Ultrasonic Sensor Electrode Segmentation for Short Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensors with arrayed elements face inefficiencies in leading out electrodes, leading to decreased reliability due to interference and short circuits when active parts are outside the openings.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic sensor design includes separate second electrodes for each piezoelectric element, connected by conductive lines through holes in an insulation layer, preventing interference with the first electrode and ensuring efficient electrical connection without short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If common electrodes are used for multiple piezoelectric elements, then the electrode structure is simplified, but interference and short circuits occur between electrodes leading to decreased reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common electrode into multiple separate second electrodes, each corresponding to a specific piezoelectric element. This segmentation prevents interference and short circuits between electrodes while maintaining electrical connection functionality. The separate electrodes are arranged to correspond to respective piezoelectric elements, eliminating the electrode interference problem associated with shared common electrodes.
2Reliability
If separate electrodes are provided for each piezoelectric element, then electrode interference is eliminated, but the electrode connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate second electrodes with a single first electrode to form an integrated electrode assembly. The first electrode serves as a common electrode that electrically connects to multiple piezoelectric elements, while the second electrodes remain separate to prevent interference. This merging approach simplifies the overall connection structure while maintaining the reliability benefits of separate electrodes.
3Ease of manufacture
If active parts are placed outside the openings, then electrode leading out is simplified, but sending and receiving efficiency decreases leading to decreased reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first electrode and second electrodes to correspond locally with the piezoelectric elements and openings. The electrodes are arranged within or directly above the openings, ensuring that active parts are optimally positioned for efficient ultrasonic sending and receiving. This local quality approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while preventing the efficiency loss that would result from misplaced active parts.
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 configuration allows for reliable and efficient connection of second electrodes, preventing short circuits and enhancing the overall reliability of the ultrasonic sensor by simplifying the electrical connection structure.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric elements arranged along a first direction and a second direction, each piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ultrasonic sensor including a piezoelectric elements arranged along a first direction and a second direction on a vibration plate, an insulation layer, and conductive lines. Each piezoelectric element including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode. The first electrode is partially removed in a regions between the piezoelectric elements. The second electrode is a separate electrode provided for each piezoelectric element. The insulation layer covers the second electrodes and has holes through which portions at opposite ends of the second electrodes along the first direction are partially exposed. Each conductive line is provided between adjacent ones of the second electrodes along the first direction and electrically connects, via the holes, the adjacent ones of the second electrodes.