Ultrasonic Transducer Electrode Segmentation for Sensitivity Trade-offs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic transducers face a trade-off between transmission and receiving sensitivity due to the inverse proportionality of electric charge and potential difference, limiting their ability to simultaneously enhance both transmission output and receiving sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic transducer design incorporates a piezoelectric element with specific electrode configurations on a flexible film, allowing for reduced distances between certain electrodes to increase transmission output and increased distances between others to improve receiving sensitivity, while also facilitating impedance matching and reducing stray capacitance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between electrodes is increased to improve receiving sensitivity, then receiving sensitivity is improved, but transmission output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple pairs of electrodes (first and second electrodes, third and fourth electrodes) with different spacing configurations. Some electrode pairs have larger distances for receiving sensitivity, while others have smaller distances for transmission output, allowing both functions to be optimized simultaneously through segmented electrode arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-distance electrode configuration to a multi-dimensional electrode spacing arrangement. By configuring electrodes in multiple pairs with different distances in the plan view, the system optimizes both transmission and receiving performance across different spatial dimensions rather than compromising one for the other.
2Power
If the distance between electrodes is decreased to improve transmission output, then transmission output is improved, but receiving sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode system into multiple functional pairs, where some pairs (with smaller distances) are optimized for transmission output while other pairs (with larger distances) are optimized for receiving sensitivity. This segmentation allows both contradictory requirements to be satisfied by different parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the piezoelectric element are equipped with electrodes having different spacing characteristics. Local areas have closely spaced electrodes for high transmission output, while other local areas have widely spaced electrodes for high receiving sensitivity, allowing each region to perform its specialized function optimally.
3Device complexity
If a single electrode configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously optimize transmission and receiving performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element with multiple electrode pairs serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can perform both transmission and receiving operations with optimized performance for each function. The same device structure supports both high transmission output and high receiving sensitivity through its multi-functional electrode configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configuration enables dynamic optimization by allowing the system to switch between transmission and receiving modes with different performance characteristics. The multiple electrode pairs provide flexibility to adapt to different operational requirements, enhancing the system's versatility without requiring separate dedicated transducers.
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 design achieves high transmission and receiving sensitivity simultaneously, enhances capacitance, and simplifies impedance matching, thereby improving the overall performance of the ultrasonic transducer.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer that is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave based on a piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric layer
Implementation Method 2
a potential difference V between the electrodes is proportional to a distance d between the electrodes, with respect to electric charge Q that is generated on a front surface of the piezoelectric layer due to the strain of the piezoelectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic transducer includes: a flexible film; and a piezoelectric element provided on the flexible film. The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric body and a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in contact with the piezoelectric body. The first electrode and the second electrode are separated from each other with the piezoelectric body interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and overlapping each other in plan view. The third electrode and the fourth electrode are separated from each other with the piezoelectric body interposed between the third electrode and the fourth electrode and overlapping each other in the plan view. The first electrode and the third electrode are separated from each other in the plan view, and the second electrode and the fourth electrode are separated from each other in the plan view.