Method and apparatus for manufacturing multi-layered high deformation piezoelectric actuators and sensors
First Claim
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1. A method of constructing a piezoelectric device, comprising the steps of:
- dispensing a first tape onto a moveable track;
said first tape having a plurality of spaced apart pinholes therethrough engageable with a plurality of spaced apart pins on said moveable track;
dispensing a first ceramic onto said first tape;
dispensing a second tape onto said first ceramic;
said second tape having a plurality of spaced apart pinholes therethrough engageable with a plurality of spaced apart pins on said moveable track;
securing said first tape to said second tape to form a composite tape;
increasing a temperature of said composite tape;
decreasing a temperature of said composite tape;
and cutting said composite tape to form at least one piezoelectric device.
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Abstract
A method for manufacturing high deformation piezoelectric actuators and sensors using a continuous tape manufacturing process is provided. The ceramic layer is dispensed between two metal/adhesive layers to form a composite tape and is tack welded together. Lengths of composite tape are heated and then cut into individual actuators. A special pattern punched in the tapes allows for ease of alignment of the layers of the actuators.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of constructing a piezoelectric device, comprising the steps of:
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dispensing a first tape onto a moveable track;
said first tape having a plurality of spaced apart pinholes therethrough engageable with a plurality of spaced apart pins on said moveable track;
dispensing a first ceramic onto said first tape;
dispensing a second tape onto said first ceramic;
said second tape having a plurality of spaced apart pinholes therethrough engageable with a plurality of spaced apart pins on said moveable track;
securing said first tape to said second tape to form a composite tape;
increasing a temperature of said composite tape;
decreasing a temperature of said composite tape;
and cutting said composite tape to form at least one piezoelectric device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
wherein said step of dispensing said first tape comprises dispensing a tape comprising a metal layer and an adhesive layer;
and wherein said step of dispensing a ceramic onto said first tape comprises dispensing a ceramic onto said adhesive layer of said first tape.
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3. The method of claim 1;
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wherein said step of dispensing said second tape comprises dispensing a tape comprising a metal layer and an adhesive layer;
and wherein said step of dispensing a second tape onto said ceramic comprises dispensing said adhesive layer of said second tape onto said ceramic.
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4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
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dispensing a second ceramic onto said first tape after said step of dispensing said first ceramic onto said first tape;
wherein said step of dispensing said second tape onto said first ceramic further comprises dispensing said second tape onto said second ceramic.
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5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of increasing a temperature of said composite tape comprises the steps of:
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placing said composite tape into an autoclave;
and raising a temperature of said autoclave;
and wherein said step of decreasing a temperature of said composite tape comprises the step of decreasing a temperature of said autoclave.
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6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of increasing a temperature of said composite tape comprises the steps of:
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placing said composite tape into an autoclave;
and raising a temperature of said autoclave;
and wherein said step of decreasing a temperature of said composite tape comprises the removing said composite tape from said autoclave.
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7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
cutting said composite tape into strips before said step of increasing said temperature of said composite tape.
Specification