Segmented Piezoelectric Acoustic Transducer for Higher Sensitivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Acoustic transducers with piezoelectric elements require increased sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

The acoustic transducer includes a fixed frame and a piezoelectric element with detection and non-detection regions, where electrodes of the detection regions are electrically connected in series, and the thickness of the intermediate electrode is larger than that of the upper and lower electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the piezoelectric element uses a conventional single-layer structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric element is divided into multiple detection regions with electrodes connected in series, segmenting the sensing function across multiple zones to enhance overall sensitivity while maintaining a manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the piezoelectric element are assigned different functions: detection regions with electrodes for sensing and non-detection regions without electrodes for mechanical support, creating local quality variations that optimize both sensitivity and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple detection regions are electrically connected in series, then the sensitivity increases, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple detection regions are merged into a single integrated piezoelectric element structure with series-connected electrodes, achieving enhanced sensitivity without proportionally increasing the overall device volume through compact spatial arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the intermediate electrode thickness is increased, then the resistance to dust and water droplets improves, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to dust and water dropletsVSAvoidelectrode thickness control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thickness parameter of the intermediate electrode is specifically optimized to be greater than that of the upper and lower electrodes, creating a parameter change that enhances protective function while establishing clear manufacturing specifications for quality control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the sensitivity of the acoustic transducer while maintaining stability and reducing size, with improved resistance to dust and water droplets.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric film supported at one end with the other end being a free end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4624060A1Acoustic transducer
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4624060A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624060A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624060A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An acoustic transducer includes a fixed frame; and a piezoelectric element fixed to the fixed frame. The piezoelectric element includes a plurality of detection regions configured to detect a physical quantity, and a non-detection region configured not to detect the physical quantity. Electrodes of the plurality of detection regions are electrically connected in series.