Ultrasonic Device Damper Layer Thickness Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic devices face challenges in controlling ultrasonic wave transmission and reception accuracy due to high Q values and prolonged reverberant vibrations, which are exacerbated by the lack of a damper layer, leading to decreased sensitivity and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a damper layer with a thickness dimension of 13 μm to 25 μm and a Young's modulus of 150 MPa or lower, positioned to cover the vibration region of the vibration film, which suppresses excessive vibration inhibition and reverberant vibrations, thereby enhancing transmission and reception sensitivity and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a damper layer with thickness greater than 25 μm is provided on the vibration film, then reverberant vibration is suppressed, but transmitting and receiving sensitivity of the ultrasonic wave decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereverberant vibrationVSAvoidtransmitting and receiving sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the thickness of the damper layer to be 25 μm or less. This specific parameter threshold allows the system to suppress reverberant vibration while maintaining sufficient vibration displacement for high transmitting and receiving sensitivity. The patent identifies and optimizes the critical thickness parameter to resolve the contradiction between vibration suppression and sensitivity maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a damper layer with thickness smaller than 13 μm is provided on the vibration film, then transmitting and receiving sensitivity is maintained, but reverberant vibration occurs and transmission and reception accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitting and receiving sensitivityVSAvoidtransmission and reception accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by setting the damper layer thickness to 13 μm or more, which is sufficient to suppress reverberant vibration and improve transmission and reception accuracy. This parameter optimization ensures that the damper layer effectively reduces Q value and controls vibration without excessively compromising sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the vibration film is configured to vibrate with high Q value, then transmitting sensitivity is improved, but control of ultrasonic wave transmission and reception becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitting sensitivityVSAvoidcontrol of ultrasonic wave transmission and reception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a damper layer as an intermediary element between the vibration film and the external environment. This damper layer acts as a mediator that reduces the Q value of the vibration film, enabling better control of ultrasonic wave transmission and reception while maintaining acceptable transmitting sensitivity. The damper layer serves as a buffering element that provides the necessary damping without completely suppressing the vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the damper layer is formed of material with high Young's modulus (e.g., PTFE), then structural stability is improved, but vibration of the vibration region is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibration displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting materials with appropriate mechanical properties, specifically controlling the Young's modulus to be 150 MPa or less. This material parameter selection ensures that the damper layer provides sufficient damping effect without being too rigid to inhibit vibration. The patent identifies the critical Young's modulus threshold that balances structural stability with vibration capability.

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

The damper layer effectively increases the sensitivity and accuracy of ultrasonic wave transmission and reception by controlling the vibration of the ultrasonic device, reducing reverberant vibrations and allowing for precise ultrasonic wave processing.

Implementation Method 1

application of a voltage to the lower electrode and the upper electrode of the piezoelectric laminate causes the diaphragm to vibrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The damper layer has a thickness dimension of 13 μm or larger and 25 μm or smaller... suppression of the vibration inhibition and reverberant vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11474220B2Ultrasonic device and ultrasonic measuring apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An ultrasonic device includes: a vibration film provided with a vibration region that is vibratable by a vibration element; and a damper layer that is provided to cover the vibration region of the vibration film. The damper layer has a thickness dimension of 13 μm or larger and 25 μm or smaller.