Ultrasonic Generator with Multi-Electrode Piezoelectric Transducer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic wave generators and detectors face challenges in controlling the directivity of ultrasonic waves, which is costly when achieved using multiple transducers.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic generator and detector system that uses a piezoelectric body with three or more electrodes, where a control unit selects a combination of voltage application and ground electrodes to control the directivity of ultrasonic waves, allowing for cost-effective generation and control of ultrasonic wave directivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transducers are used to control the directivity of ultrasonic waves, then the directivity control capability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectivity control capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric body is divided into multiple electrode regions (first electrode region, second electrode region, third electrode region) that can be independently controlled. By selectively applying voltage to different electrode combinations, the ultrasonic wave directivity is segmented and controlled in different directions without requiring multiple separate transducers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single piezoelectric body with multiple electrode regions serves multiple functions: it can generate ultrasonic waves in different directions by changing electrode combinations, and it replaces the need for multiple separate transducers. The same piezoelectric body acts as both the ultrasonic source and the directionality control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single transducer with multiple electrodes is used to control directivity, then the cost is reduced, but the control precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoiddirectivity control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the piezoelectric body are assigned different electrode configurations with specific properties. The first, second, and third electrode regions have different electrode arrangements that produce different ultrasonic wave directivities when activated, allowing precise local control of wave propagation direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different electrode combinations (first electrode region with second electrode region, first electrode region with third electrode region, or second electrode region with third electrode region) to change the directivity of ultrasonic waves in real-time based on detection needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the low-cost control of ultrasonic wave directivity by selecting electrode combinations, allowing for efficient generation and detection of ultrasonic waves with multiple directivities simultaneously.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric body that vibrates due to a piezoelectric effect and generates ultrasonic waves when an alternating voltage is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230336921A1Ultrasonic generator, transducer, and object detector

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 AISIN CORP

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus including an ultrasonic generator including a transducer having a piezoelectric body that vibrates due to a piezoelectric effect and generates ultrasonic waves when an alternating voltage is applied, and three or more electrodes provided in different regions on a surface of the piezoelectric body. The apparatus includes a control unit that, when the control unit receives an ultrasonic wave generation instruction including information on a directivity of ultrasonic waves to be generated, selects from the three or more electrodes a combination of a voltage application electrode and a ground electrode corresponding to the directivity in the ultrasonic wave generation instruction and applies the alternating voltage to the voltage application electrode to generate ultrasonic waves, the voltage application electrode being an electrode to which the alternating voltage is to be applied, and the ground electrode being an electrode to be at a ground potential.