Vibration Device Stress Isolation Resin Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration devices for removing water droplets from camera fields of view suffer from reduced vibration efficiency due to stress applied to the vibrator from temperature changes and external forces, leading to inhibited vibration and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A vibration device configuration that includes a light-transmissive cover, a piezoelectric element, and an elastic member between the vibrator and the case member, which suppresses stress influence on the vibrator and enhances vibration efficiency by using an elastic member to hold the vibrator, allowing effective vibration of the cover with attached water droplets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the piezoelectric element is directly attached to the drip-proof cover, then the structure is simple, but the vibration efficiency is greatly deteriorated due to stress from temperature changes and external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidvibration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A resin layer is introduced as an intermediary between the piezoelectric element and the drip-proof cover. This resin layer acts as a stress isolation medium that prevents stress from temperature changes and external forces from being transmitted to the piezoelectric element, thereby maintaining vibration efficiency while preserving structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer serves as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs stress from temperature variations and external forces before they can reach the piezoelectric element. This pre-cushioning approach protects the vibrator from stress-induced vibration inhibition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of manufacture

If the piezoelectric element is directly attached to the drip-proof cover, then the attachment is direct and simple, but stress is applied to the piezoelectric element when temperature changes or external force is applied, inhibiting vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidstress from temperature changes and external forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resin layer functions as a protective intermediary that isolates the piezoelectric element from harmful stress caused by temperature changes and external forces. This intermediary layer maintains the simplicity of attachment while eliminating the harmful stress transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer acts as a flexible thin film that can deform under stress, absorbing temperature variations and external forces without transmitting significant stress to the piezoelectric element. This flexible barrier protects the vibrator while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the drip-proof cover is held by the support frame, then the cover is securely supported, but stress is applied to the cover or piezoelectric element, inhibiting vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidstress to vibrator

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resin layer serves as a stress-isolating intermediary between the support frame and the piezoelectric element. It allows the support frame to securely hold the drip-proof cover while preventing stress from being transmitted to the vibrator, thus maintaining both support strength and vibration performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively reduces stress on the vibrator, maintaining vibration efficiency across temperature changes and external forces, ensuring reliable removal of water droplets from the camera's field of view while minimizing vibration leakage and optimizing design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element 4, and a cylinder 7. The piezoelectric element 4 is an annular piezoelectric element 4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member 8, The elastic member 8 has a first connection portion 36 connected to an opening end portion 2A of the vibrator 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3731014B1Vibration device and optical detection device

Publication Date: 2024.12.25 MURATA MFG CO LTD

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AI summary

A vibration device according to the present invention includes a vibrator including a cylinder having an opening, a light-transmissive cover directly or indirectly coupled to the cylinder so as to cover the opening of the cylinder, and a piezoelectric element for vibrating the light-transmissive cover, and having an opening end portion, an elastic member for holding the opening end portion of the vibrator, and a case member connected to the elastic member.