezoelectric plates are stacked. Electrode terminals are formed on each of surface regions of the piezoelectric plate, divided in a longitudinal direction thereof, and jump terminals corresponding to electrode terminals are formed on a surface of an adjacent one of the piezoelectric plates. On side surfaces of the piezoelectric plates, a plurality of side electrodes are formed, connecting the electrode terminals and the corresponding jump terminals to power the vibration sectors, by which a pair of the vibration sectors diagonally disposed from each other are simultaneously powered. The piezoelectric vibrator is small and easily manufactured and mass-produced with a simple structure.