Piezo Technology Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Latest Technologies in Microscopic Endodontics: Diagnostic

Background: Modern developments in microscopic endodontics have included Dental Operating Microscope (DOM), ultrasonics, piezo technology, CBCT, digital imaging and scanning, laser endodontics, and nanotechnology. Aim: This narrative review also assesses the diagnostic efficiency, treatment outcomes, patients’ outcomes and cost-effectiveness of these technologies. Methods: The literature search was done in PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library by searching for English language, peer-reviewed articles published in the last 15 years. Results: According to this review, DOMs and CBCT both considerably increase diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic potential, which enhances treatment outcomes and raises patients' quality of life. Ultrasonics and laser endodontics can be used to produce minimally invasive treatments, and there is little to no pain following surgery. Nanotechnology and digital imaging are two instances of new technologies that still need to be developed. These technologies need significant capital investments from an economic perspective, but the investment pays for itself in returns. Conclusion: This review established that improvements in microscopic endodontic are impressive in diagnostic and therapeutic result while the initial costs are high. Arguments including increased accuracy in treatment, decreased patient discomfort, and better therapeutic outcomes serve as strong arguments for the continued application and advancement of endodontic tactics.

Osteotomy Techniques in Preservation Rhinoplasty with an Analysis of a Radix-Skull Base Computed Tomography Series.

This study aims to explain our experience with dorsal preservation osteotomies, focusing on transverse, lateral, and dorsal aesthetic lines (DAL) osteotomies. We describe the utilization of a variety of surgical instruments, including osteotomes, saws, burrs, and piezo. This paper describes our concept of transcutaneous ultrasonic osteotomy, microedged-specific osteotomy, applying drills for lateral wall reshaping, and integrating piezo technology to establish new DAL. Furthermore, we present a radix-skull base computed tomography series analysis to evaluate the safety of transverse and radix osteotomies.

Exploring chloride-induced corrosion in reinforced concrete structures through embedded piezo sensor technology: an experimental and numerical study

Corrosion of steel in concrete is one of the major problems with respect to the durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Thus, monitoring the corrosion in real-time is essential to prevent structural damage. However, one of the main challenges is to simulate the real-time development of corrosion in the RC structure. In recent years, smart aggregates, also called embedded piezo sensors (EPS), have become increasingly popular for monitoring localized and corrosion damage in RC structures using electro-mechanical impedance (EMI). This paper presents the experimental and numerical investigation of corrosion in RC structures subjected to the chloride-laden environment using EPS via the EMI technique. To fulfil this objective, the study has been carried out in two stages such as; in the first stage, the experiments are conducted on the RC specimen, and the EMI response was obtained both in a pristine state and when accelerated corrosion progressed. In the second step, a numerical model of the RC specimen has been developed based on the experimental data in the COMSOL software, and the effect of corrosion in the form of varying mass loss percentages has been simulated. Based on the results, it is concluded that the experimental and numerical conductance signatures before and after corrosion are matched. The deterioration in terms of stiffness loss in the RC specimen was 18.20% at 30% mass loss.

Experimental Analysis of Pneumatic Motion Control Application with Piezo Technology

Piezo technology is used in a large number of sectors thanks to the possibility of switching between electrical energy and motion energy. In particular, Piezo technology provides an important advantage in pneumatic applications with its features such as low energy consumption, accuracy, quiet operation, compact structure, fast switching possibility, quiet operation and lightness. Directional control, proportional pressure control, proportional flow control, positioning, soft-stop and similar basic applications are being transformed into controlled and digitalized Pneumatic System applications. In this paper, piezovalves developed using piezoceramic material are compared with solenoid valves in pneumatic applications. The working methods and advantages of piezo technology in pneumatic applications such as pressure control, flow control, motion control are presented. The experimental test device with a pneumatic cylinder working with piezo valves and position sensors was installed and motion control application was performed. In the experimental results of the application, the system characteristics can be observed graphically and the results can be analyzed.

Piezoelectric Textile Facade for the energy supply of active sensor technology with regard to data management for circular economy in building construction

The high GWP potential of construction requires a holistic approach such as circular economy. Currently, common joining, construction and planning practices result in heterogeneous assemblies of different components that are difficult to deconstruct. Furthermore, there is currently little information and data on building components used and the climatic impacts on them. In this context and with the intention of recording long-term (circular) processes in construction, the Piezo-Klett basic research project (FFG no. 879459) funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) deals with the energy supply of active sensor technology in construction by combining the hook and loop fastener with piezoelectric components. The aim is to open new perspectives on sustainable energy production systems by transforming buildings into energy carriers and generators, analogous to a “battery”. To this purpose, the result presented in this conference paper is a description of the constructive structure (climatic impacts, construction, piezo technology) of a “Piezoelectric Textile Facade” as well as test results on piezo tapes. This opens new possibilities in the context of the application of hook-and-loop fasteners, the energy supply of active sensor technologies as well as in the field of data acquisition and data management.

Steering Toward the Future: The Use of Piezo Technology for Optical Intersatellite Communication

Recent years have seen a reemergence of interest and investment in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. First proposed in the 1990s, the construction of such constellations was once the hopeful plan of companies, such as Iridium, Globalstar, Odyssey, and Teledesic [1]. Unfortunately, most of these plans never fully came to fruition as the upfront construction costs were unfeasible, and a new competing network implementing fiber optic cables was introduced. These fiber optic cable networks promised users high data rates at a fraction of the construction costs of a satellite network. Today, as worldwide data throughput and coverage requirements increase beyond the capacity of fiber optic cable networks, companies, such as SpaceX, Amazon, ViaSat, OneWeb, and Telesat, are resurrecting the idea of LEO constellations [2]. In order to avoid the fate of their predecessors, these companies must build robust constellations with reliable satellites as launching satellites comes at high costs. One of the most critical systems aboard these satellites is the communication terminal that allows each satellite to communicate with other satellites in the constellation.

NUMBER OF FINE PARTICLES’ AND THEIR MASS CONCENTRATION: COMPARISON OF EMISSION OF NEW PRINTING TECHNOLOGY VERSUS TRADITIONAL LASER TECHNOLOGY

For many years the printers have been essential part of our offices and exposures from various printing technologies have been widely researched. The main objective of this study was to compare emitted number and mass of fine particles from laser printers and new Micro Piezo technology ink jet printers during the printing process and one hour afterwards as these emissions have potential for negative health effects.Air samples were taken with the particle size spectrometer for real-time ELPI+, Dekati (air flow rate 10 l/min). Measurements were taken ~0.5 m from the printers: one hour before the test, during printing and one hour afterwards. Similar class blackwhite (b/w) and colour printer of each technology were tested. Each printer performed a 10-page and a 100-page test according to ECMA 328-1 Standard [1].During laser printer tests from 8324 to 19943 pt/cm3 fine particles were determined on printing phase from b/w and colour printers. Ink jet (Micro Piezo) printers produced less: from 3239 to 5247 pt/cm3. One hour after the printing phase for both types of laser printers’ there were 54722 to 152351 pt/cm3 particles in air and 4270 to 9579 pt/cm3 particles for ink jet printers. Detected particle mass differences was insignificant: in range of 0.002 to 0.012 mg/m³ for laser printers and 0.002 to 0.019 mg/m³ for ink jet printers. Micro Piezo technology printers emitted mass particles were with bigger median size μm.The highest number of particles was observed one hour after the printing for both tested printer technologies. Laser printers’ emitted 2.5 to 3.8 times more particles in printing phase and 12.8 to 15.9 times more after printing phase. Particle mass in mg/m³ was detected in the size range 6nm - 2.5 μm with no significant mass differences.

Characterization of energy consumption of new piezo actuator system used for hydraulic on/off valves

This paper presents a newly developed four-way digital piezo valve system composed of four high-response on/off piezo valves. The main part of the new on/off piezo valves introduces the piezo actuator system, which can be used instead of conventional solenoids. One of the important aspects related to the energy consumption of hydraulic linear drives is the use of energy-efficient hydraulic valves that require low switching energy and low holding power consumption. The first part of the paper presents the theoretical background of piezo technology, which is very important for understanding the properties of piezoelectric actuators. It is followed by a detailed description of the new piezoelectric actuator system used in on/off valves and four-way digital piezo valve system. The main part presents a thorough experimental analysis of the electrical energy consumption of the new piezoelectric actuator system, which can be used both as an actuator of hydraulic high-response on/off valves as well as an energy-efficient micropositioner. To validate the electrical switching energy and the holding power consumption of the new piezoelectric actuator system, several existing on/off valves were used as reference. The experimental analysis shows a huge reduction of electrical energy consumption when using the new piezo actuator system for hydraulic on/off valve actuation. Especially the holding power consumption in the stationary active state is about 6 times lower compared to other hydraulic on/off valves.

A push-mode piezo inkjet equivalent circuit model enhanced by diaphragm displacement measurements

This paper reports on ways to better predict droplet ejection velocity of push-mode piezo inkjet technology by upgrading the conventional equivalent circuit model. Calculation results from the traditional model imply that the driving pulse width conditions without ink ejection only periodically exist in the pull-push piezo driving mode. However, ink ejection is actually observed under any pulse width condition. The displacement of the diaphragm with respect to the piezo element input voltage waveform was measured with a highly accurate capacitive displacement gauge to correct for the difference between the actual measurements and calculations. The equivalent circuit model was then modified so that the measured diaphragm residual oscillations could be expressed. We presumed that an actual inkjet printhead contains an effective spring oscillation component, effective actuator mass, and damping component larger than that used in conventional equivalent circuit model calculations. We demonstrated that the difference between the calculated results and actual measurements could be reduced. Modifications to equivalent circuit model are based on the addition of an effective mechanical spring oscillation component having the same function as the ink chamber compliance, an increase in actuator inertance corresponding to the mass of the actuator, and an effective resistance element expressing a damped oscillation.

Application of piezoelectric technology in automotive systems

Piezoelectric materials are smart materials which converts mechanical energy into electric energy on the application of stress or strain and vice-versa. Automotive technology is currently the second largest market for piezoelectric products. Piezoelectric technologies are being used in actuators, fuel injectors, sensors and various safety systems in various automobile industries. Piezoelectric actuators convert electrical signal into mechanical movement which are used for adjusting mirrors, lenses and other automotive parts. Fuel injectors using piezo technology are said to be more accurate than their conventional equivalents and has provided more fuel efficiency and less emission results. Fuel atomizer, keyless door entry, seat belt buzzers air bag sensor, air flow sensor, audible alarms, knock sensors, tire pressure sensors are one of the major employers of Piezoelectric material applications. This paper focusses on exploring new frontiers where the piezoelectric materials can improve the performance of the existing products

Test of piezo-ceramic motor technology in ITER relevant high magnetic fields

In the framework of a Fusion for Energy (F4E) grant, a test campaign started in 2012 in order to assess the performance of the in-vessel viewing system (IVVS) probe concept and to verify its compatibility when exposed to ITER typical working conditions. ENEA laboratories went through with several tests simulating high magnetic fields, high temperature, high vacuum, gamma radiation and neutron radiation.A customized motor has been adopted to study the performances of ultrasonic piezo motors technology in high magnetic field conditions. This paper reports on the testing activity performed on the motor in a multi Tesla magnetic field. The job was carried out in a test facility of ENEA laboratories able to achieve 14T. A maximum field of 10T, fully compliant with ITER requirements (8T), was applied. A specific mechanical assembly has been designed and manufactured to hold the motor in the region with high homogeneity of the field. Results obtained so far indicate that the motor is compatible with high magnetic fields, and are presented in the paper.

High Quality, High Speed, Next-Generation Inkjet Technology with Scalability from Serial Printheads to Lineheads

Digital printing technologies are demonstrating strong growth due to their on-demand capability, which enables short run, varied-lot printing with rapid turnaround. Key growth segments in which piezo inkjet technology is recently increasing its presence are commercial, industrial and business printing, which demand professional quality and high productivity. Piezo inkjet technology uses mechanical energy rather than heat for ejection, enabling various types of ink to be used – from non-aqueous UV inks to water-based pigment inks.Thus far, we have developed MACH printheads with 120-180 npi/row nozzle resolution by enhancing the process of precision machining bulk piezo and ink channel components [1-5]. Using a different approach, we dramatically raised the nozzle resolution with TFP (Thin Film Piezo) technology in 2007 [6]. TFP's high displacement piezo, with a thickness of around 1 μm, made it possible to increase the nozzle resolution up to 360 npi/row. We have since utilized TFP as our flagship technology in large format printers.Now, with a next-generation actuator chip, we have succeeded in broadening the application of TFP technology into a wider range of printing segments, from desktop serial printers to industrial linehead presses. In this paper, we explain this nextgeneration inkjet technology, which achieves high output quality, high speed printing and improved scalability through the miniaturization of the core chip.

The Prevalence and Natural History of Complex Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea (CSA) may occasionally occur in patients with obstructive sleep apnea during titration with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. To determine the prevalence and the natural history of CPAP-emergent CSA. This is a retrospective study of 1286 patients with a diagnosis of OSAwho underwent titration with a positive airway device during a 1-year period. Patients were seen in consultation and underwent full-night attended polysomnography followed by full-night attended CPAP titration. Four weeks after CPAP therapy, patients returned to the clinic for follow-up, and objective adherence to CPAP was recorded. In patients who had CSA on CPAP, a second full-night attended CPAP titration was recommended. Eighty-four of the 1286 patients developed a central apnea index (CAI) of 5 or greater per hour while on CPAP. The incidence of CSA varied from 3% to 10% monthly, with an overall incidence of 6.5%. Forty-two of the 84 patients returned for a second CPAP titration. In 33 patients, CSA was eliminated. In each of the remaining 9 patients, the CAI remained at 5 or greater per hour, with an average of 13 per hour. These patients characteristically had the most severe OSA, and 5 had a CAI of 5 or more per hour at baseline. Two of the 9 patients were on opioids In this large retrospective study of 1286 patients with a diagnosis of OSA, 6.5% had CPAP-emergent or persistent CSA. However, CPAP-emergent CSA was generally transitory and was eliminated within 8 weeks after CPAP therapy. The prevalence of CPAP-persistent CSA was about 1.5%. Severity of OSA, a CAI of 5 or greater per hour, and use of opioids were potential risk factors.

Delphi Common Rail system with direct acting injector

In 2008 Delphi will bring into production a ground-breaking concept in diesel fuel injection technology years ahead of the competition: the Direct Acting piezo technology for diesel engines. In the 2000 bar Delphi Direct Acting Common Rail system, the injector needle is set in motion directly by a piezo-ceramic actuator, rather than being moved via an electro-hydraulic circuit. Ultra-fast needle opening and closing independent of the injection pressure leads to improved emissions and fuel consumption whilst breaking new levels in power density and engine torque. Maximum controllability of small pilot injections with exceptional multiple injection stability over lifetime guarantee a premium injection performance.

ITS — The tyre information system of the future

From September 2007 onwards, all new vehicles in the United States weighing up to 4.5 t are required to have a tyre pressure monitoring system. This issue is being debated in Europe. Continental, a manufacturer of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), is working on the Intelligent Tyre System (ITS) that uses piezo technology to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, thus allowing it to operate independently of a battery. In addition, ITS offers a wide variety of new safety and comfort features.

ITS — The Tyre Information System of the Future

From September 2007 onwards, all new vehicles in the United States weighing up to 4.5 t are required to have a tyre pressure monitoring system. This issue is being debated in Europe. Continental, a manufacturer of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), is working on the Intelligent Tyre System (ITS) that uses piezo technology to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, thus allowing it to operate independently of a battery. In addition, ITS offers a wide variety of new safety and comfort features.

Novel Micro Piezo Technology for Ink Jet Printhead

Micro Piezo technology is offering superior features in ink ejection performance, compatibility with a wide variety of inks, and durability. As a result, this technology has already being utilized effectively in various commercial and industrial fields such as photo lab printing, digital printing, textile printing, and color filter manufacturing. However, new printheads that have a larger number of nozzles and higher performance are constantly required to improve printing speed or productivity, both for commercial products and industrial applications.We have succeeded to develop a next-generation Micro Piezo printhead, which has 360 nozzles-per-inch and piezo elements of 1 micrometer of thickness. In spite of the nozzle density doubled, this printhead retains all the advantages of the current Micro Piezo printheads, including the ability to produce variable sized droplets and the capability to eject ink droplets at high frequency. The installation of next-generation Micro Piezo printheads in printers and other devices will make it possible to design speedier and more compact inkjet equipments than ever before.In this paper, the key to improve the printhead performance and increasing nozzle density is studied. Then, the structure and characteristics of the next-generation Micro Piezo printhead are described.

The new 4,2-I-TDI-V8 engine from Audi

Audi’s 4,2-I-V8-TDI engine reveals the consistent onward development of the 4,0-I-TDI engine that hitherto had been offered in the Audi A8. The new V8 TDIs are characterised by very high engine power — 240 kW — and torque of 650 Nm. By using a CSF diesel particle filter the EU 4 exhaust gas norm is satisfied. In the new engine, the cylinder gap is increased from 88 to 90 mm and the injection system converted to piezo technology. The exhaust recirculation system, combustion and turbo-charging have been further optimised. The development of the new engine is documented in two reports. The first part describes the design and mechanics, the second part the thermodynamics, application and exhaust-gas treatment.

Spray-Guided Combustion System with Piezo Injection

Mercedes-Benz has developed a new spray-guided combustion system for petrol engines with Piezo injection technology. The new combustion process allows maximum fuel savings and displacement flexibility.

New Drive Electronics to Improve Drop Weight Uniformity in Multi-Nozzle Inkjet Heads

It is well known that piezo inkjet technology is capable of depositing a controlled amount of fluid in a specified location very accurately. This technology renders itself well to various deposition applications. We have conducted research to apply inkjet technology to patterning devices. In order to achieve high rates of production throughput, multi-nozzle inkjet heads are needed. One of the issues with multi-nozzle heads is the drop weight variation between channels. The inkjet heads used for this research have 128 piezo-electric elements in line. An analog drive circuit, which creates a trapezoidal waveform, is connected to the common electrode of all elements. The other ends of piezo elements are connected to individual switches. The element discharges on the leading edge of the trapezoid waveform if the other end is grounded by the switch. This causes the element to shrink and pull back the meniscus at the orifice. When it is charged on the trailing edge, the element expands and pushes the meniscus out through the orifice. The discharge level, which influences drop volume, can be controlled by adjusting the duration of the grounding time of the switch. By using this method, it has been shown that the drop weight variations across the 384 nozzles (three heads) can be improved from 25-27ng±20% to 25-27ng±5%.