Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Frequency Control for Stable Material Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic-based material processing apparatuses struggle with unstable operation of piezoelectric elements due to variations in resonant frequency caused by changes in environmental conditions and material properties, leading to inefficient energy transfer and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic-based material processing apparatus that includes a controller to monitor the resonant frequency of a piezoelectric element, determine multiple driving frequencies based on the resonant frequency and offset information, and adjust the driving power and phase to stabilize operation, even in varying conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a piezoelectric element operates at a fixed driving frequency, then the device structure is simple, but the operation becomes unstable when resonant frequency varies due to environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation stabilityVSAvoidfrequency control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric element and dynamically adjusts the driving frequency to maintain resonance. This closed-loop control ensures stable operation despite environmental variations, resolving the contradiction between operation stability and control complexity by making the complexity adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static fixed-frequency approach to a dynamic frequency adjustment approach. The driving frequency is no longer fixed but is continuously adapted based on real-time resonant frequency detection, allowing the system to maintain optimal operation under varying environmental conditions while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the driving frequency is adjusted to match resonant frequency, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to frequency monitoring and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses feedback from resonant frequency detection to automatically adjust the driving frequency, ensuring the piezoelectric element operates at peak efficiency. This feedback-based frequency matching maximizes energy transfer efficiency while the automated nature of the control minimizes the practical complexity burden on the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of the driving frequency based on its own resonant frequency characteristics. The controller autonomously monitors and adjusts parameters without external intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize energy transfer efficiency while the complexity is contained within the automated control system rather than requiring complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single driving frequency is used, then the control system is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changes in processing target material properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial adaptabilityVSAvoidfrequency adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment that adapts to different processing target materials. The controller continuously monitors resonant frequency changes that occur when different materials are processed and adjusts the driving frequency accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to various material properties without requiring manual reconfiguration or complex preset systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the driving frequency parameter in response to detected resonant frequency variations caused by different processing materials. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance across different materials while the automated parameter adjustment minimizes the operational complexity for the user.

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

Ensures stable and efficient ultrasonic energy transfer by adjusting driving frequencies and phases to match the actual resonant frequency, enhancing processing efficiency and preventing damage to the piezoelectric element.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic generation unit disposed on a lateral surface of the ultrasonic transfer unit and including a piezoelectric element configured to generate ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Such a focusing material processing apparatus may efficiently produce a great output compared to an input by deriving the resonance of a piezoelectric element. It is important to maintain a resonance condition for the piezoelectric element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4703052A1Ultrasonic-based material processing apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 FUST LAB CO LTD
  • EP4703052A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4703052A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4703052A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An ultrasonic-based material processing apparatus includes an ultrasonic transfer unit configured to accommodate a processing target material, an ultrasonic generation unit disposed on a lateral surface of the ultrasonic transfer unit and including a piezoelectric element configured to generate ultrasonic waves, a power supply unit configured to output driving power to the ultrasonic generation unit, and a controller. The controller controls the power supply unit to supply test power to the ultrasonic generation unit, determines the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric element based on the output of the piezoelectric element as a response to the test power, determines a first driving frequency and a second driving frequency based on the resonant frequency, and controls the power supply unit to apply first driving power having the first driving frequency and second driving power having the second driving frequency to the ultrasonic generation unit.