Patent ID: 6156145
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B32B,H01L,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric transducer comprising the steps of:selecting a thermoplastic adhesive material having a melting temperature and having a first coefficient of thermal contraction;wherein said step of selecting a thermoplastic adhesive material comprising selecting an imideselecting a first solid member having an exposed first surface and having a second coefficient of thermal contraction, said first solid member comprising a piezoelectric material;wherein said step of selecting a first solid member comprises selecting an electroactive ceramic element;selecting a second solid member having an exposed second surface and having third coefficient of thermal contraction;wherein said step of selecting said second solid member comprises selecting a metallic member;heating said thermoplastic adhesive material and said second solid member to a first temperature above said melting temperature;bringing said thermoplastic adhesive material into contact with said first surface of said first solid member and said second surface of said second solid member so as to form a composite structure while said thermoplastic adhesive material and said second solid member are at said first temperature;applying pressure to said composite structure in a direction perpendicular to each of said first and second surfaces;wherein said step of applying pressure to said composite structure comprises placing said composite structure between a first press member and a deformable liner of a second press member, and drawing said first press member toward said second press member;and wherein said deformable liner of said second press member comprises a deformable bladder filled with a fluid;after said step of applying pressure to said composite structure, cooling said composite structure to a third temperature below said melting temperature;whereby said step of cooling said composite structure to said third temperature induces a compressive stress into said first solid member;wherein said step of cooling said composite structure to a third temperature below said melting temperature inducing said compressive stress into said first solid member deforms said composite structure into an arcuate shape;after said step of cooling said composite structure to a third temperature, releasing said pressure applied to said composite structure; and thencooling said composite structure to ambient temperature, wherein said step of cooling said composite structure to ambient temperature induces a compressive stress into said first solid member.