Segmented Ultrasonic Phased Array Sensor for Compact Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic parking sensors are limited by the use of a single piezoelectric element, which restricts their sensing range and are not cost-effective for widespread automotive use, and existing ultrasonic phased array sensors are too large and costly due to multiple transducers, making them unsuitable for compact applications.
Innovation Solution
A novel ultrasonic phased array sensor design using a single piezoelectric substrate divided into independently controllable regions with electrical contacts, allowing flexible control of ultrasound radiation direction and increased detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple piezoelectric transducers are used to create an ultrasonic phased array sensor, then the sensing range and detection capability are improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric substrate is divided into multiple independently controllable regions with separate electrical contacts, allowing each region to function as an individual transducer element. This segmentation enables phased array functionality while using a single integrated substrate, reducing overall device complexity and size compared to using multiple separate transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple piezoelectric transducer functions are merged into a single piezoelectric substrate by creating electrically isolated regions on the same substrate. This combining approach achieves the functionality of multiple transducers while reducing the device to a single compact unit, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device size.
2Reliability
If multiple piezoelectric transducers are used to create an ultrasonic phased array sensor, then the sensing range and detection capability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric substrate is divided into multiple independently controllable regions with separate electrical contacts, allowing each region to function as an individual transducer element. This segmentation enables phased array functionality while using a single integrated substrate, reducing overall device complexity and size compared to using multiple separate transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple piezoelectric transducer functions are merged into a single piezoelectric substrate by creating electrically isolated regions on the same substrate. This combining approach achieves the functionality of multiple transducers while reducing the device to a single compact unit, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device size.
3Device complexity
If a single piezoelectric element is used, then the device remains compact and cost-effective, but the sensing range is limited to one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric substrate is divided into multiple independently controllable regions with separate electrical contacts, allowing each region to function as an individual transducer element. This segmentation enables phased array functionality while using a single integrated substrate, reducing overall device complexity and size compared to using multiple separate transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor achieves dynamic beam steering capability by independently controlling the phase and amplitude of excitation signals to different regions of the piezoelectric substrate. This dynamic control allows the sensing direction to be changed electronically without mechanical movement, expanding the sensing range while maintaining a compact form factor.
4Device complexity
If a single piezoelectric element is used, then the device remains compact and cost-effective, but the obstacle detection accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric substrate is divided into multiple independently controllable regions with separate electrical contacts, allowing each region to function as an individual transducer element. This segmentation enables phased array functionality while using a single integrated substrate, reducing overall device complexity and size compared to using multiple separate transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical multi-transducer arrays with an electronically controlled segmented piezoelectric substrate. By using electronic phase and amplitude control of independently addressable regions, the system achieves precision obstacle detection without the mechanical complexity and size of traditional multi-element arrays.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective sensor with enhanced detection range and reliability, reducing the need for multiple sensors and improving obstacle detection accuracy, especially in safety-critical applications like autonomous driving and parking.
Implementation Method 1
All ultrasonic parking sensors use a piezoelectric element to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy
Implementation Method 2
The membrane is mechanically connected to the piezoelectric substrate
Implementation Method 3
The direction of radiation of the ultrasound can be changed by phase-offset controlling of the individual ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 4
These are radiated into the inaudible range and reflected by an obstacle. An ultrasonic parking sensor receives the reflected signal and the electronics evaluate the signal using a time measurement (runtime)
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic phased array sensor with a multi-layer structure. At least one first layer has a membrane. At least one second layer has a piezoelectric substrate. At least one third layer has a plurality of electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are applied independently of one another on a surface of the piezoelectric substrate.