Patent ID: 8888254

Claim:
A piezoelectric element array attached to a diaphragm for an ink jet print head, comprising: a diaphragm configured to eject ink during deflection of the diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a piezoelectric element array comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements overlying the first side of the diaphragm, wherein each piezoelectric element is spaced from adjacent piezoelectric elements by an interstitial space and each piezoelectric element comprises: a piezoelectric layer overlying the first side of the diaphragm and configured to deflect the diaphragm in response to a voltage; a first intermediate layer, wherein a portion of the piezoelectric layer is interposed directly between the diaphragm and the first intermediate layer; a second intermediate layer, wherein a portion of the first intermediate layer is interposed directly between the piezoelectric layer and the second intermediate layer; a central void space defined in part by the first intermediate layer and located between a surface of the piezoelectric layer and a surface of the second intermediate layer, wherein the central void space is operable to function as a free space for a portion of the piezoelectric layer to actuate into when subjected to the voltage; at least one via hole that extends through the second intermediate layer and the first intermediate layer; and at least one electrode formed in the at least one via hole, wherein the at least one electrode is operable to provide an electrical interconnect pathway between the piezoelectric layer and a top surface of the second intermediate layer through first intermediate layer.