Sensory capsule

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensory capsule (10), comprising a shell (20) and a transducer (30) configured to convert a sound signal into mechanical vibrations, characterized in that the shell (20) has dimensions suitable for being taken by hand and delimits a hollow interior space (21), in which the transducer (30) is arranged. Abstract figure: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Sensory capsule Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensory capsule, comprising a shell and a transducer. The field of the invention is that of acoustic devices designed for relaxation or therapeutic treatments. Prior art

[0002] Examples of acoustic devices are described in documents US10226133, US9351075 and US6369312. These devices are not fully satisfactory, concerning the sound frequencies transmitted to the body and the possibilities of tactile stimulation.

[0003] An example of a transducer is described in document US8724844. Such a transducer is available from Revolution Acoustics Ltd., of Montreal, Quebec, Canada (multiducer model SSP6), on the site https: / / www.revolutionacoustics.com / . Statement of the invention

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to propose a sensory capsule, well suited for a relaxation or sensory therapy session.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a sensory capsule, comprising a shell and a transducer configured to convert a sound signal into mechanical vibrations, characterized in that the shell has dimensions suitable for being taken by hand and delimits a hollow interior space, in which the transducer is arranged.

[0006] Thus, the invention makes it possible to propose a sensory capsule of simple construction, nomadic and tactile, allowing an effective transmission of vibrations, for a relaxation or sensory therapy session, with music or specific frequencies. The capsule is adapted to be taken by hand and / or positioned on a substrate. The capsule functions as a speaker, making it possible to transform any element (object, structural element or human body) into a musical resonance table, by direct contact. The shell and the transducer are designed to transmit to a body by mechanical vibrations all the sound frequencies between 1 and 20 kHz, during direct contact of the body with the shell. The capsule aims to enrich the sensory experience during musical events, by overcoming the limitations of current tactile bass products, which are limited to the feeling of low frequencies.Our innovation combines the sense of touch with bone conduction to deliver an immersive audio-tactile experience.

[0007] According to other advantageous characteristics of the capsule according to the invention, taken in isolation or in combination:

[0008] - The transducer is fixed to the hull.

[0009] - The transducer is arranged in direct contact against the hull.

[0010] - The shell is made of rigid material, having a higher Young's modulus or equal to 1 MPa.

[0011] - The shell has a flat wall, and the transducer is mounted in the space interior directly against this flat wall.

[0012] - The shell has a convex spherical wall, and the transducer is mounted in the interior space directly against this convex spherical wall.

[0013] - The hull is monobloc, formed from a single piece.

[0014] - The hull is a two-hull, formed of two pieces.

[0015] - The shell is made from a mixture of photopolymer resins.

[0016] - The hull has a convex shape.

[0017] - The shell has a spherical shape.

[0018] - The shell has a geode shape, that is to say a hollow sphere.

[0019] - The shell has a convex polyhedron shape.

[0020] - The hull has a cube shape.

[0021] - The sensory capsule includes a transducer mounting interface attached to inside the sensory capsule on the lower part.

[0022] - The sensory capsule comprises an elastomer interface positioned under a lower wall of the shell and attached to the sensory capsule in an autonomous manner.

[0023] - The hull has a side opening, sized for the passage of a hand to grasp the transducer.

[0024] - The hull is closed, without a side opening allowing the passage of a hand in order to grab the transducer.

[0025] - The transducer is a double-suspension inert acoustic transducer.

[0026] - The transducer comprises: - an electromagnetic motor assembly comprising at least one yoke and at least one magnet, which are stacked and which form a magnetic air gap delimited by an internal wall of the at least one yoke; and - a voice coil provided with a voice coil former and positioned at least partially in the magnetic gap.

[0027] - The transducer comprises a first suspension configured to connect the voice coil former to the electromagnetic motor assembly and connecting the electromagnetic motor assembly to at least one housing and one foot.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the invention relates to a sensory capsule of the tactile speaker type, comprising: - a hollow spherical dome-shaped shell, having a domed upper section and a flat bottom, said upper section having an inward opening; - an inertial acoustic transducer, comprising: - an electromagnetic motor assembly comprising at least one yoke and at least one magnet, which are stacked and which form a magnetic air gap delimited by an internal wall of the at least one yoke; - a voice coil provided with a voice coil former and positioned at least partially in the magnetic gap; and - a first suspension configured to connect the voice coil former to the electromagnetic motor assembly and connect the electromagnetic motor assembly to at least one housing and one foot, the transducer being fixed to the flat bottom of the hull.

[0029] According to another particular embodiment, the invention relates to a sensory capsule of the tactile speaker type, comprising: - a hollow shell delimited by a spherical wall and an opening formed in the spherical wall; - an inertial acoustic transducer, comprising: - an electromagnetic motor assembly comprising at least one yoke and at least one magnet, which are stacked and which form a magnetic air gap delimited by an internal wall of the at least one yoke; - a voice coil provided with a voice coil former and positioned at least partially in the magnetic gap; and - a first suspension configured to connect the voice coil former to the electromagnetic motor assembly and connect the electromagnetic motor assembly to at least one housing and one foot, the transducer being attached to the spherical wall of the shell.

[0030] According to another particular embodiment, the invention relates to a sensory capsule of the tactile speaker type, comprising: - a hollow shell, delimited and formed by a wall; - an inertial acoustic transducer, comprising: - an electromagnetic motor assembly comprising at least one yoke and at least one magnet, which are stacked and which form a magnetic air gap delimited by an internal wall of the at least one yoke; - a voice coil provided with a voice coil former and positioned at least partially in the magnetic gap; and - a first suspension configured to connect the voice coil former to the electromagnetic motor assembly and connect the electromagnetic motor assembly to at least one housing and one foot, the transducer being fixed to the wall of the hull.

[0031] The invention also relates to an assembly, comprising a substrate and a sensory capsule as defined above, positioned on the substrate.

[0032] The invention also relates to a relaxation space comprising at least one sensory capsule as defined above. Advantageously, the relaxation space may comprise several sensory capsules, arranged in a particular arrangement. Description of figures

[0033] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a sensory capsule according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.2] is a front view of the capsule of [Fig.l].

[0036] [Fig.3] is a rear view of the capsule of [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.4] is a top view of the capsule of [Fig.l].

[0038] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the capsule, in a horizontal plane referenced VV on [Fig.2],

[0039] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the capsule, in a vertical plane referenced VLVI in [Fig.2],

[0040] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the capsule, in section according to [Fig.5].

[0041] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the capsule, with only the shell and without the transducer.

[0042] [Fig.9] is a sectional view in a vertical plane of a capsule according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 10] is a sectional view similar to [Fig.9], showing the transducer mounting interface.

[0044] [Fig. 11] is a sectional view similar to [Fig.9], showing a capsule according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0045] [Fig. 12] is a sectional view similar to [Fig. 11], showing a variant of the capsule.

[0046] [Fig. 13] is a sectional view similar to [Fig. 11], showing another variant of the capsule. Detailed description of the invention

[0047] Figures 1 to 8 show a sensory capsule (10) according to the invention, of the tactile speaker type. The capsule (10) comprises a casing (20) of dimensions adapted to be taken by hand and delimiting a hollow interior space (21). The capsule (10) also comprises a transducer (30) arranged in the interior space (21) of the shell (20). The transducer (30) is configured to convert a sound signal into mechanical vibrations.

[0048] The shell (20) has a geode shape, consisting of a spherical wall (22) in the upper part and a flat wall (23) in the lower part. The spherical part (22) allows contact with surfaces that are not completely flat, such as the human body, while the flat wall (23) allows contact with flat surfaces, such as a table or a wall. The shape and dimensions of the capsule (10) are designed to allow its use by a child as well as an adult.

[0049] Alternatively, the shell (20) may have a convex polyhedron, cube, sphere, mushroom shape, or even a non-convex shape, as long as the shell (20) has a hollow interior space (21) for receiving the transducer (30).

[0050] The transducer (30) is positioned in contact with the shell (20), more precisely in contact with the flat wall (23). For example, the transducer (30) may have a height of 53.5 mm, and a base width of 69 mm. The contact interface between the shell (20) and the transducer (30) is specially designed to form perfect continuity, without any interference or alteration of the vibratory properties of the shell (20), in particular by the elements used to power the transducer (electrical wires, amplifier, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0051] The shell (20) and the transducer (30) are designed to transmit to a body, by mechanical vibrations, all of the sound frequencies between 1 and 20 kHz, during direct contact of the body with the shell (20), for a relaxation or sensory therapy session, with music or specific frequencies. These frequencies thus encompass the entire human hearing spectrum.

[0052] The shell (20) is a single-piece, monobloc shell. Thus, the shell (20) requires no assembly time and has a uniform surface that is pleasant to the touch. The shell (20) can be produced by 3D printing, molding, or any other suitable process, depending in particular on its constituent material.

[0053] Preferably, the shell (20) is made of a rigid material, having a Young's modulus greater than or equal to 1 MPa. More preferably, the shell may be made of a polymer material, for example polyurethane. Still preferably, the shell (20) may be made of a mixture of photopolymer resins, mainly including a urethane-acrylate resin, and having a Young's modulus of between 1 and 15 MPa. According to a particular embodiment, the shell (20) may be made of an algae-based polymer resin. According to other examples, the shell (20) may be made of metal, wood, rubber, or any other material suitable for the intended application. Advantageously, the material is chosen to be highly conductive of vibration terms and non-toxic in contact with the skin or mouth. The shell (20) may include a paint or coating, also non-toxic in contact with the skin or mouth.

[0054] The shell (20) has a lateral opening (24), sized for the passage of a hand to grasp the transducer (30). Thus, the user can feel the vibrations by direct contact with his body. The opening (24) can represent 10 to 20% of the surface area of ​​the shell (20), for example 15%. Alternatively, the shell (20) can be devoid of a lateral opening (24).

[0055] By way of non-limiting example, the shell (20) may have the following dimensions: - height: between 80 and 160 mm, for example 117.30 mm, - width: between 80 and 160 mm, for example 141 mm, - depth: between 80 and 160 mm, for example 130 mm, - height of the opening (24): between 80 and 120 mm, for example 90 mm, - width of the opening (24): between 80 and 120 mm, for example 100 mm.

[0056] The shell (20) comprises a rear projection (26), configured for the passage of a cable (36) for connecting the transducer (30), for the audio input. For example, the projection (26) may have a diameter of 10 mm, and its center may be positioned at a height of 9.5 mm relative to the lower surface of the flat wall (23). The connections of the transducer (30) are designed on the basis of a plug system, the function of which is to facilitate its use, while optimizing vibration losses.

[0057] The capsule (10) can be designed in a wired version (with for example 140 Watts of maximum power) or in a wireless version (with for example 50 Watts of maximum power). In the wireless version, the amplifier can be powered for example with a lithium battery, or any other suitable means.

[0058] The sound source is connected to the audio system, which will amplify the audio electrical signal in order to obtain sufficient power to operate the capsule (10). Once the signal is amplified, the transducer (30) causes the capsule (10) to enter into resonance.

[0059] As shown in [Fig.8], the shell (20) has an orifice (28) formed in the center of the wall (23), passing between the interior space (21) and the exterior of the shell (20). For example, the orifice (28) may have a diameter of 23 mm. Preferably, the orifice (28) is provided with a thread, intended to receive a threaded rod secured to the transducer (30). Alternatively, the orifice (28) has a smooth wall and is intended to receive a rod secured to the transducer (30), which is fixed to the shell (20) by gluing.

[0060] Preferably, the transducer (30) is a double-suspension inert acoustic transducer, such as that of document US8724844, benefiting from a zero magnetic field. This unique characteristic allows medical use without any contraindications, thus broadening its potential applications in the health field.

[0061] Alternatively, the transducer (30) may be of any type suitable for the intended application.

[0062] The invention also relates to an assembly (1) comprising a substrate (2) and a sensory capsule (10), as shown in [Fig. 2]. The capsule (10) is positioned on the substrate (2), in a manner adapted to the type of substrate (2). The capsule (2) transforms the substrate (2) into a resonance table, if the contact is made between a flat surface of the substrate (2) and the flat lower surface of the wall (23). Hard parts such as bones propagate the vibrations, while hollow parts will interact like a musical resonance table. The more rigid the substrate (2) in contact with the capsule (10), the more intense and ample the propagation will be. The best substrates (2) are rigid and not very dense.

[0063] The assembly (1) may include a quick removable fixing system (in a few seconds) for the capsule (10) to the substrate (2): double-sided adhesive, glue, mechanical fixing system, or any system adapted to the intended application.

[0064] The invention also relates to a relaxation space comprising at least one sensory capsule (10). In practice, the capsule (10) according to the invention is well suited for the creation of a Snoezelen sensory space, capable of translating music into vibrations in an unparalleled manner. Users will have the possibility of adding sound to the objects on which the capsule (10) is placed, as well as feeling the vibrations on different parts of their body, thus opening up new possibilities for sensory exploration.

[0065] With the body, if the capsule (10) is pressed against a thick and long bone like the spine, the propagation will be wider (along the entire length of the spine) and more perceptible than if the capsule (10) is pressed against the fingertips. There is therefore a relationship between the density, the rigidity, the length, the thickness but also the hollow part of the substrate (2).

[0066] If the capsule (10) is positioned in a hollow cube, then the walls of the cube will vibrate, while the hollow part of the cube will behave like a sound box, audible only. In addition to the vibration, ideally as intense as possible for maximum perception, the audible part is also important. The audible part is perceptible with a non-hollow substrate (2), but can be increased if the substrate (2) contains a hollow part.

[0067] In the case of the human body, as mentioned previously, the bones will propagate the vibrations and the hollow parts of the body will resonate. Aspects of proprioceptions with the capsule (10) are interesting, because the purpose of the capsule (10) is to offer a sensory device, with a possible medical use. Non-drug therapies can improve the psychological state of people with mental illnesses. The capsule (10) also makes it possible to respond to the deaf public, who want a device that can transcribe frequencies above 200 Hz (offered by existing devices such as Subpac and Woojer vests). The deaf public also wants to be able to distinguish high from low or medium frequencies with the same device.

[0068] Thus, the sensory capsule (10) is characterized by its material, its dimensions, its ergonomics, its connectivity and its unique design, allowing musical restitution by high-quality vibrations. The capsule (10) combines a tactile sensation and bone conduction, in order to restore all frequencies from 1Hz to 20KHz.

[0069] Other embodiments of sensory capsules (110; 210) according to the invention are shown in Figures 9 to 12. Certain constituent elements of the capsules (110; 210) are comparable to the capsule (10) of the first embodiment described above and, for the sake of simplification, bear the same numerical references increased by 100 or 200.

[0070] [Fig. 9] shows a capsule (110) according to a second embodiment, comprising a fully spherical shell (120), so that it can be held more comfortably in the hand(s) of a user. The shell (120) delimits an interior space (121), in which the inertial-type transducer (30) is arranged. More precisely, the transducer (30) is fixed to the interior surface (129) of the shell (120) by means of a mounting interface (140), detailed in [Fig. 10]. The mounting interface (140) has a curved base (142), glued to the interior surface (129) of the shell (120).

[0071] In a variant not shown, the shell (120) may have a lateral opening (24), like the shell (20).

[0072] [Fig. 10] shows the mounting interface (140), the base (142) of which has a curved outer surface (143) conforming to the inner surface (129) of the shell (120). The interface (140) may be made of die-cast aluminum, plastic, or any other suitable material. The interface (140) has a stud (144) secured to the base (142). The stud (144) has a shoulder (146) and a thread (148) corresponding to an internal thread formed at the bottom of the transducer (30). The stud (144) elevates the base of the transducer (130), so that once the transducer (130) is threaded onto the interface (140), the transducer (130) does not interfere with the base (142) of the interface (140) or the inner surface (129) of the shell (120). The transducer (30) threaded onto the thread (148) abuts against the shoulder (146). A retaining material such as Loctite (registered trademark) adhesive may be applied to the thread (148) and the shoulder (146) to ensure that the transducer (30) remains in place during long-term use.

[0073] [Fig. 11] shows a capsule (220) according to a third embodiment, comprising a shell (220) formed of a lower part (261) and an upper part (262). The two parts (261, 262) are joined at an interface (263), by means of an adhesive, gluing, ultrasonic welding, screwing or other similar means. The lower part (261) comprises a flat wall (223).

[0074] In a variant not shown, the shell (220) may have a lateral opening (24), like the shell (20).

[0075] The transducer (30) is mounted on a mounting interface (240), similar to the interface (140), but with a planar base (242) attached to the planar wall (223) of the shell (220). As non-limiting examples, the base (242) of the interface (240) is bonded to the planar wall (223) using an epoxy, methacrylate, tape or cyanoacrylate adhesive, or other similar means ensuring a permanent assembly.

[0076] To the right of [Fig.l 1] is shown a detail of the assembly of the two parts (261) and (262) of the shell (220) at the interface (263). The lower part (261) has a lip (271) projecting upwards and fitting into a groove (281) of the upper part (262). The abutment surface (272) of the lower part (261) interfaces with the corresponding abutment surface (282) of the upper part (262), when the groove (281) receives the lip (271). The multiple surfaces of the interface (263) ensure a good adhesive bond. The general design of the interface (263) can also be configured for ultrasonic or adhesive welding.

[0077] The capsule (210) may be equipped with an elastomer interface (250) positioned under the flat wall (223), in particular when the capsule (210) is used as a speaker arranged on a substrate (2) of the soundboard type. The elastomer interface (250) may be in the form of a disc, manufactured using an elastomer polymer with low hardness, for example between approximately 20 and 30 Shore A. The elastomer material inherently has a sticky surface, which can keep the capsule (210) pressed against the table (2), so that low frequencies of the order of 20 Hz to 300 Hz do not cause the capsule (210) to hum on the table (2). To the extent that the elastomer interface (250) is manufactured from a flexible material, its thickness may be limited to 3 mm.At the vibration speed of all audible audio frequencies, the vibrations impacting the elastomer interface (250) are sufficiently rapid to cause the elastomer interface (250) to act as a hard, energy-transmissive interface with the soundboard (2), allowing all of the energy created by the inertial-type acoustic transducer (30) to be transferred more efficiently to the soundboard (2). An additional benefit of using a low-hardness, tacky material for . the elastomer interface (250) is that if it becomes soiled with dust or debris, the elastomer interface (250) can be peeled off the wall (223), rinsed with water to remove the dust and debris, and reapplied to the wall (223) for further use.

[0078] [Fig. 12] shows a variant of the capsule (210), with the interface (263) equipped with a hanging system (290). The system (290) is provided for attaching a cord, so that the capsule (210) can be hung, for example, around the neck, for convenience. The system (290) comprises a hole (291) formed through the shell (220), a pin (292) disposed in the hole (292), elastomeric washers (295, 296), and a ring (298) mounted on the outer end (293) of the pin (292). In the interior space (221) of the capsule (210), the pin (292) has a crimped head (294), abutting against one or two elastomeric washers (296). Another elastomeric washer (295) is disposed on the pin (292) outside the capsule (210), between the shell (220) and the ring (290). The ring (290) may be D-shaped, O-shaped, or any other shape. The ring (290) receives the cord.

[0079] In a variant not shown, the capsule (210) can be equipped with two systems (290), each receiving one end of a cord.

[0080] [Fig. 13] shows another variant of the capsule (210), where the shell (220) has a shoulder (244) formed between the wall (223) and the lower part (261). The elastomer interface (250) has a circumferential band (252) which grips the disc-shaped shoulder (244). The circumferential band (252) has an internal diameter initially smaller than the diameter of the shoulder (244) and widens when mounted on the shell (220). Thus, the elastomer interface (250) can be easily coupled to the sensory capsule (210).

[0081] Furthermore, the capsule (10; 110; 210) may be shaped differently from figures 1 to 13 without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above may be, in whole or in some cases, combined with each other. Thus, the capsule (10; 110; 210) may be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

Claims

1. Sensory capsule (10; 110; 210), comprising a shell (20; 120; 220) and a transducer (30) configured to convert a sound signal into mechanical vibrations, characterized in that the shell (20; 120; 220) has dimensions suitable for being taken by hand and delimits a hollow interior space (21; 121; 221), in which the transducer (30) is arranged.

2. Sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shell (20; 120; 220) is made of rigid material, having a Young's modulus greater than or equal to 1 MPa.

3. Sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the shell (20) comprises a flat wall (23), and in that the transducer (30) is mounted in the interior space (21; 121; 221) against this flat wall (23).

4. Sensory capsule (10; 110) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shell (20; 120) is a single piece, formed from a single part.

5. Sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shell (20) is made from a mixture of photopolymer resins.

6. Sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the shell (20) has a convex shape, for example a spherical, geode or convex polyhedron shape.

7. Sensory capsule (110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a mounting interface (140; 240) of the transducer (30) fixed inside the sensory capsule (110; 210) on the lower part.

8. Sensory capsule (210) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises an elastomer interface (250) positioned under a lower wall (223) of the shell (220) and fixed to the sensory capsule (210) in an autonomous manner.

9. Sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the shell (20) comprises

10.

11.

12. a side opening (24), sized for the passage of a hand to grasp the transducer. Sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transducer (30) is an inert acoustic transducer with double suspension. Assembly (1) comprising a substrate (2) and a sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to one of claims 1 to 10, positioned on the substrate (2). Relaxation space comprising at least one sensory capsule (10; 110; 210) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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