Ultrasonic Transducer Array Anchor Layout for Multi-Electrode Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic transducer devices face challenges in efficiently providing electrical connections to multiple electrodes, which affects their performance and versatility in various applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of various anchor configurations, including corner, side, and inner anchors, that facilitate electrical connections to multiple electrodes within ultrasonic transducer arrays, allowing for improved signal generation and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are connected using traditional anchor configurations, then electrical connections can be established, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the piezoelectric layer, establishes electrical connections to multiple electrodes, and defines cavities for acoustic wave propagation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor configuration is divided into multiple segments (first anchor, second anchor, third anchor, fourth anchor) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each anchor segment connects to specific electrodes and defines specific cavities, allowing flexible adaptation to different electrode arrangements without increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional electrical connection methods are used for multiple electrodes, then connections can be established, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure acts as an intermediary element between the electrodes and the external circuitry. By positioning anchors at specific locations and defining cavities between them, the patent creates isolated electromagnetic zones that reduce signal interference while maintaining reliable electrical connections to multiple electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to electrical connections by using three-dimensional anchor configurations and cavities. This vertical and lateral arrangement separates signal paths in space, reducing electromagnetic interference between adjacent electrodes while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more anchors are added to connect multiple electrodes, then electrical connection versatility improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each anchor is designed as a universal component that can connect to different electrodes and define different cavities depending on its position in the array. This standardization allows the same anchor design to be replicated across multiple positions, reducing the need for high precision in varying anchor geometries while maintaining connection versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into each anchor: mechanical support, electrical connection, and cavity definition. By merging these functions into a single component rather than using separate elements for each function, the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced while maintaining the versatility needed for connecting multiple electrodes.
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
Enhances the capability of ultrasonic transducer devices to generate and receive ultrasonic signals effectively, enabling applications in fingerprint sensors, medical devices, industrial systems, robotics, and telecommunications by optimizing electrical connections and signal interference analysis.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric materials are widely utilized in piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers to generate acoustic waves based on an actuation voltage applied to electrodes of the piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric material can generate an electrical signal when subjected to mechanical stress
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic transducer array including a substrate, a membrane overlying the substrate, the membrane configured to allow movement at ultrasonic frequencies, and a plurality of anchors connected to the substrate and connected to the membrane. The membrane includes a piezoelectric layer, a plurality of first electrodes, and a plurality of second electrodes, wherein each ultrasonic transducer of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers includes at least a first electrode and at least a second electrode. The plurality of anchors includes a first anchor including a first electrical connection for electrically coupling at least one first electrode to control circuitry and a second anchor including a second electrical connection for electrically coupling at least one second electrode. The ultrasonic transducer array could be either a two-dimensional array or a one-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers.