Quartz Vibrator Device with Overlapping Thermistor for Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibrator devices require a second concave portion for circuit elements, limiting their size reduction potential due to the need for additional space beyond the first concave portion for the vibration element.

Innovation Solution

The vibrator device incorporates an intermediate substrate with a frame and bonded quartz crystal or glass substrates, featuring a thermistor element that overlaps the vibration element, allowing for reduced size and improved temperature detection accuracy while minimizing thermal stress and vibration characteristic deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a second concave portion is added to dispose circuit elements, then the vibrator device can accommodate both vibration element and circuit element, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of circuit elementVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the circuit element with the first concave portion that originally housed only the vibration element. The first concave portion is redesigned to contain both the vibration element and the circuit element, eliminating the need for a separate second concave portion and thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the thickness direction (vertical dimension) of the first substrate to arrange the circuit element below the vibration element. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both elements to coexist within the same planar footprint, effectively reducing the device's horizontal footprint while accommodating all necessary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the functional element is disposed away from the vibration element, then the vibration characteristics are maintained, but the temperature detection accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidvibration characteristic deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the first substrate as an intermediary layer between the functional element (thermistor) and the vibration element. The functional element is mounted on the first substrate, which acts as a thermal conductor to transfer temperature information from the vibration element to the thermistor, enabling accurate temperature detection while preventing direct mechanical contact that would deteriorate vibration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the functional element and vibration element with a thermal field-based measurement system. The thermistor detects temperature through thermal conduction via the first substrate rather than through mechanical proximity, substituting a mechanical arrangement with a thermal field measurement approach that avoids vibration interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration enables a compact design with enhanced temperature detection accuracy and improved vibration characteristics by aligning crystal axes and using a thermistor element that overlaps the vibration element, reducing size and thermal stress.

Implementation Method 1

a first substrate that is bonded to the first surface of the frame and is formed of quartz crystal or glass, a second substrate that is bonded to the second surface of the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a functional element that is disposed on the first substrate and includes a functional layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermistor effect: Thermistor

Implementation Method 3

an intermediate substrate that includes a frame having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and a vibration element and that is formed of quartz crystal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11289246B2Vibrator device, electronic apparatus, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A vibrator device includes an intermediate substrate that includes a frame having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and a vibration element and is formed of quartz crystal, a first substrate that is bonded to the first surface of the frame and is formed of the quartz crystal or glass, a second substrate that is bonded to the second surface of the frame and is formed of the quartz crystal or the glass, and a functional element that is disposed on the first substrate and includes a functional layer, in which the functional element includes a portion overlapping the vibration element in plan view.