From energy-recovery sensor systems and adaptive haptic surfaces, to ultrasonic sensor cleaning and self-monitoring vehicle structures - CeramTec's piezoceramic solutions are paving the way for the vehicle technologies of tomorrow.
They are already indispensable in today's automotive world: our materials and components deliver precise performance even under the harshest conditions, combining high measurement accuracy with lightning-fast response times and exceptional robustness. In this way, they support proven systems just as much as forward-looking concepts - making a decisive contribution to sustainable mobility and autonomous driving.
Looking ahead, lead-free piezoceramic solutions will play a key role in this journey - meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations while maintaining the high performance standards the automotive industry demands.
Innovative Concepts – Developed Together
Piezoelectric ceramic components enable numerous new functional approaches in vehicles. The following examples illustrate potential applications and serve as inspiration for possible development projects. Depending on the customer project, these topics may already be implemented or open up new innovation potential.
CeramTec supports customers throughout the entire development process:
From selecting suitable material systems to integration into assemblies. This collaborative partnership results in customized solutions that are both technically and economically compelling.
Whether in concrete product development or the early concept phase – we see ourselves as a development partner.
The basic steps are:
- Mechanical excitation: Irregularities in the road, cornering, tire deformation, or general sources of vibration generate a periodic force.
- Piezoelectric conversion: The piezoceramic layer deforms slightly under this load and generates an electrical voltage.
- Electrical utilization: The energy generated is buffered in a capacitor or micro energy storage device and can supply microsensors.
Technical Advantages
- Energy yield even with very low vibration (high sensitivity)
- Reliable under extreme temperatures, humidity, and stress
- Ideal for sensor technology in rotating systems (e.g., tires)
- No battery → no maintenance → no failures due to discharge
- Compatible with low-power electronics and wireless sensors (BLE, UHF, NFC)
Adaptive Vehicle Interior
Functional principle
The inverse piezoelectric effect is used here: When electrical voltage is applied to a piezoceramic actuator, it changes its geometry minimally – quickly and precisely, depending on the frequency. This allows controlled vibrations or click pulses to be generated. These changes in properties enable new ways of tactile interaction in infotainment suites.
Technical details
- Piezo actuators offer extremely short response times (<1 ms).
- High frequency ranges (ultrasonic capability), but also low-frequency haptic signals are possible.
- High force development with minimal deformation → ideal for thin or hidden installation locations.
- Actuators can be integrated into complex, curved surfaces (dashboard, touch surfaces, center console).
Ultrasound-based Autonomous Sensor Cleaning
Functional principle
Piezo ultrasonic transducers generate precise, high-frequency vibrations (typically 20 kHz – 80 kHz). These vibrations generate:
- Microvibrations on the surface (e.g., camera cover), and
- Pressure fluctuations in the water or air film in front of the sensor.
These micro-effects reliably remove dirt particles, dust, water droplets, or ice from the sensor surface - without mechanical wipers or moving parts.
Technically relevant are:
- High frequency stability for optimum cleaning effect
- Very thin design of the piezoceramic elements
- Integration into glass, plastic, or metal possible
Smart Materials
Functional principle
Piezo sensors are integrated into structural elements as embedded functional layers. They serve simultaneously as:
- Sensor: detects strain, cracks, structural changes
- Actuator: can emit targeted pulses to monitor the structure (e.g., pulse echo method)
This creates a so-called "structural health monitoring system" (SHM).
Technical mechanisms
- Lamb wave analysis: Ultrasonic pulses travel through the component and are reflected by defects – the piezoceramic sensors receive these signals.
- Vibration analysis: Changes in natural frequencies indicate material fatigue.
- Quasi-static strain measurement: Piezo elements react to forces and strains.
