Ultrasonic Transducer Integration for Compact Robust Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic transducers face challenges in compactness, robustness, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in new applications like drones and autonomous robots, where they need to be more efficient and less expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic transducer design featuring a carrier with conductor traces and a piezoelectric element with electrodes, where the electrodes are electrically coupled directly to the conductor traces, eliminating the need for additional components like wires, and integrating electronics within the transducer's container or lid to create a compact and robust device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are used to connect piezo element and evaluation electronics, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the evaluation electronics directly into the container or lid, merging previously separate components (piezo element, electronics, and housing) into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for wire connections and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through direct integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the wires and intermediate connection components from the system by directly integrating the evaluation electronics into the container structure. This extraction of unnecessary intermediate elements simplifies the device while preserving the essential electrical connection function.
2Productivity
If traditional ultrasonic transducer design is used, then distance measurement function is achieved, but compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piezo element, evaluation electronics, and container into a single integrated unit. The electronics are placed directly within the container or lid, eliminating the need for separate housing and reducing overall transducer volume while maintaining full distance measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The container or lid serves multiple functions: it houses the piezo element, provides structural support, and integrates the evaluation electronics. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving compactness without sacrificing measurement capability.
3Reliability
If additional components like wires are used, then electrical connection is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the evaluation electronics directly into the container or lid structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate wire connections and intermediate components. This reduction in part count lowers manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable electrical connection through direct integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes wires and intermediate connection components from the system, extracting unnecessary elements that increase manufacturing complexity and cost. The direct integration approach simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
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 results in a more compact, robust, and cost-effective ultrasonic transducer capable of efficient distance measurement, with simplified manufacturing and reduced assembly complexity, while maintaining reliable electrical connections and acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element with electrodes (14A, 14B)
Implementation Method 2
this reflected-back pulse is detected, allowing a travel time to be determined
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to an ultrasonic transducer comprising a carrier with conductor traces and a piezoelectric element with electrodes, wherein the piezoelectric element has a contact side which is fixed on the carrier, and wherein the conductor traces and the electrodes are electrically coupled via the contact side of the element.