Ultrasonic Generator Amplitude Stabilization via Piezoelectric Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations generated by ultrasonic generating devices varies due to differences in electromechanical coupling factors of piezoelectric elements, affecting treatment performance in medical and other applications.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method for ultrasonic generating devices that stabilizes the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations by selecting and mounting piezoelectric elements with specific electromechanical coupling factors, ensuring consistent performance across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If piezoelectric elements with different electromechanical coupling factors are used, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but ultrasonic vibration amplitude consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidultrasonic vibration amplitude consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of electromechanical coupling factor selection by categorizing piezoelectric elements into specific groups (first group with lower coupling factor, second group with higher coupling factor) and assigning them to different mounting positions based on their coupling factor values. This parameter-based classification resolves the contradiction by transforming manufacturing flexibility into a structured selection process that ensures amplitude consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different types of piezoelectric elements to different mounting positions within the ultrasonic generator. Specifically, elements from the first group are mounted at first mounting positions while elements from the second group are mounted at second mounting positions, creating localized optimization that ensures overall amplitude consistency across the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If constant current control is used to maintain ultrasonic vibration amplitude, then amplitude stability is improved, but treatment performance variation deteriorates due to device-to-device differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplitude stabilityVSAvoidtreatment performance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-classifying and pre-positioning piezoelectric elements according to their electromechanical coupling factors during the manufacturing process. This preliminary classification ensures that when the device is assembled, the elements are already optimally positioned to generate consistent ultrasonic vibration amplitudes, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing adjustments and ensuring reliable treatment performance across all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method ensures consistent ultrasonic vibration amplitudes regardless of initial power supply settings, reducing variation in treatment performance among ultrasonic treatment devices.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic vibrator which formed from a plurality of piezoelectric elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2695681B1Manufacturing method of ultrasonic generating device and manufacturing method of ultrasonic treatment device
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • EP2695681B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2695681B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2695681B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A manufacturing method of an ultrasonic generating device includes calculating performance value based on a first electromechanical coupling factor in thickness directions and a second electromechanical coupling factor in diametrical directions for each of existing piezoelectric elements, and calculating, for each of temporary conditions, a temporary influence value on the basis of a deviation of temporary amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations, generated by the supply of the current having the predetermined current value, from the target amplitude in the target condition. The manufacturing method of the ultrasonic generating device includes selecting the corresponding mounted piezoelectric element to be mounted on each of the element mounting portions from the existing piezoelectric elements so that the sum of actual influence values of all the element mounting portions is within a predetermined range with respect to the target amplitude.