Flextensional transducer assembly including array of flextensional transducers

摘要

A flextensional transducer assembly (14/114/114'/114"/114''') adapted to eject droplets of a fluid includes a substrate (20/120) having a plurality of fluid cavities (21/121) defined therein, a plurality of flexible membrane portions (30/130) each supported by the substrate, and a plurality of actuators (40/140) each associated with one of the flexible membrane portions. Each of the flexible membrane portions has spaced edges (33/133) and an orifice (31/131) defined therein which communicates with one of the fluid cavities. Each of the flexible membrane portions is adapted to deflect in response to application of an electrical signal to an associated one of the actuators to eject a droplet of fluid through the orifice thereof.