Acoustic transducer arrangement, method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement and method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement

Abstract

An acoustic transducer arrangement (1) is described, comprising an acoustic transducer (2) arranged on a medium (3) such that an acoustic signal (S) is at least partially emitted by the acoustic transducer (2) through the medium (3) and / or received by the acoustic transducer (2) through the medium (3) during operation. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement and a method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement are described.

Description

An acoustic transducer arrangement, a method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement, and a method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement are described here. The publications DE 102013217362 A1 , DE 102009040264 A1 , DE 102006034997 A1 , DE 102008016558 A1 , DE 000069407794 T2 , DE 102013211627 A1 , DE 102006038598 A1 , DE 102008017067 A1 , DE 102005046173 A1 , DE 000010347098 A1 , DE 102018115294 A1 , DE 000029500074 U1 , and WO 1999 / 011490 A1 describe acoustic transducer arrangements. An acoustic transducer array can be used as a sensor, for example as a proximity sensor, an object identification or obstacle detection sensor, a distance sensor, a speed sensor, a sensor for testing or monitoring the structural integrity of materials, and / or a liquid level sensor. Acoustic transducers can be used, for example, as parking sensors in cars or as distance sensors in robots. In the former case, the acoustic transducers are typically mounted on the vehicle's bumper, which exposes the acoustic transducer to external influences and / or alters the appearance of the bumper. To extend their lifespan, for example in industrial applications, it may be desirable to protect the acoustic transducers from environmental influences such as mechanical forces, dust, moisture, and / or chemically reactive substances. Furthermore, in some applications, it may be desirable to position the acoustic transducer in such a way that it cannot be easily detected or tampered with. Additionally, it may be desirable to position the acoustic transducer in such a way that it does not alter the appearance or structure of the device to which it is attached. At least one objective of certain embodiments is to provide a seamless acoustic transducer arrangement. At least one further objective of certain embodiments is to provide a method for manufacturing a seamless acoustic transducer arrangement. At least one further objective of certain embodiments is to provide a method for operating a seamless acoustic transducer arrangement. These problems are solved by the acoustic transducer arrangement, the method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement, and the method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement according to the independent claims. Further embodiments and developments of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement, and the method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement are specified in the dependent claims. The acoustic transducer arrangement comprises: - an acoustic transducer arranged on a medium such that an acoustic signal is at least partially emitted by the acoustic transducer through the medium and / or received by the acoustic transducer through the medium during operation, and - a stiffening means embedded in the medium and comprising an annular element and spoke-shaped elements, wherein - the medium has a recess and the acoustic transducer is arranged in the recess, - the annular element surrounds the acoustic transducer and extends into the recess in the medium, and - the spoke-shaped elements are in direct contact with the annular element and point radially outwards from the annular element in directions parallel to a principal extension plane of the medium. The method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement comprises the steps of: - preparing a portion of the surface of a medium for arranging an acoustic transducer thereon, - arranging the acoustic transducer on the portion of the surface of the medium, wherein - the medium has a recess and the acoustic transducer is arranged in the recess, - the step of preparing a portion of the surface of the medium comprises embedding a stiffening means in the medium, - the stiffening means comprises an annular element and spoke-shaped elements, - the annular element surrounds the acoustic transducer and extends into the recess in the medium, and - the spoke-shaped elements are in direct contact with the annular element and point radially outward from the annular element in directions parallel to a principal extension plane of the medium. According to one aspect, the acoustic transducer arrangement includes an acoustic transducer mounted on a medium. The acoustic transducer can be configured to transmit and / or receive an acoustic signal. For example, the acoustic transducer combines the functions of an acoustic transmitter for sending acoustic signals and an acoustic receiver for receiving acoustic signals. The acoustic transducer is, for example, configured to convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and / or vice versa. The acoustic transducer is, for example, an ultrasonic transducer. The acoustic signal comprises or consists of, for example, acoustic waves. In particular, the acoustic signal and / or the acoustic waves lie within an ultrasonic spectral range. The ultrasonic spectral range includes, for example, sound waves with frequencies of at least 20 kHz. The acoustic transducer is configured, for example, for time-of-flight measurement and / or Doppler measurement. Time-of-flight measurement can be used, for instance, to measure the distance between the acoustic transducer assembly and an external object. Time-of-flight measurement determines, for example, the travel time of a pulse-like acoustic signal emitted by the acoustic transducer assembly, at least partially reflected back by the external object, and subsequently detected by the acoustic transducer assembly. Doppler measurement can be used, for example, to measure the velocity of the external object by comparing a frequency of the emitted acoustic signal with a frequency of the received acoustic signal, where the received acoustic signal includes at least a portion of the emitted acoustic signal reflected back by a moving external object. In particular, the medium is solid. For example, the medium comprises or consists of a metal, a plastic, a glass, and / or a ceramic. The medium may also comprise or consist of a composite or multilayer material such as wood, plywood, fiberboard, fiber-reinforced plastic, or similar materials. The medium may enclose or completely enclose a volume in which, for example, the acoustic transducer is located. A surface of the medium, for example, a surface on which the acoustic transducer is located, may form a closed surface. The medium may be, for example, sheet-like or plate-like, with a thickness of less than a linear extent of the medium in transverse directions.Here and in the following, the transverse directions are parallel to a principal plane of extension of the medium or parallel to a tangent plane of the medium on which the acoustic transducer is located. Specifically, thickness refers to a linear extension of the medium in a direction perpendicular to the principal plane of extension or the tangent plane. The medium may, for example, have a planar, curved, spherical, bent, angled, and / or complex shape. The medium could be, for example, a car bumper, a robot chassis, a container wall, a device housing, a frame, a cell, or a housing component of a complex device. The medium separates, for example, an outer or primary side of the acoustic transducer assembly from an inner or secondary side. In particular, the acoustic transducer is located on the inner or secondary side of the acoustic transducer assembly. On the inner side, the acoustic transducer is protected, for example, from external environmental influences that may occur or are present on the outer side of the acoustic transducer assembly. The acoustic transducer can be configured to detect external objects located on the outer or primary side of the acoustic transducer assembly. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer is positioned on the medium such that an acoustic signal is at least partially emitted from the acoustic transducer and / or received by the acoustic transducer through the medium during operation. In particular, a coupling surface for acoustic signals from the acoustic transducer is arranged on the medium. For example, acoustic signals generated by the acoustic transducer arrangement are coupled out of the acoustic transducer arrangement via a surface of the medium facing away from the acoustic transducer. For example, acoustic signals detected by the acoustic transducer arrangement are coupled into the acoustic transducer arrangement via the medium. The acoustic transducer can be positioned directly on the medium. Alternatively, other elements, such as a support, a coupling element, a fastening element, and / or a stiffening element, can be arranged between the acoustic transducer and the medium; these are described in more detail below. In particular, the medium exhibits a low acoustic absorption coefficient and a high acoustic transmittance for acoustic signals generated and / or detected by the acoustic transducer during operation. The acoustic absorption coefficient corresponds, for example, to the ratio between the power of the acoustic signal absorbed by the medium and the power of the acoustic signal incident upon the medium. The acoustic transmittance corresponds, for example, to the ratio between the power of the acoustic signal transmitted through the medium and the power of the acoustic signal incident upon the medium. For example, the acoustic transmittance of the medium for sound waves generated and / or detected by the acoustic transducer during operation is at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90%.The acoustic absorption coefficient of the medium for acoustic waves generated and / or detected by the acoustic transducer during operation is, for example, at most 50%, at most 30%, or at most 10%. The acoustic signal is generated, for example, by the acoustic transducer, and in particular, is generated entirely and exclusively by the acoustic transducer. The medium is, for example, a passive medium. In particular, the medium is not involved, or only minimally involved, in the generation of the acoustic signal. The acoustic signal passes through or traverses, for example, exclusively through the medium to and / or from the acoustic transducer. For example, the medium and the acoustic transducer are not directly and / or rigidly mechanically coupled. It is also possible, for example, that the medium generates the acoustic signal that is coupled out from the acoustic transducer arrangement. In particular, a surface of the medium facing away from the acoustic transducer can be an active surface of the acoustic transducer arrangement for generating the acoustic signal coupled out. Specifically, the medium and the acoustic transducer are mechanically coupled, either directly or indirectly. For example, the medium and the acoustic transducer are rigidly coupled and / or the medium is rigid. During operation of the acoustic transducer arrangement, for example, one or more vibration modes of the medium are excited, generating the acoustic signal that is coupled out of the acoustic transducer arrangement. It is also possible that the medium at least partially generates the acoustic signal that is coupled out from the acoustic transducer arrangement. In particular, the acoustic transducer and the medium are mechanically coupled. For example, the coupling between the acoustic transducer and the medium is not rigid, and / or the medium is not rigid. During operation of the acoustic transducer arrangement, for example, one or more vibrational modes of the medium are excited, which contribute to the generation of the acoustic signal. In other words, a first part of the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic transducer can be transmitted through the medium, while a second part of the acoustic signal generated by the acoustic transducer can be at least partially absorbed by the medium. The absorbed acoustic signal can excite vibrational modes in the medium, which generate a third part of the acoustic signal.For example, the first part of the acoustic signal and the third part of the acoustic signal are extracted from the acoustic transducer arrangement. The acoustic transducer arrangement, for example, has a neutral point, a neutral line, and / or a neutral area that experiences little or no deformation and / or vibration during operation. This neutral point, neutral line, and / or neutral area can be located, for example, within the acoustic transducer, within the medium, or between the acoustic transducer and the medium. If the neutral point, neutral line, and / or neutral region is located, for example, within the acoustic transducer or between the acoustic transducer and the medium, then the medium is at least partially passive and contributes little or not at all to the generation of the acoustic signal coupled out from the acoustic transducer assembly. This can be the case, for example, if the medium is not rigid and / or if the acoustic transducer and the medium are not rigidly coupled. If the neutral point, neutral line, and / or neutral region is located within the medium, the medium is at least partially active and contributes to the generation of the acoustic signal. This can be the case, for example, if the medium is rigid and / or the acoustic transducer and the medium are rigidly coupled. The closer the neutral point, neutral line, and / or neutral region is to a surface of the medium facing away from the acoustic transducer, the more the medium contributes to the generation of the acoustic signal coupled out of the acoustic transducer assembly.By appropriately selecting the dimensions, stiffness and / or thickness of the medium and / or by selecting a coupling type or coupling method for coupling the medium and the acoustic transducer, the location of the neutral point, neutral line and / or neutral area in the acoustic transducer arrangement can be adjusted and / or optimized. According to one embodiment, the acoustic transducer arrangement comprises an acoustic transducer which is arranged on a medium such that an acoustic signal is at least partially emitted by the acoustic transducer through the medium and / or received by the acoustic transducer through the medium during operation. The acoustic transducer arrangement described here is based on the idea of ​​providing a seamless acoustic transducer system. Specifically, the acoustic transducer is located on the inside of the medium, while the sensor for detecting external objects and / or their properties is positioned on the outside of the medium. This acoustic transducer arrangement makes it possible to physically conceal the acoustic transducer behind a structure or medium without losing or significantly degrading its acoustic properties. In particular, the acoustic transducer arrangement described here can protect the acoustic transducer from environmental influences on the outside of the arrangement, thereby improving its durability, reliability, and / or robustness. Furthermore, the acoustic transducer arrangement described here enables measurements, such as distance or level measurements, without altering the appearance or structure of the arrangement from the outside. This can be particularly useful in applications where the aesthetics and / or the flow dynamics, such as aerodynamics, of the arrangement are important. Furthermore, the acoustic transducer arrangement described here can enhance safety in industrial environments, where seamless or concealed sensors can monitor equipment or hazardous areas without exposing the sensor to potential damage or interference from external elements. Finally, the acoustic transducer arrangement described here can be used in security systems, for example, to detect intruders or unauthorized access, without being easily discovered or tampered with. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer includes or consists of an electromagnetic transducer. For example, the transducer may have a coil that converts an electric current into a magnetic field, which in turn is converted into a displacement of a magnetic actuator, or vice versa. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer has or consists of an electrostrictive transducer. For example, the acoustic transducer has or consists of a dielectric material that changes its shape when an electric field is applied, or vice versa. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer has or consists of a capacitive transducer. The capacitive transducer, for example, has a diaphragm and an electrode that are essentially parallel to each other and form a capacitor. In particular, the diaphragm can be deflected by applying a voltage between the electrode and the diaphragm. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer includes or consists of a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer includes or consists of, for example, a piezoelectric material that generates an electrical polarization when a mechanical stress is applied, or vice versa. The acoustic transducer includes or consists of, for example, a lead-containing piezoelectric material, a lead-free piezoelectric material, a PFAS-containing piezoelectric material, or a PFAS-free piezoelectric material. The acoustic transducer is, for example, a bare piezoelectric element, such as a piezoelectric crystal, a piezoelectric thin film, or a stack of piezoelectric thin films. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the piezoelectric transducer has or consists of a ceramic piezoelectric element, a polymeric piezoelectric element, a piezoelectric composite element and / or a piezoelectric thin-film element. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer is mounted on a support structure. In particular, the support structure mechanically stabilizes the acoustic transducer. The support structure is, for example, positioned between the medium and the acoustic transducer. Alternatively or additionally, the support structure can cover areas of the acoustic transducer that are not covered by the medium. For example, the support structure covers the side walls of the acoustic transducer. Alternatively, the support structure can completely enclose the acoustic transducer. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the support structure is pot-shaped. In particular, the pot-shaped support structure has a recess. The acoustic transducer is, for example, arranged in the recess of the pot-shaped support structure. According to another aspect, the acoustic transducer arrangement also includes an electronic circuit for operating the acoustic transducer. This electronic circuit is configured, for example, to control, drive, and / or read electrical signals from the acoustic transducer. In particular, the electronic circuit includes active electronics, such as an amplifier. The electronic circuit is, for example, mounted on a printed circuit board that is electrically connected to the acoustic transducer. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer and the electronic circuitry are arranged within the cup-shaped support structure. Specifically, the acoustic transducer and the electronic circuitry are located in the recess of the cup-shaped support structure. For example, the acoustic transducer is located at the bottom of the recess, while the electronic circuitry is located on a printed circuit board separated from the acoustic transducer by a seal. The acoustic transducer is, for example, completely enclosed by the support structure and the seal. According to another aspect, the acoustic transducer arrangement further comprises at least one additional acoustic transducer arranged on the medium. For example, the acoustic transducer arrangement includes an array of acoustic transducers arranged on the medium. All features disclosed for the acoustic transducer are also disclosed for the one or more additional acoustic transducers. For example, the acoustic transducer is configured to emit acoustic signals, while one or more additional acoustic transducers are configured to detect acoustic signals, or vice versa. In particular, the acoustic transducer and the additional acoustic transducer are arranged on the medium such that acoustic signals do not propagate directly from the acoustic transducer to the additional acoustic transducer via the medium, or only to a minimal extent, or vice versa. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the medium seals the acoustic transducer. For example, the medium hermetically seals the acoustic transducer. For example, the medium forms an enclosure for the acoustic transducer. In particular, the medium physically separates the acoustic transducer, which is located on the inside of the medium, from the outside of the medium. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the medium is shaped to conduct acoustic signals to and / or from the acoustic transducer. Specifically, the medium is shaped near the acoustic transducer to guide acoustic signals emitted and / or detected by the transducer. For example, the medium is thinned where the acoustic transducer is located. This thinning is achieved to a minimum thickness to maintain the medium's structural integrity while maximizing its transmittance for the acoustic signal. For example, the medium has a surface structure in and / or around an area where the acoustic transducer is located. The surface structure may, for example, have or consist of a multitude of pillars and / or recesses formed adjacent to the area where the acoustic transducer is located. The surface structure may be configured, for example, as an acoustic lens or an acoustic meta-lens for collimating and / or focusing the acoustic signal. For example, the surface structure may define or limit deformation or vibration of the medium to an area adjacent to the acoustic transducer during operation, or it may be configured to do so. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, a neutral point, a neutral line and / or a neutral area that is not deformed during operation is located within the medium, within the acoustic transducer, or between the medium and the acoustic transducer. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the medium is shaped to adjust the position of the neutral point, the neutral line and / or the neutral surface. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the medium has a recess, and the acoustic transducer is positioned within this recess. For example, the thickness of the medium within the recess is minimal, thus preserving the structural integrity of the medium while maximizing its transmittance for the acoustic signal. According to another aspect, the acoustic transducer arrangement also includes a stiffening element. This stiffening element is designed, for example, to guide acoustic signals through the medium to and / or from the acoustic transducer. The stiffening element may, for example, include or cause an acoustic impedance mismatch, such that the acoustic signal is at least partially reflected and / or refracted. For example, the stiffening element may define or restrict deformation or vibration of the medium to an area near the acoustic transducer during operation, or may be designed to do so. For example, the stiffening element may increase the efficiency of the acoustic transducer arrangement for generating and / or receiving acoustic signals on the outside of the medium. In particular, the stiffening element increases the efficiency and / or the signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic transducer arrangement. The stiffening element can comprise one or more stiffening elements. The stiffening elements can be made of or composed of different materials. Furthermore, the stiffening elements can have different shapes. The stiffening elements can be arranged isotropically or anisotropically and configured to shape the acoustic signal. The stiffening agent prevents or reduces, for example, the propagation of acoustic signals in transverse directions. The stiffening agent comprises or consists, for example, of fibers, such as glass fibers or carbon fibers, which are arranged on or integrated into the medium. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening agent may also have or consist of metal reinforcements. The stiffening agent is, for example, located in and / or near an area where the acoustic transducer is positioned on the medium. For example, the stiffening agent increases the structural stability and / or structural integrity of the medium, particularly if the medium is thinned in an area where the acoustic transducer is located. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the stiffening agent has a higher characteristic specific acoustic impedance than the medium. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the stiffening means is arranged within the medium, the stiffening means is arranged between the medium and the acoustic transducer, and / or the stiffening means is arranged within the acoustic transducer or is part of the acoustic transducer. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the stiffening means is designed to change the propagation direction of the acoustic signal during operation. According to another aspect, the acoustic transducer assembly further comprises a fastening means designed for mounting the acoustic transducer onto the medium. Specifically, the fastening means is located between the medium and the acoustic transducer. In particular, the fastening means is designed to mechanically fix the acoustic transducer to the medium. For example, the fastening means is also designed to act as a stiffening element, or vice versa. The fastening means includes or consists of, for example, a means for a snap-fit ​​connection, a screw connection, a threaded insert, an adhesive, and / or a resin. Furthermore, the fastening means can be embedded within the medium, for example by overmolding, thus providing an acoustic transducer assembly in which the acoustic transducer can be easily picked up and placed on or in the medium. According to another aspect, the acoustic transducer arrangement also includes a coupling medium located between the medium and the acoustic transducer. The coupling medium comprises or consists of, for example, an adhesive, such as a fiber-reinforced adhesive, a matching layer, and / or an acoustic gel. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the coupling medium is designed to increase acoustic coupling between the acoustic transducer and the medium. For example, the coupling medium increases the efficiency and / or signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic transducer arrangement. For example, the coupling medium increases the contact area between the transducer and the medium. For example, an active area of ​​the acoustic transducer is fully in contact with the medium via the coupling medium. According to another aspect of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic transducer is encapsulated with a potting material that covers all surfaces of the acoustic transducer not covered by the medium. The potting material, for example, contains or consists of a resin. In particular, the potting material is in contact, e.g., in direct contact, with the medium and the acoustic transducer. An element configured as a stiffening element may also be configured as a fastening element and / or a coupling element. Furthermore, an element configured as a fastening element may also be configured as a stiffening element and / or a coupling element. In addition, an element configured as a coupling element may also be configured as a stiffening element and / or a fastening element. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement is described here. In particular, the method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement described above can be used. All features of the acoustic transducer arrangement are also disclosed for the method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement, and vice versa. According to one embodiment, the method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement comprises the following steps: - Preparing a portion of a surface of a medium for arranging an acoustic transducer on it, - Arranging the acoustic transducer on the portion of the surface of the medium. For example, the surface of the medium is prepared by thinning the medium in the area where the acoustic transducer will be placed in a later step. Alternatively or additionally, a surface structure, such as a recess or an acoustic meta-lens, can be formed on the surface of the medium. Placing the acoustic transducer on the surface of the medium includes, for example, mounting the acoustic transducer onto the medium, e.g., using a fastener. According to another aspect of the process for manufacturing an acoustic transducer assembly, the step of preparing a portion of the medium's surface includes placing a stiffening agent on and / or in the medium. The stiffening agent comprises or consists, for example, of a stiffening element such as a metal reinforcement and / or a fiber-reinforced resin. According to another aspect, the process for manufacturing an acoustic transducer assembly includes a further step of encapsulating the acoustic transducer after it has been positioned on the medium. For example, the acoustic transducer is encapsulated with a potting material. Furthermore, a method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement is described here. In particular, the method can be used to operate the acoustic transducer arrangement described above. All features of the acoustic transducer arrangement are also disclosed for the method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement, and vice versa. According to one embodiment, the method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement described above comprises the following steps: - at least partially emitting an acoustic signal through the medium by applying an electrical signal to the acoustic transducer, - capturing at least a portion of the emitted acoustic signal, which is reflected back from a target on the side of the medium facing away from the acoustic transducer, by means of the acoustic transducer arrangement. For example, the acoustic transducer and / or another acoustic transducer is used to capture the reflected acoustic signal. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the acoustic transducer arrangement, the method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement and the method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement result from the exemplary embodiments described below in connection with the figures. Figures 1 to 9, 12 and 13 show schematic cross-sectional views of acoustic transducer arrangements according to various examples. Figures 10 and 11 show schematic cross-sectional views of acoustic transducer arrangements according to various examples. Figures 14 and 15 show a schematic top view and a schematic cross-sectional view of an acoustic transducer arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 16, 17 to 18 show schematic cross-sectional views of acoustic transducer arrangements according to further examples. Fig. 19 shows a schematic exploded view of an acoustic transducer arrangement according to another example. Fig. 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an acoustic transducer arrangement and a method for its operation according to an example. Figures 21, 22, 23 to 24 show schematic perspective views of acoustic transducer arrangements according to further examples. Fig. 25 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an acoustic transducer arrangement according to another example. Fig. 26 shows a schematic perspective view of part of an acoustic transducer arrangement according to an example. Figures 27 and 28 show simulation results of a deformation of a medium in an acoustic transducer arrangement according to various examples. Figures 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 to 35 show schematic top views of a stiffening element of an acoustic transducer arrangement according to various examples. Fig. 36 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an acoustic transducer arrangement and a method for its operation according to an example. Elements that are identical or similar, or have the same effect, are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures and the proportions of the elements depicted in the figures are not to scale. Rather, individual elements, especially layer thicknesses, may be exaggerated for clarity and / or better understanding. The acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 1 comprises a support 3 with a principal extension plane 33 extending in transverse directions x, y, on which an acoustic transducer 2 is arranged. The acoustic transducer 2 is configured to transmit and / or receive an acoustic signal S (see Fig. 20) in the ultrasonic spectral range. The acoustic transducer 2 comprises or consists of an electromagnetic, an electrostrictive, a capacitive, and / or a piezoelectric element for converting an electrical signal into the acoustic signal S and / or vice versa. The medium 3 comprises or consists of metal or plastic. The medium 3 is, for example, an outer part of a chassis, container, or housing of a complex device. The medium 3 is, for example, a car bumper, part of a car bumper, a robot chassis, or a tank wall. An area of ​​the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3 is larger, for example, by at least a factor of ten, than an area of ​​an output and / or input surface for acoustic signals of the acoustic transducer 2. The acoustic transducer 2 is arranged on the medium 3 such that, during operation, acoustic signals S are at least partially emitted by the acoustic transducer 2 through the medium 3 and / or that acoustic signals S are received by the acoustic transducer 2 through the medium 3. In particular, during operation, the acoustic transducer 2 emits the acoustic signals S in the longitudinal direction z and / or receives the acoustic signals S from a direction opposite to the longitudinal direction z. The medium 3 can also participate in the generation of the acoustic signal S. For example, the acoustic transducer 2 is coupled to the medium 3 such that, during operation, the acoustic transducer 2 excites vibrations in the medium 3 that at least partially constitute the acoustic signal S that is coupled out of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1. The medium 3 separates an outer surface O of the acoustic transducer assembly 1 from an inner surface I of the acoustic transducer assembly 1. For example, a surface of the medium 3 facing away from the acoustic transducer 2 marks a boundary between the outer surface O and the inner surface I of the acoustic transducer assembly 1. The acoustic transducer 2 is located on the inner surface I of the acoustic transducer assembly 1. In particular, the medium 3 seals or encapsulates the acoustic transducer 2 so that it is protected from the external environment on the outer surface O. For example, the medium 3 seals the outer surface O from the inner surface I. The acoustic transducer 2 is configured, for example, to detect an external object T (see Fig. 20) located on the outer surface O of the acoustic transducer assembly 1. The acoustic transducer arrangement 1 contains a neutral point, a neutral line, and / or a neutral area that undergoes little or no deformation during operation of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1. This neutral point, neutral line, and / or neutral area can be located within the acoustic transducer 2, within the medium 3, or between the acoustic transducer 2 and the medium 3. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 1, the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 2 comprises a further acoustic transducer 21, which is arranged on the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3. For example, the acoustic transducer 2 is configured to emit acoustic signals S, while the further acoustic transducer 21 is configured to detect acoustic signals S, or vice versa. It is also possible that the acoustic transducer 2 and the further acoustic transducer 21 are configured to both emit and detect acoustic signals S. The acoustic transducer arrangement 1 can also comprise three or more acoustic transducers 2, 21, which are arranged, for example, in the form of an array on the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3. The acoustic transducer 2 and the further acoustic transducer 21 can be identical or different. For example, the acoustic transducer 2 and the further acoustic transducer 21 are based on the same physical principle or on different physical principles for emitting and / or detecting acoustic signals S. Furthermore, the acoustic transducer 2 and the further acoustic transducer 21 can be made of the same or different materials. For example, the acoustic transducer 2 and the further acoustic transducer 21 can have the same shape and / or size or different shapes and / or sizes. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 1, the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 3 further comprises a potting material 9 that covers all surfaces of the acoustic transducer 2 not covered by the medium 3. The medium 3 and the potting material 9 together completely enclose the acoustic transducer 2 and protect it, for example, from harmful substances. The potting material 9 comprises, for example, a resin or consists of a resin. The potting material 9 also serves as a fastening element 7 for mechanically fixing the acoustic transducer 2 to the medium 3. Furthermore, the potting material 9 serves as a stiffening element 6, which is designed to increase the mechanical stability and / or stiffness of the medium 3 in the area where the acoustic transducer 2 is arranged.The potting material 9 can be used, for example, to set the position of the neutral point, the neutral line and / or the neutral area in the acoustic transducer arrangement 1. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 1, the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 4 further comprises a support structure 4. The support structure 4 is designed to mechanically stabilize the acoustic transducer 2. The support structure 4 comprises or consists, for example, of a metal plate or a plastic plate. The support structure 4 is arranged between the medium 3 and the acoustic transducer 2. Alternatively or additionally, the support structure 4 can also be arranged on a side of the acoustic transducer 2 facing away from the medium 3. The support structure 4 can completely enclose the acoustic transducer 2. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 4, the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 5 has a pot-shaped support structure 4. In particular, the pot-shaped support structure 4 has a recess 41, at the bottom of which the acoustic transducer 2 is arranged. In addition to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 5, the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 6 includes an electronic circuit 5. The electronic circuit 5 is electrically connected to the acoustic transducer 2 and is configured to operate the acoustic transducer 2. In particular, the electronic circuit 5 includes an amplifier. The electronic circuit 5 is arranged on a printed circuit board, which in turn is arranged in the recess 41 of the cup-shaped support structure 4. The electronic circuit 5 is separated from the acoustic transducer 2 by a seal 51. The seal 51 and the support structure 4 completely enclose the acoustic transducer 2. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 1, the medium 3 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 7 is thinner in the region where the acoustic transducer 2 is located. Specifically, the medium 3 has a recess 31, particularly in an area corresponding to the principal plane 33 of the medium 3, where the thickness D of the medium 3 is reduced. The acoustic transducer 2 is located in the recess 31. The recess 31 increases the acoustic transmittance of the medium 3 for the acoustic signal S emitted and / or detected by the acoustic transducer 2 compared to a medium without the recess 31, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1.For example, in the recess 31, the thickness D of the medium 3 is minimal, so that the structural integrity of the medium 3 is maintained and / or so that the optical appearance of the medium 3 is homogeneous from the outside O of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1, i.e., the recess 31 is not visible from the outside O. The recess 31 is designed, for example, such that the position of the neutral point, the neutral line, or the neutral region of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 is optimized. In contrast to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 7, the recess 31 in the main extension plane 33 of the medium 3 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 8 has angled side walls. In other words, the thickness D of the medium 3 changes continuously and / or smoothly along a cross-section of the recess 31. This can, for example, increase the stability of the medium 3 compared to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 7. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 1, the principal extent plane 33 of the medium 3 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 9 has a surface structure 32. The surface structure 32 comprises a plurality of columns and / or recesses for guiding acoustic signals S through the medium 3. In particular, the linear extent of the columns and / or recesses is smaller than one wavelength of the acoustic signal S. The surface structure 32 forms, for example, an acoustic meta-lens for focusing and / or collimating acoustic signals S emitted and / or detected by the acoustic transducer 2. For example, the surface structure 32 reduces or prevents the propagation of the acoustic signal S through the medium 3 in transverse directions x, y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction z. Alternatively or additionally, the surface structure 32 is configured to change the position of the neutral point, the neutral line, and / or the neutral surface. For example, the surface structure 32 shifts the position of the neutral point, the neutral line, and / or the neutral surface toward a surface of the medium 3 facing away from the acoustic transducer 2. For example, the surface structure 32 reduces or minimizes attenuation of the acoustic signal S by the medium 3 during operation. In this case, the dimensions of the surface structure can be larger than the wavelength of the acoustic signal S and / or bear no relation to the wavelength of the acoustic signal S. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 1, the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 10 further comprises a stiffening element 6. The stiffening element 6 is arranged within the medium 3 in a region where the acoustic transducer 2 is located. The stiffening element 6 is configured to guide acoustic signals S in the longitudinal direction z through the medium 3, in particular to and / or from the acoustic transducer 2. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening element 6 is configured to shift the position of the neutral point, the neutral line, and / or the neutral surface within the acoustic transducer arrangement 1. The stiffening element 6 comprises a variety of fibers, such as glass, carbon, and / or metal fibers, embedded in the medium 3. The stiffening element 6 can increase the structural stability of the medium 3, particularly when used in combination with the diluted medium 3 or with the recess 31 in the medium 3, as described in connection with Figures 7 and 8. Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can be configured to shape the propagation of the acoustic signal S in the medium 3, thereby enabling optimized wave propagation predominantly in the longitudinal direction z. The stiffening element 6 can comprise one or more elements, which may be made of the same or different materials and / or have the same or different shapes. The stiffening element 6 can be arranged isotropically or anisotropically, thereby shaping the propagation of the acoustic signal S in the transverse directions x, y. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 10, the stiffening element 6 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 11 is rod- or plate-shaped. In particular, the rod or plate is made of a different material than the medium 3 and is embedded in the medium 3. In contrast to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 10, the stiffening element 6 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 12 is arranged in the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3. In particular, the stiffening element 6 is annular and completely surrounds the acoustic transducer 2 in the transverse directions x, y, so that a gap exists between the stiffening element 6 and the acoustic transducer 2. The stiffening element 6 is, for example, a metal ring or an annular metal disc. The stiffening element 6 can be axially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction z, or the stiffening element 6 can have axial asymmetry with respect to the longitudinal direction z. For example, the stiffening element 6 is elongated and has a long axis and a short axis in the transverse directions x, y, e.g., for shaping the acoustic signal S during operation. In contrast to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 12, the stiffening element 6 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 13 is in direct contact with the acoustic transducer 2. In particular, there is no gap between the stiffening element 6 and the acoustic transducer 2. Figures 14 and 15 show different cross-sectional views of an acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cross-section in Figure 14 lies in the transverse plane, i.e., in the xy-plane, and corresponds to a top view of a plane within the medium 3 that runs parallel to the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3. Figure 15 shows a cross-section in the xz-plane, which includes the longitudinal direction z, analogous to Figure 1. The medium 3 has a recess 31, analogous to the recess 31 described in connection with Figure 7. A cup-shaped support structure 4 is arranged within the recess 31 of the medium 3, analogous to the cup-shaped support structure 4 described in connection with Figures 5 and 6. The acoustic transducer 2 is arranged at the bottom of the recess 41 of the cup-shaped support structure 4. The acoustic transducer arrangement 1 shown in Figures 14 and 15 further comprises a stiffening element 6, which has an annular element embedded in the medium 3, extending into the recess 31 and enclosing the support structure 4. The stiffening element 6 also has six spoke-like elements embedded in the medium 3, which are in direct contact with the annular element and extend radially outward from the annular element in the transverse directions x, y. The stiffening element 6 can have any number of spoke-like elements, i.e., more or fewer than six. Furthermore, the spoke-like elements can be arranged rotationally symmetrically about the longitudinal direction z, as shown in Figure 14, or they can be arranged rotationally asymmetrically about the longitudinal direction z, e.g., to shape the acoustic signal S during operation. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 1, the medium 3 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the examples in Figs. 16, 17 and 18 has a complex shape. In the case of a complexly shaped and / or non-planar medium 3, the principal extent plane 33 of the medium 3 corresponds to a tangent plane to a surface of the medium 3 on which, for example, the acoustic transducer 2 is arranged. In particular, the medium 3 shown in Fig. 16 has a round or curved shape. Furthermore, the thickness D of the medium 3 is not constant. In contrast, the medium 3 shown in Fig. 17 has a pot-shaped form with angled side walls. The medium 3 shown in Fig. 18 has a complex shape with flat and curved sections of varying thicknesses. Fig. 19 shows an exploded view of an acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to an example, comprising a medium 3, a stiffening element 6, a coupling element 8, and an acoustic transducer 2. The medium 3 has a complex shape. The stiffening element 6 is a metal ring with a through-hole, which is arranged in the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3. Within the through-hole, the coupling element 8 and the acoustic transducer 2 are arranged such that the coupling element 8 is located between the acoustic transducer 2 and the medium 3. The stiffening element 6 is further configured as a fastening element 7. In particular, the metal ring mechanically fixes the coupling element 8 and the acoustic transducer 2 to the medium 3. Fig. 20 schematically shows a method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement 1. The acoustic transducer arrangement 1 corresponds in particular to the example described in connection with Fig. 1, although the method works with any acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described here. During operation, an electrical signal is applied to the acoustic transducer 2, causing the acoustic transducer 2 to oscillate in a resonant mode and thereby emit an acoustic signal S, for example, an acoustic wave in the ultrasonic spectral range. The acoustic signal S is radiated in the longitudinal direction z and is emitted at least partially through the medium 3, which is, for example, leaf-like and extends mainly in the transverse directions x, y. The acoustic signal S is coupled out of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 via a surface of the medium 3 facing away from the acoustic transducer 2.Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic transducer 2 excites vibration modes of the medium 3 during operation, so that the medium 3 acts as an active part of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 and at least partially generates the acoustic signal S that is coupled out of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1. The acoustic signal S propagates further in the air or a liquid outside the acoustic transducer assembly 1, is at least partially reflected back by a target T, e.g., an external object, and then coupled back into the acoustic transducer assembly 1 via the surface of the medium 3 facing away from the acoustic transducer 2. The reflected acoustic signal S is transmitted through the medium 3 before being detected by the acoustic transducer 2 and converted into an electrical signal. Specifically, the acoustic transducer 2 is concealed behind the medium 3 within the acoustic transducer assembly 1 while, during operation, it examines the target T outside the acoustic transducer assembly 1. The acoustic transducer assembly 1 can be used, for example, to obtain various types of information from the target T, such as target distance, surface type of the target T, and / or target velocity.The acoustic transducer arrangement 1 can, for example, also be used for the detection of cliffs. As shown in Fig. 36, more than one acoustic transducer 2 can be operated simultaneously. For example, one acoustic transducer 2 transmits exclusively, while another acoustic transducer 21 receives exclusively. Such operation enables, for example, improved near-field performance and / or triangulation of the target T's position. The seamless acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described here can achieve comparable detection capabilities to an exposed acoustic transducer 2 where no medium 3 is arranged on the output surface of the acoustic transducer 2. Fig. 21 shows a schematic perspective view of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in conjunction with Fig. 4. Fig. 22 shows a schematic perspective view of an acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to an example, in which the medium 3 has a recess 31, e.g., in the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3. An annular stiffening element 6, elongated in the y-direction, is arranged within the recess 31. In other words, the stiffening element 6 is not rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis z. The acoustic transducer 2 is arranged within the ring of the stiffening element 6. Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 can be configured as a fastening element 7 for mechanically fixing the acoustic transducer 2 to the medium 3. The shape of the stiffening element 6 serves to shape and / or guide the emitted and / or received acoustic signal S. The long axis of the stiffening element 6 can be aligned along an axis of the acoustic transducer 2. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening element 6 can be configured to adjust and / or optimize the position of the neutral point, the neutral line, and / or the neutral surface within the acoustic transducer arrangement 1. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 22, the stiffening element 6 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 23 is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis z, i.e., it has the shape of a circular ring. A gap is arranged between the stiffening element 6 and the side walls of the recess 31, so that the stiffening element 6 is in contact with the medium 3 only via a bottom surface of the recess 31. In comparison to the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 described in connection with Fig. 23, the stiffening means 6 of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to the example in Fig. 24 is in contact with side walls of the recess 31. In particular, there is no gap between the stiffening means 6 and the medium 3 in the transverse directions x, y. Fig. 25 shows a schematic cross-section of an acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to an example, wherein a coupling means 8 is arranged between the acoustic transducer 2 and the medium 3. The coupling means 8 is configured to enhance acoustic and / or mechanical coupling between the acoustic transducer 2 and the medium 3. Furthermore, the coupling means 8 can be configured as a fastening means 7 for mechanically fixing the acoustic transducer 2 to the medium 3. The coupling means 8 is, for example, an adhesive layer, a fiber-reinforced adhesive layer, an adaptation layer, or an acoustic gel, as shown in the top views of the coupling means 8 in the right panel of Fig. 24. Fig. 26 shows a cup-shaped support structure 4 of an acoustic transducer arrangement 1 according to an example. The cup-shaped support structure 4 has a circular cross-section in the top view of the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3 (not shown). The acoustic transducer 2 is arranged at the bottom of the support structure 4. The cross-section of the cup-shaped support structure 4 has a smaller diameter at the bottom, where the acoustic transducer 2 is arranged, than at the top, i.e., on a side opposite the bottom. Figures 27 and 28 show simulation results of a deformation of the medium 3 during the operation of acoustic transducer arrangements 1 according to various examples. The acoustic transducer arrangement 1 in Figure 27 consists of the acoustic transducer 2, which is arranged on the medium 3, extending mainly in the transverse directions x, y. The acoustic signal S (not shown, see Figure 20) is radiated mainly in the longitudinal direction z during operation. Figures 27 and 28 show a perspective view of the outer surface O (see Figure 1) of the acoustic transducer arrangement 1, i.e., the main surface of the medium 3 shown in Figures 27 and 28 faces away from the acoustic transducer 2. Compared to the acoustic transducer arrangement shown in Figure 27, the acoustic transducer arrangement 1 shown in Figure 28 also includes an axially symmetric, i.e.,An annular stiffening element 6 is arranged on the medium 3 and surrounds the acoustic transducer 2. Figures 27 and 28 show that the stiffening element 6 limits the deformation or vibration of the medium 3 to the immediate vicinity of the acoustic transducer 2. Furthermore, the stiffening element 6 approximately doubles the amplitude of the deformation of the medium 3 at the position of the acoustic transducer 2, as shown in Figure 28, thereby also approximately doubling the amplitude of the acoustic signal S. Figures 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 to 35 show top views of the principal extension plane 33 of the medium 3, i.e., the xy-plane, of acoustic transducer arrangements 1 according to various examples. In all these examples, a stiffening means 6 is arranged on and / or within the medium 3 in the vicinity of the acoustic transducer 2. The stiffening means 6 shown in Figure 29 comprises two arc-shaped elements arranged on opposite sides of the acoustic transducer 2. The stiffening means 6 shown in Figure 30 comprises four arc-shaped elements arranged symmetrically around the acoustic transducer 2. The stiffening element 6 shown in Fig. 31 comprises three spoke-like elements arranged symmetrically around the acoustic transducer 2 and extending radially outwards from the acoustic transducer 2. The stiffening element shown in Fig.The stiffening device 6 shown in Fig. 32 comprises four arc-shaped elements arranged symmetrically around the acoustic transducer 2, similar to the stiffening device 6 shown in Fig. 30, and further comprises an annular element arranged concentrically to the acoustic transducer 2, connecting the four arc-shaped elements. The stiffening devices shown in Figs. 29, 30, 31 to 32 are arranged axially symmetrically around the acoustic transducer 2 and are not designed to adjust a non-centrosymmetric orientation, preferred direction, and / or propagation direction of the acoustic signal S during operation. The stiffening device 6 shown in Fig. 33 comprises a single, semicircular arc element arranged axially asymmetrically on one side of the acoustic transducer 2. In contrast to the stiffening device shown in Fig. 33, the stiffening device 6 shown in Fig. 34 also comprises an annular element arranged concentrically to the acoustic transducer 2 and another arc element arranged opposite the semicircular arc element. The stiffening device 6 shown in Fig. 35 comprises a single, rod-shaped element arranged on one side of the acoustic transducer 2. The stiffening devices shown in Figs. 33, 34 to 35 are arranged axially asymmetrically around the acoustic transducer 2 and are designed to establish a non-centrosymmetric orientation, preferred direction, and / or propagation direction of the acoustic signal S during operation. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described therein. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature and every combination of features, including in particular every combination of features in the claims and every combination of features in the exemplary embodiments, even if that feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or exemplary embodiments. Reference sign 1 Acoustic transducer arrangement 2 Acoustic transducer 21 Further acoustic transducer 3 Medium 31 Recess 32 Surface structure 33 Main extension plane 4 Support structure 41 Recess 5 Electronic circuit 51 Seal 6 Stiffening element 7 Fastening element 8 Coupling element 9 Potting compound D Thickness I Inside O Outside S Acoustic signal T Target x,y Transverse directions z Longitudinal direction

Claims

An acoustic transducer arrangement (1) comprising: - an acoustic transducer (2) arranged on a medium (3) such that an acoustic signal (S) is at least partially emitted by the acoustic transducer (2) through the medium (3) and / or received by the acoustic transducer (2) through the medium (3) during operation; and - a stiffening means (6) embedded in the medium (3) comprising an annular element and spoke-shaped elements, wherein: - the medium (3) has a recess (31) and the acoustic transducer (2) is arranged in the recess (31); - the annular element surrounds the acoustic transducer (2) and extends into the recess (31) in the medium (3); and - the spoke-shaped elements are in direct contact with the annular element and extend radially outwards from the annular element in directions parallel to a principal extension plane (33) of the medium (3). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic transducer (2) comprises an electromagnetic transducer, an electrostrictive transducer, a piezoelectric transducer or a capacitive transducer. The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the piezoelectric transducer comprises a ceramic element, a polymer element, a composite element or a thin-film element. The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acoustic transducer (2) is arranged on a support structure (4). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein the support structure (4) is pot-shaped. The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an electronic circuit (5) for operating the acoustic transducer (2). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the acoustic transducer (2) and the electronic circuit (5) are arranged within the pot-shaped support structure (4). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one further acoustic transducer (21) which is arranged on the medium (3). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the medium (3) seals the acoustic transducer (2). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the medium (3) is shaped such that it directs acoustic signals (S) to and / or from the acoustic transducer (2). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a neutral point, a neutral line and / or a neutral area which is not deformed during operation is located within the medium (3), within the acoustic transducer (2) or between the medium (3) and the acoustic transducer (2). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the medium (3) is shaped to adjust the position of the neutral point, the neutral line and / or the neutral area. The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the stiffening means (6) has a higher characteristic specific acoustic impedance than the medium (3). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the stiffening means (6) is further arranged between the medium (3) and the acoustic transducer (2), and / or the stiffening means (6) is part of the acoustic transducer (2). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the stiffening means (6) is configured to change a propagation direction of the acoustic signal (S) during operation. The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a fastening means (7) which is designed for mounting the acoustic transducer (2) on the medium. The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a coupling means (8) which is arranged between the medium (3) and the acoustic transducer (2). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to claim 17, wherein the coupling means (8) is configured to increase acoustic coupling between the acoustic transducer (2) and the medium (3). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the acoustic transducer (2) is encapsulated with a potting material (9) that covers all surfaces of the acoustic transducer (2) that are not covered by the medium (3). The acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the stiffening means (6) is configured as a fastening means (7) and / or as a coupling means (8), or vice versa. A method for manufacturing an acoustic transducer arrangement (1) comprising the steps of: - preparing a portion of the surface of a medium (3) for arranging an acoustic transducer (2) thereon, - arranging the acoustic transducer (2) on the portion of the surface of the medium (3), wherein - the medium (3) has a recess (31) and the acoustic transducer (2) is arranged in the recess (31), - the step of preparing a portion of the surface of the medium (3) comprises embedding a stiffening means (6) in the medium (3), - the stiffening means (6) comprises an annular element and spoke-shaped elements, - the annular element surrounds the acoustic transducer (2) and extends into the recess (31) in the medium (3), and - the spoke-shaped elements are in direct contact with the annular element and extend from the annular element in directions parallel to a principal extension plane (33) of the medium (3) point radially outwards. The method according to claim 21, comprising a further step of encapsulating the acoustic transducer (2) after it has been arranged on the medium (3). Method for operating an acoustic transducer arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising the steps: - at least partially emitting an acoustic signal (S) through the medium (3) by applying an electrical signal to the acoustic transducer (2), - capturing at least a part of the emitted acoustic signal (S) that is reflected back from a target (T) on a side of the medium (3) facing away from the acoustic transducer (2), by means of the acoustic transducer arrangement (1).

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