Pyroelectric Device Using Segmented Multi-Layer Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyroelectric devices for temperature variation detection are large, expensive, and lack sensitivity, making them unsuitable for microelectronic and industrial applications that require small, cost-effective, and highly sensitive solutions.
Innovation Solution
A pyroelectric device utilizing multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) with a poling process to align ferroelectric domains, allowing for a compact, high-sensitivity, and cost-effective design by connecting capacitors in parallel to increase effective surface area and current output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single element pyroelectric cells are used for temperature variation detection, then the device can detect temperature variations, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for large active surface area to achieve sufficient current output
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the pyroelectric detection function into multiple separate pyroelectric elements instead of using a single large element. These multiple elements are connected in parallel to collectively provide the required current output while each element maintains a small individual size, thus achieving both high sensitivity and compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple pyroelectric elements into a single integrated device structure with common electrodes and shared packaging. This merging approach allows the individual small elements to work together as a unified sensor that delivers sufficient current output while maintaining compact overall device size.
2Measurement precision
If single element pyroelectric cells are used for temperature variation detection, then the device can detect temperature variations, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive materials and specialized processes required for large active surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection function across multiple small pyroelectric elements rather than requiring one large element. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, less expensive materials and standard manufacturing processes for each element, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining detection sensitivity through the combined output of multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple copies of simple, inexpensive pyroelectric element structures instead of one complex large element. Each copied element can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes, and the parallel arrangement of multiple copies provides the required sensitivity and current output at lower overall cost.
3Power
If large active surface area is used in single element pyroelectric cells to achieve sufficient current output, then enough current is generated, but the device size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the current generation function across multiple small pyroelectric elements connected in parallel. Each element contributes a portion of the total current, and the parallel connection sums these contributions to achieve sufficient overall current output. This segmentation simplifies the structure of individual elements while maintaining high current capability through their collective operation.
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 achieves a high sensitivity and current output response, enabling efficient temperature variation detection with smaller, less expensive devices compared to conventional pyroelectric cells, while maintaining high reproducibility and pyroelectric constants.
Implementation Method 1
Single element pyroelectric cells based on Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) or Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) are currently used for temperature variations detection
Data Source
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AI summary
A pyroelectric device, comprising a plurality of layers of a polar dielectric material having a pyroelectric coefficient, p, wherein each layer exhibits pyroelectric properties; a plurality of conductive electrodes, wherein each conductive electrode is substantially in contact with at least a portion of one surface of a respective at least one of said plurality of layers of polar dielectric material, wherein said electrodes are electrically connected in a parallel configuration as to form a series of capacitors comprised of said plurality of layers of polar dielectric material and plurality of conductive electrodes.