U.S. patent application number 14/206376 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for synthetic jet with non-metallic blade structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Hendrik Pieter Jacobus de Bock, Stanton Earl Weaver, Bryan Patrick Whalen.
Application Number | 20140271277 14/206376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51527764 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140271277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whalen; Bryan Patrick ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
SYNTHETIC JET WITH NON-METALLIC BLADE STRUCTURE
Abstract
A system and method for lowering resonant frequency in a
synthetic jet device for less noise, as well as lowering vibration,
is disclosed. A synthetic jet device includes a first plate, a
second plate spaced apart from the first plate, a spacing component
coupled to and positioned between the first and second plates to
form a chamber and including an orifice therein, and an actuator
element coupled to at least one of the first or second plates to
selectively cause deflection thereof, wherein the first and second
plates are formed at least in part of a non-metallic material.
Inventors: |
Whalen; Bryan Patrick;
(Gansevoort, NY) ; de Bock; Hendrik Pieter Jacobus;
(Clifton Park, NY) ; Weaver; Stanton Earl;
(Broadalbin, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
51527764 |
Appl. No.: |
14/206376 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61787738 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/413.2 ;
29/25.35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 43/046 20130101;
Y10T 29/42 20150115; F04F 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/413.2 ;
29/25.35 |
International
Class: |
F04B 17/03 20060101
F04B017/03 |
Claims
1. A synthetic jet device comprising: a first plate; a second plate
spaced apart from the first plate; a spacing component coupled to
and positioned between the first and second plates to form a
chamber and including an orifice therein; and an actuator element
coupled to at least one of the first or second plates to
selectively cause deflection thereof; wherein the first and second
plates are formed at least in part of a non-metallic material.
2. The synthetic jet device of claim 1 wherein the non-metallic
material comprises an electrically non-conductive material.
3. The synthetic jet device of claim 2 wherein the non-metallic
material comprises at least one of a thermoplastic, thermoset, and
a filler material.
4. The synthetic jet device of claim 2 wherein each of the first
and second plates includes an electrically conductive metallic
material, the electrically conductive metallic material comprising
one of a filler material, a metalizing layer, and internally or
externally formed leads.
5. The synthetic jet device of claim 4 wherein each of the first
and second plates comprises: an electrically non-conductive,
non-metallic substrate; and an electrically conductive metalizing
layer applied onto the electrically non-conductive, non-metallic
substrate.
6. The synthetic jet device of claim 4 wherein each of the first
and second plates comprises a copper-plated printed circuit board
(PCB) blank.
7. The synthetic jet device of claim 4 wherein each of the first
and second plates comprises: a flexible dielectric layer; and
electrically conductive leads formed on an exterior surface of the
flexible dielectric layer or internally within the flexible
dielectric layer.
8. The synthetic jet device of claim 1 wherein the first and second
plates comprise a single piece of non-metallic material folded
along a bridge thereof to form the first and second plates.
9. The synthetic jet device of claim 8 wherein a continuous
electrically conductive lead is formed internally in the single
piece of non-metallic material and extends through the bridge and
to the actuator element on the respective first and second
plates.
10. The synthetic jet device of claim 8 wherein a discontinuous
electrically conductive lead is formed internally in the single
piece of non-metallic material and extends through the bridge and
to the actuator element on the first and second plates.
11. A method of fabricating a synthetic jet device comprising:
constructing a first plate and a second plate at least in part of a
non-metallic material; attaching an actuator element to at least
one of the first and second plates to selectively cause deflection
thereof; positioning the first plate relative to the second plate
by way of a spacing component, the spacing component securing the
first plate to the second plate in a spaced apart arrangement to
form a chamber and including an orifice therein; and attaching
electrical connections to the actuator element and the respective
one of the first and second plates to which the actuator element is
attached so as to enable a selective applying of voltage to the
actuator element.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein constructing each of the first
plate and the second plate comprises selecting a material
composition of the first and second plates to set a stiffness of
the first and second plates to a desired amount, so as to adjust a
resonant frequency of the synthetic jet device to a desired
level.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein constructing each of the first
plate and the second plate comprises: providing an electrically
non-conductive, non-metallic substrate; and applying an
electrically conductive metalizing layer onto the electrically
non-conductive, non-metallic substrate.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein constructing each of the first
plate and the second plate comprises providing a copper-plated
printed circuit board (PCB) blank.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein constructing each of the first
plate and the second plate comprises providing an electrically
non-conductive, non-metallic material having an electrically
conductive filler material mixed therein.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein constructing each of the first
plate and the second plate comprises providing a flexible
dielectric layer that includes electrically conductive leads formed
on an exterior surface of the flexible dielectric layer or
internally within the flexible dielectric layer, the electrically
conductive leads providing for electrical coupling of the actuator
element and the electrical connections thereto.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein constructing the first plate and
the second plate comprises: providing a single piece of
electrically non-conductive, non-metallic material comprising a
first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a bridge portion;
and folding the single piece of electrically non-conductive,
non-metallic material at the bridge portion to orient the first
plate portion in a substantially parallel arrangement with the
second plate portion, so as to form the first plate and the second
plate; wherein the single piece of electrically non-conductive,
non-metallic material includes one of a lead formed internally
therein that extends through the bridge portion and to the actuator
element on the at least one of the first and second plates.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the lead formed internally in
the single piece of electrically non-conductive, non-metallic
material comprises one of a continuous lead and a non-continuous
lead.
19. A synthetic jet device comprising: a first plate; a second
plate spaced apart from the first plate to form a chamber; and an
actuator element coupled to at least one of the first or second
plates to selectively cause deflection thereof so as to change a
volume of the chamber; wherein each of the first and second plates
comprises: a first material comprising an electrically insulating,
non-metallic material; and a second material comprising an
electrically conductive material, the second material being formed
as one of a filler material, a metalizing layer, and internally or
externally formed leads provided on or in the first material.
20. The synthetic jet device of claim 19 further comprising a
spacing component coupled to and positioned between the first and
second plates to maintain the first and second plates in a spaced
apart relationship, wherein the first plate, second plate and
spacing component collectively form the chamber and wherein the
spacing component includes an orifice therein.
21. The synthetic jet device of claim 19 wherein the first and
second plates comprise a folded plate structure formed of a single
piece of electrically non-conductive, non-metallic material, the
folded plate structure including: a first plate portion; a second
plate portion; a bridge portion connecting the first plate portion
to the second plate portion; and a lead formed internally in the
double-folded plate structure that extends through the bridge
portion and to the actuator element on the at least one of the
first and second plates; wherein the folded plate structure is
folded at the bridge portion to orient the first plate portion in a
substantially parallel arrangement with the second plate portion so
as to form the first plate and the second plate.
22. The synthetic jet device of claim 19 wherein the composition of
the first and second materials in each of the first plate and the
second plate sets a stiffness of the first and second plates to a
pre-determined amount, so as to set a resonant frequency of the
synthetic jet device at a desired level.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims
priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/787,738, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Synthetic jet actuators are a widely-used technology that
generates a synthetic jet of fluid to influence the flow of that
fluid over a surface to disperse heat away therefrom. A typical
synthetic jet actuator comprises a housing defining an internal
chamber. An orifice is present in a wall of the housing. The
actuator further includes a mechanism in or about the housing for
periodically changing the volume within the internal chamber so
that a series of fluid vortices are generated and projected in an
external environment out from the orifice of the housing. Examples
of volume changing mechanisms may include, for example, a piston
positioned in the jet housing to move fluid in and out of the
orifice during reciprocation of the piston or a flexible diaphragm
as a wall of the housing. The flexible diaphragm is typically
actuated by a piezoelectric actuator or other appropriate
means.
[0003] Typically, a control system is used to create time-harmonic
motion of the volume changing mechanism. As the mechanism decreases
the chamber volume, fluid is ejected from the chamber through the
orifice. As the fluid passes through the orifice, sharp edges of
the orifice separate the flow to create vortex sheets that roll up
into vortices. These vortices move away from the edges of the
orifice under their own self-induced velocity. As the mechanism
increases the chamber volume, ambient fluid is drawn into the
chamber from large distances from the orifice. Since the vortices
have already moved away from the edges of the orifice, they are not
affected by the ambient fluid entering into the chamber. As the
vortices travel away from the orifice, they synthesize a jet of
fluid, i.e., a "synthetic jet."
[0004] It is recognized that acoustic noise is one negative aspect
of synthetic jet operation, including dual cooling jets (DCJs) that
employ an actuator (i.e., piezoelectric actuator) on each of
opposing surfaces of the device. DCJs are typically excited at or
near their mechanical resonance mode(s) in order to optimize
electrical to mechanical conversion and so as to achieve maximum
deflection at minimal mechanical energy input. While DCJ operation
is optimized when operated at or near their mechanical resonance
mode(s), it is recognized that operating the DCJ at certain
frequencies can generate a substantial amount of acoustic noise, as
the acoustic signature of the device is in part determined by the
drive frequency of the device.
[0005] Synthetic jets of many variants, including the DCJ, are
typically constructed using a metalized piezo-actuator bonded to a
metallic plate or blade with an electrically conductive adhesive.
Electrical connections to the piezo-actuator are achieved by
connecting to the metalized exposed piezo side and connecting to
the plate material. Solders or conductive adhesives are typically
used. Two of these plates are then adhered together along the
perimeter leaving an orifice opening to form the jet. Upon
actuation of the piezo-actuators, air is inhaled and exhaled
through the orifice causing a net positive air flow.
[0006] One drawback to metallic plates or blades is that they are
expensive and their stiffness causes higher resonant frequencies
that increase DCJ operating noise. In addition, the metal mass can
cause increased vibration. Still further, the resonant frequency of
the DCJ can be increased due to the metallic plates.
[0007] It would therefore be desirable to provide a synthetic jet,
such as a DCJ, having plates that are fabricated to have much lower
resonant frequency for less noise. It would also be desirable for
the plates to have a reduced mass that can provide lower
vibration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a synthetic jet
device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced apart from the
first plate, a spacing component coupled to and positioned between
the first and second plates to form a chamber and including an
orifice therein, and an actuator element coupled to at least one of
the first or second plates to selectively cause deflection thereof,
wherein the first and second plates are formed at least in part of
a non-metallic material.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
of fabricating a synthetic jet device includes constructing a first
plate and a second plate at least in part of a non-metallic
material, attaching an actuator element to at least one of the
first and second plates to selectively cause deflection thereof,
and positioning the first plate relative to the second plate by way
of a spacing component, the spacing component securing the first
plate to the second plate in a spaced apart arrangement to form a
chamber and including an orifice therein. The method also includes
attaching electrical connections to the actuator element and the
respective one of the first and second plates to which the actuator
element is attached so as to enable a selective applying of voltage
to the actuator element.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
synthetic jet device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced
apart from the first plate to form a chamber, and an actuator
element coupled to at least one of the first or second plates to
selectively cause deflection thereof so as to change a volume of
the chamber. Each of the first and second plates includes a first
material comprising an electrically insulating, non-metallic
material and a second material comprising an electrically
conductive material, the second material being formed as one of a
filler material, a metalizing layer, and internally or externally
formed leads provided on or in the first material.
[0011] These and other advantages and features will be more readily
understood from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments of the invention that is provided in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings illustrate embodiments presently contemplated
for carrying out the invention.
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views of a synthetic jet assembly useable
with embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the synthetic jet of FIGS. 1
and 2 depicting the jet as the control system causes the diaphragms
to travel inward, toward the orifice.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the synthetic jet of FIGS. 1
and 2 depicting the jet as the control system causes the diaphragms
to travel outward, away from the orifice.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a build-up process for fabricating a
synthetic jet that includes non-metallic plates therein, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a build-up process for fabricating a
synthetic jet that includes non-metallic plates therein, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a build-up process for fabricating
non-metallic plates of a synthetic jet, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a build-up process for fabricating
non-metallic plates of a synthetic jet, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a build-up process for fabricating a
double-folded non-metallic plate structure of a synthetic jet,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a build-up process for fabricating
double-folded non-metallic plate structure of a synthetic jet,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a build-up process for fabricating
non-metallic plates of a synthetic jet, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a synthetic jet
device having non-metallic plates that provide for a lower resonant
frequency for less noise, as well as lower vibration.
[0025] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a general structure of a synthetic jet
assembly 10 useable with embodiments of the present invention,
along with the movement of various components during operation
thereof, for purposes of better understanding the invention. While
a specific synthetic jet assembly 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4,
it is recognized that embodiments of the invention may be
incorporated into synthetic jet assemblies of varied constructions,
and thus the synthetic jet assembly 10 is not meant to limit the
scope of the invention. As an example, synthetic jet assemblies
that do not include a mounting bracket for securing positioning a
synthetic jet are considered to be within the scope of the
invention.
[0026] Referring first to FIG. 1, the synthetic jet assembly 10 is
shown as including a synthetic jet 12, a cross-section of which is
illustrated in FIG. 2, and a mounting bracket 14. In one
embodiment, mounting bracket 14 is a u-shaped mounting bracket that
is affixed to a body or housing 16 of synthetic jet 12 at one or
more locations, although it is recognized that the mounting bracket
may be constructed as a bracket having a different shape/profile,
such as a semi-circular bracket configured to receive a circular
synthetic jet 12 therein. A circuit driver 18 can be externally
located or affixed to mounting bracket 14. Alternatively, circuit
driver 18 may be remotely located from synthetic jet assembly
10.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, and as shown
therein, housing 16 of synthetic jet 12 defines and partially
encloses an internal chamber or cavity 20 having a gas or fluid 22
therein. While housing 16 and internal chamber 20 can take
virtually any geometric configuration according to various
embodiments of the invention, for purposes of discussion and
understanding, housing 16 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 2 as
including a first plate 24 and a second plate 26 (alternately
referred to as blades or foils), which are maintained in a spaced
apart relationship by a spacer element 28 positioned therebetween.
In one embodiment, spacer element 28 maintains a separation of
approximately 1 mm between first and second plates 24, 26. One or
more orifices 30 are formed between first and second plates 24, 26
and the side walls of spacer element 28 in order to place the
internal chamber 20 in fluid communication with a surrounding,
exterior environment 32. In an alternative embodiment, spacer
element 28 includes a front surface (not shown) in which one or
more orifices 30 are formed.
[0028] According to various embodiments, first and second plates
24, 26 may be formed from a metal, plastic, glass, and/or ceramic.
Likewise, spacer element 28 may be formed from a metal, plastic,
glass, and/or ceramic. Suitable metals include materials such as
nickel, aluminum, copper, and molybdenum, or alloys such as
stainless steel, brass, bronze, and the like. Suitable polymers and
plastics include thermoplastics such as polyolefins, polycarbonate,
thermosets, epoxies, urethanes, acrylics, silicones, polyimides,
and photoresist-capable materials, and other resilient plastics.
Suitable ceramics include, for example, titanates (such as
lanthanum titanate, bismuth titanate, and lead zirconate titanate)
and molybdates. Furthermore, various other components of synthetic
jet 12 may be formed from metal as well.
[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, actuators 34, 36 are
coupled to respective first and second plates, 24, 26 to form first
and second composite structures or flexible diaphragms 38, 40,
which are controlled by driver 18 via a controller assembly or
control unit system 42. The synthetic jet 12 is thus constructed as
a DCJ. For controlling the diaphragms 38, 40, each flexible
diaphragm 38, 40 may be equipped with a metal layer and a metal
electrode may be disposed adjacent to the metal layer so that
diaphragms 38, 40 may be moved via an electrical bias imposed
between the electrode and the metal layer. As shown in FIG. 1, in
one embodiment controller assembly 42 is electronically coupled to
driver 18, which is coupled directly to mounting bracket 14 of
synthetic jet 12. In an alternative embodiment control unit system
42 is integrated into a driver 18 that is remotely located from
synthetic jet 12. Moreover, control system 42 may be configured to
generate the electrical bias by any suitable device, such as, for
example, a computer, logic processor, or signal generator.
[0030] In one embodiment, actuators 34, 36 are piezoelectric motive
(piezomotive) devices that may be actuated by application of a
harmonic alternating voltage that causes the piezomotive devices to
rapidly expand and contract. During operation, control system 42
transmits an electric charge, via driver 18, to piezoelectric
actuators 34, 36, which undergo mechanical stress and/or strain
responsive to the charge. The stress/strain of piezomotive
actuators 34, 36 causes deflection of respective first and second
plates 24, 26 such that a time-harmonic or periodic motion is
achieved that changes the volume of the internal chamber 20 between
plates 24, 26. According to one embodiment, spacer element 28 can
also be made flexible and deform to change the volume of internal
chamber 20. The resulting volume change in internal chamber 20
causes an interchange of gas or other fluid between internal
chamber 20 and exterior volume 32, as described in detail with
respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0031] Piezomotive actuators 34, 36 may be monomorph or bimorph
devices, according to various embodiments of the invention. In a
monomorph embodiment, piezomotive actuators 34, 36 may be coupled
to plates 24, 26 formed from materials including metal, plastic,
glass, or ceramic. In a bimorph embodiment, one or both piezomotive
actuators 34, 36 may be bimorph actuators coupled to plates 24, 26
formed from piezoelectric materials. In an alternate embodiment,
the bimorph may include single actuators 34, 36, and plates 24, 26
are the second actuators.
[0032] The components of synthetic jet 12 may be adhered together
or otherwise attached to one another using adhesives, solders, and
the like. In one embodiment, a thermoset adhesive or an
electrically conductive adhesive is employed to bond actuators 34,
36 to first and second plates, 24, 26 to form first and second
composite structures 38, 40. In the case of an electrically
conductive adhesive, an adhesive may be filled with an electrically
conductive filler such as silver, gold, and the like, in order to
attach lead wires (not shown) to synthetic jet 12. Suitable
adhesives may have a hardness in the range of Shore A hardness of
100 or less and may include as examples silicones, polyurethanes,
thermoplastic rubbers, and the like, such that an operating
temperature of 120 degrees or greater may be achieved.
[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, actuators 34, 36 may
include devices other than piezoelectric motive devices, such as
hydraulic, pneumatic, magnetic, electrostatic, and ultrasonic
materials. Thus, in such embodiments, control system 42 is
configured to activate respective actuators 34, 36 in corresponding
fashion. For example, if electrostatic materials are used, control
system 42 may be configured to provide a rapidly alternating
electrostatic voltage to actuators 34, 36 in order to activate and
flex respective first and second plates 24, 26.
[0034] The operation of synthetic jet 12 is described with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring first to FIG. 3, synthetic
jet 12 is illustrated as actuators 34, 36 are controlled to cause
first and second plates 24, 26 to move outward with respect to
internal chamber 20, as depicted by arrows 44. As first and second
plates 24, 26 flex outward, the internal volume of internal chamber
20 increases, and ambient fluid or gas 46 rushes into internal
chamber 20 as depicted by the set of arrows 48. Actuators 34, 36
are controlled by control system 42 so that when first and second
plates 24, 26 move outward from internal chamber 20, vortices are
already removed from edges of orifice 30 and thus are not affected
by the ambient fluid 46 being drawn into internal chamber 20.
Meanwhile, a jet of ambient fluid 46 is synthesized by vortices
creating strong entrainment of ambient fluid 46 drawn from large
distances away from orifice 30.
[0035] FIG. 4 depicts synthetic jet 12 as actuators 34, 36 are
controlled to cause first and second plates 24, 26 to flex inward
into internal chamber 20, as depicted by arrows 50. The internal
volume of internal chamber 20 decreases, and fluid 22 is ejected as
a cooling jet through orifice 30 in the direction indicated by the
set of arrows 52 toward a device 54 to be cooled, such as, for
example a light emitting diode. As the fluid 22 exits internal
chamber 20 through orifice 30, the flow separates at the sharp
edges of orifice 30 and creates vortex sheets which roll into
vortices and begin to move away from edges of orifice 30.
[0036] While the synthetic jet of FIGS. 1-4 is shown and described
as having a single orifice therein, it is also envisioned that
embodiments of the invention may include multiple orifice synthetic
jet actuators. Additionally, while the synthetic jet actuators of
FIGS. 1-4 are shown and described as having an actuator element
included on each of first and second plates, it is also envisioned
that embodiments of the invention may include only a single
actuator element positioned on one of the plates. Furthermore, it
is also envisioned that the synthetic jet plates may be provided in
a circular, rectangular, or alternatively shaped configuration,
rather than in a square configuration as illustrated herein.
[0037] According to embodiments of the invention, a synthetic jet
device is provided that includes plates or blades that are formed
in-part or in-whole of a non-metallic material--and thus are
generally referred to hereafter as "non-metallic plates." The
plates can be formed from any of a number of suitable non-metallic
materials that may be selected and tailored to set the stiffness
and thus adjust the resonant frequency of the synthetic jet. By
selecting a specific non-metallic material from which to form the
plates in-part or in-whole, the plates can be fabricated to have
much lower resonant frequency for less noise and a reduced mass
that can provide lower vibration.
[0038] According to embodiments of the invention, the non-metallic
material from which the plate is formed in-part or in-whole can be
a number of suitable non-metallic materials, such as (but not
limited to): a thermoplastic or thermoset in the form of
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
Polyethylene (PE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) Low-density
polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP) Polystyrene (PS), High
impact polystyrene (HIPS) Polyamides (PA) Acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS) Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) Polyurethanes (PU), Epoxies and
combinations thereof, including combinations of various
thermoplastics, thermosets and fillers. The fillers loading the
plastic can include electrically conductive and insulating fillers
such as silver particles, ceramics, glasses, etc. In forming the
plates, common practices such as casting or injection molding may
be employed.
[0039] In some embodiments of the invention, a metallic coating is
applied to a plate formed of non-metallic material. In other
embodiments of the invention, the plate can be made sufficiently
electrically conductive (via use of a filler) so that a metallic
coating is not necessary.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, a build-up process for fabricating a
non-metallic plate 60 (and synthetic jet 12) is shown according to
one embodiment of the invention. In a first step of the process, a
non-metallic and electrically insulating material or substrate 60
is provided, such as a substrate formed of any of the thermoplastic
or thermoset materials set forth above. In a next step, the
non-metallic substrate 62 is dipped in a catalyst (e.g., palladium
catalyst), as indicated at 64, to activate a surface/backside
protect for the plate. A metallic material that is electrically
conducting, such as copper or nickel, is then applied via
electroless plating in a next step, as indicated at 66, to form the
final structure of the non-metallic plate 60. Upon plating, a
conductive epoxy (e.g., Ag epoxy) is utilized to secure a
piezomotive actuator 34, 36 to the plate 60. Finally, electrical
conduits 68, such as wires or flex circuit material, are attached
to the piezomotive actuator 34, 36 and the plate 60. An adhesive,
such as silicon, can then be used to join the two plates 60 of the
synthetic jet together--with the silicon forming the spacer element
28 between the two plates of the synthetic jet 12 that is
formed.
[0041] With respect to the process illustrated and described in
FIG. 5, processing alternate to electroless plating, such as
evaporation or sputtering techniques, can be used to deposit the
metal. Electroplating can then follow if a thicker metal is
desired. Typical metallization schemes may include palladium
activated electroless copper or nickel, sputtered or evaporated Ti,
Cr, TiW, Cu, Ni, Au, Al followed by thicker plating of Cu, or Ni
capped with a thin Au layer (if needed to prevent oxidation).
Sputtered or evaporated processes will typically start with
deposition of Ti, Cr, or TiW to promote metal adhesion. The
finished metal can be patterned if desired using shadow masking or
common lithographic pattern and etch steps. In another embodiment,
the plate may be cast from a piezo-polymer material, metalized on
both sides and polarized to form an integral actuator plate.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, another example of a non-metallic
plate(s) 70 (and a build-up process for fabrication of a synthetic
jet 12) is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. The
non-metallic plates 70 in FIG. 6 are formed as a thin single-sided
copper coated glass-reinforced epoxy laminate sheet (e.g., FR4 PCB
blanks)--alternately referred to hereafter as copper coated PCB
blanks. In fabrication of the synthetic jet 12, the copper coated
PCB blanks 70 are provided and a conductive epoxy (e.g., Ag epoxy)
and piezo-actuator 34, 36 are then subsequently applied thereto,
with the epoxy securing the piezo-actuator 34, 36 to the copper
coating of the non-metallic plates 70. Electrical conduits 68, such
as urethane coated wires, are then attached to the piezo element
and the copper coated PCB blanks 70 (e.g., soldered, conductive
epoxied, or mechanically attached), with an adhesive such as
silicon 28 applied along a perimeter of the plates 70 used to join
the two plates of the synthetic jet 12 together--the silicon 28
sealing the plates 70 together while also leaving an aperture or
orifice therein.
[0043] In other embodiments of the invention, the non-metallic
plates of the synthetic jet 12 may be formed of Kapton.RTM. or
another suitable dielectric material. One embodiment where Kapton
plates are utilized for forming non-metallic plates is provided in
FIG. 7, where a build-up process for fabrication of the plate(s) is
illustrated. As shown in the build-up process of FIG. 7, for each
non-metallic plate, a bare Kapton plate 72 is first provided, with
a conductive lead 74 then being formed on the top surface 76
thereof--in the form of a sputtered lead, Kapton connector, wire,
or line of conductive epoxy. In a next step of the build-up
process, a piezo-actuator 34, 36 is placed on each Kapton plate 72
so as to be electrically coupled to the conductive lead 74.
Finally, electrical connections 68 are provided for connection to
the piezo-actuators 34, 36 and the conductive leads 68. An
adhesive, such as silicon, can then be used to join the two plates
of the synthetic jet together--with the silicon forming the spacer
element between the two plates of the synthetic jet.
[0044] In another embodiment where Kapton plates are utilized, and
as shown in the build-up process of FIG. 8, non-metallic plates 78
are provided that are each constructed as a Kapton circuit--with a
thicker layer of Kapton being provided with internal wiring 80
therein that can connect to the piezo-actuator 34, 36. The internal
wiring 80 can be completely covered by Kapton and exposed locally
at the piezo-actuator 34, 36 and lead contacts (for connection of
electrical conduits 68), or can be exposed entirely.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, in additional embodiments
of the invention, the non-metallic plates of a synthetic jet are
made out of a single piece of non-metallic material that is folded
double at a bridge portion to form a pair of plates. Referring
first to the build-up process of FIG. 9, a double-folded plate is
fabricated by first providing a single piece of non-metallic
material (e.g., Kapton) 82 that is folded double at a bridge
portion 84 to define a pair of plate portions 86, 88. As shown in
FIG. 9, the bridge portion 84 is formed as a thin strip of material
that is centered along a width of the plates 86, 88. It is
recognized, however, that the bridge portion 84 could instead be
formed to extend a full width of the plates 86, 88 but be
configured to provide for a folding thereof to generally in define
separate first and second plates 86, 88. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the double-folded plate 82 includes internal electrical
connections or leads formed therein that are covered and exposed
locally at the piezo-actuators and lead contacts.
[0046] In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the internal wiring includes a
continuous lead 90 that extends between the two piezo-actuators 34,
36 that are positioned on the respective plates 86, 88 and connects
to each of the piezo-actuators 34, 36--such that the number of
internal leads formed in the double-folded plate is reduced. The
number of electrical connections 68 provided for connection to the
synthetic jet is also reduced, as connections 68 are only needed
for each of the two piezo-actuators 34, 36 and for the continuous
conductive lead 90 that extends across the bridge portion 84--for a
total of three electrical connections 68 to the synthetic jet.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment of the double-folded plate of
FIG. 9 (and the continuous lead shown therein extending across the
bridge portion), FIG. 10 shows a double-folded plate 82 having a
discontinuous lead through the bridge portion--such that two
separate leads 92 are defined. The separate leads 92 are connected
to the two piezo-actuators 34, 36 positioned on the respective
plates 86, 88, with electrical connections 68 being provided for
connection to the two piezo-actuators 34, 36 and for the conductive
leads 92. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, a total of four
electrical connections 68 are provided for to the synthetic
jet.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 11, another example of a non-metallic
plate 94 (and a build-up process for fabrication thereof) is shown
according to an embodiment of the invention. A plate 94 is provided
that is formed out of non-metallic, non-conductive material, such
as Kapton. Each plate 94 that is provided has a metallic hole 96
formed therein that is located so as to be positioned under a
respective piezo-actuator 34, 36 that is to be positioned on the
plate 94, as shown on the front and back surfaces 98, 100 of the
plate in FIG. 11. This hole 96 may be filled with a metallic insert
or conductive epoxy to form an electrical connection to the
backside of the piezo-actuator 34, 36 that is positioned on the
front surface 98 of a respective plate 94. An electrical flex
circuit or sputtered line contact 102 is formed on the back surface
100 of the plate 94 to bring the electrical signal to a position
where wires or flex circuit leads 68 can be attached to the
synthetic jet 12.
[0049] Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide a
synthetic jet assembly that incorporates non-metallic plates to
lower a level of acoustic noise during operation of the synthetic
jet. The non-metallic plates are fabricated to have a lower
stiffness than metallic plates so as to provide a lower resonant
frequency that generates less noise, with the plates also having a
reduced mass that provides lower vibration during operation. The
non-metallic plates may be formed of inexpensive materials such
that the cost thereof is reduced as compared to metallic
plates.
[0050] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a
synthetic jet device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced
apart from the first plate, a spacing component coupled to and
positioned between the first and second plates to form a chamber
and including an orifice therein, and an actuator element coupled
to at least one of the first or second plates to selectively cause
deflection thereof, wherein the first and second plates are formed
at least in part of a non-metallic material.
[0051] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
fabricating a synthetic jet device includes constructing a first
plate and a second plate at least in part of a non-metallic
material, attaching an actuator element to at least one of the
first and second plates to selectively cause deflection thereof,
and positioning the first plate relative to the second plate by way
of a spacing component, the spacing component securing the first
plate to the second plate in a spaced apart arrangement to form a
chamber and including an orifice therein. The method also includes
attaching electrical connections to the actuator element and the
respective one of the first and second plates to which the actuator
element is attached so as to enable a selective applying of voltage
to the actuator element.
[0052] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a
synthetic jet device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced
apart from the first plate to form a chamber, and an actuator
element coupled to at least one of the first or second plates to
selectively cause deflection thereof so as to change a volume of
the chamber. Each of the first and second plates includes a first
material comprising an electrically insulating, non-metallic
material and a second material comprising an electrically
conductive material, the second material being formed as one of a
filler material, a metalizing layer, and internally or externally
formed leads provided on or in the first material.
[0053] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be
readily understood that the invention is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may
include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended
claims.
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