ZT-Cut Quartz Resonator Frame for Stable Miniaturization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ZT-cut quartz resonators face challenges in miniaturization due to their complex design, which complicates machining at smaller sizes and limits their ability to maintain mechanical stability and high quality factors.
Innovation Solution
A novel design featuring a ZT-cut quartz resonator with a C-shaped frame and tethers connecting the resonator plate, allowing for precise machining and stable anchoring without interference, utilizing chemical wet etching or femtosecond laser techniques for precise shape control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional resonant arm design is used for anchoring, then mechanical stability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of miniaturization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchoring function from the complex resonant arm structure and implements it through simple tethers that connect the resonator plate to the frame at nodal points. This separation allows the resonator plate to maintain its oscillation while being securely anchored, achieving mechanical stability without the complexity of traditional resonant arm designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethers function as flexible connecting elements that provide mechanical anchoring while allowing the resonator plate to oscillate freely. These thin film-like structures minimize interference with the oscillation mode while providing sufficient mechanical support, enabling miniaturization without sacrificing stability.
2Volume of moving object
If resonator size is reduced for miniaturization, then device footprint is improved, but machining precision and shape control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator is segmented into distinct functional components: the resonator plate, the frame, and the tethers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, making the overall device easier to manufacture at small scales while maintaining precise shape control through specialized processing techniques for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by positioning tethers to connect at nodal points in the vertical dimension, allowing the resonator plate to oscillate in its plane without interference. This dimensional approach enables miniaturization in the horizontal plane while maintaining manufacturing precision through vertical anchoring points.
3Ease of manufacture
If tethers are used for anchoring instead of resonant arms, then ease of manufacture is improved, but energy loss may increase due to potential coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The tethers act as intermediary elements that connect the resonator plate to the frame at nodal points. By positioning these tethers at nodal points where oscillation amplitude is minimal, they serve as effective mediators that provide mechanical anchoring while minimizing energy transfer and coupling between the resonator and frame, thus reducing energy loss.
4Reliability
If anchor geometry is optimized to minimize disturbance, then quality factor is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator structure is designed to be self-anchoring through the tethers that connect at nodal points. The nodal points naturally provide the anchoring locations where oscillation is minimal, eliminating the need for complex anchor geometries. The structure serves itself by utilizing its own vibrational characteristics to determine the optimal anchoring points.
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 new design enables miniaturization of ZT-cut quartz resonators with improved mechanical stability and reduced energy loss, facilitating easier machining and maintaining high quality factors.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator plate 201 having a thickness TR, and a surface SR having lateral edges and longitudinal edges, a maximum length LR1 and a width WR, wherein the resonator plate 201 is a ZT-cut quartz
Implementation Method 2
It is defined a nodal plane 207 orthogonal to the surface SR of the resonator plate 201 and passing through a central longitudinal axis of the resonator plate 201 and wherein the tethers 206a, 206b pass through the nodal plane 207
Implementation Method 3
a frame 202 comprising a C-shaped portion 203 comprising a first arm 204, and a second arm 205 extending at least partially about the lateral edges of the resonator plate and wherein each arm 204, 205 is connected to the resonator plate by means of tethers 206a, 206b
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4e
AI summary
One aspect of the invention is related to the resonator comprising: - a resonator plate having a thickness, and a surface having a maximum length and a width, wherein the resonator plate is a ZT-cut quartz, and ; - a frame comprising a C-shaped portion comprising a first arm and a second arm extending at least partially about the lateral edges of the resonator plate and wherein each of the first arm and second arm is connected to the resonator plate by means of tethers.