Physical applications of ultrasound

Abstract

(1) Wipers, which are devices on the windshields of transportation vehicles that are used to ensure visibility from rain and other elements, have a problem in that when there is a heavy amount of rain or other elements, the wiping action of the rubber arms (components) cannot keep up, making it difficult to ensure visibility. (2) Smartphones and other devices have a feature called silent mode that notifies the user of incoming calls (signal reception) with vibration instead of sound. Traditionally, a small motor was built into the device and operated to generate vibrations. However, miniaturizing the motor was difficult, which presented a challenge in terms of miniaturizing and thinning the device itself. [Solution] (1) Instead of mechanically wiping away water droplets from the windshield with an arm-shaped member, the problem is solved by continuously irradiating the surface (outside) of the windshield with ultrasonic waves, which generates minute vibrations on the glass surface, and this vibrational action repels rain and ensures visibility. (2) Instead of using a small motor as the vibration source for silent mode, the problem is solved by using an ultrasonic generator (speaker shape) and a plate-shaped component such as metal as the vibration source, which makes it smaller (space-saving) than a motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applied technology of ultrasonic transmission technology.

Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic control technology (such as ultrasonic cleaning devices)

[0003] Mobile terminal control technology (such as smartphones)

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] (Problem 1) For the windshield, which is a window for a driver to check the front in the driver's seat of a transportation vehicle, regardless of the type of transportation vehicle such as an automobile, a ship, or an aircraft, measures are required to ensure the forward visibility from rain or the like. A device called a wiper is common. It is attached to the windshield and moves a rubber arm member left and right to wipe off water droplets or water flow such as rain to ensure visibility. This device has a problem that when the amount of rain or the like is large, it is difficult to keep up with the wiping by the arm and it is difficult to ensure visibility. (Problem 2) Among the functions of mobile terminals such as smartphones, in addition to the function of notifying incoming calls (radio wave reception) by sound, there is a function called a manner mode that notifies by vibration. This function has a mechanism in which a small motor is built into the terminal and vibration is generated by operating the motor. It is difficult to further miniaturize the currently used motor, and it is difficult to save space in the terminal, so there is a problem that it affects the miniaturization and thinning of the entire terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] (Solution 1) Instead of mechanically removing raindrops and water flow from the windshield by moving wipers (rubber arms), this method generates minute vibrations on the glass surface by continuously irradiating the windshield surface (outside) with ultrasonic waves. This vibrational action affects water droplets such as rain and the flow of water, causing them to vibrate (or be repelled) on the glass surface. This mechanism prevents raindrops and water flow from spreading across the glass surface, thus ensuring visibility and solving the problem. (Solution 2) Instead of generating vibrations for silent mode by driving a small motor built into the device (by rotating the motor), the device incorporates an ultrasonic generator that irradiates metal or other plate-shaped parts with ultrasonic waves. Ultrasound is a high-frequency sound wave that is imperceptible to humans, and therefore cannot be perceived as sound. However, because it is a wave phenomenon (sound wave) that propagates through the air, waves (vibrations) are transmitted to the plate-shaped component it is irradiated with, allowing it to function as a silent mode (vibration source). This method saves space compared to using a small motor, contributing to the miniaturization, thinning, and weight reduction of the device, thus solving the problem.

Claims

1. The windshield, which is located in front of the driver's seat (cockpit) of a vehicle or other mode of transport and allows the driver (pilot) to see ahead, requires measures to ensure forward visibility from rain and other elements, regardless of the type of transport, such as automobiles, ships, or aircraft. One solution is a device called a windshield wiper. This device attaches to the windshield and uses a rubber arm to move from side to side to wipe away raindrops and water droplets, thereby ensuring clear visibility. This method had a problem: when there was a heavy amount of rain, the mechanical wiping action couldn't keep up, making it difficult to maintain visibility. Another measure involves applying a water-repellent wax to the windshield beforehand. This creates a thin film on the glass surface, preventing raindrops and water from remaining on the glass and causing them to flow off instead. This method had the drawback that the applied wax or other substances did not last after a single application, requiring periodic reapplication. To solve these problems, ultrasound is used. This method involves continuously irradiating the outer surface of the windshield with ultrasonic waves during rain, generating minute vibrations on the glass surface. This repels raindrops and water droplets, preventing them from remaining on the glass surface and causing them to quickly flow off. When continuous ultrasonic waves are applied to the surface of the windshield, creating minute vibrations, rain and other falling water are repelled from the glass surface, making it less likely for water droplets to form on the glass surface or for water to run down it. This method utilizes the minute vibrations caused by ultrasonic irradiation to achieve effects equivalent to wipers and wax, while also solving the problems associated with wipers and wax. (The minute vibrations generated on the windshield by ultrasonic irradiation are imperceptible to the human eye, and therefore do not affect the operation (piloting) of the vehicle.)

2. Smartphones and other mobile communication devices have a function called "silent mode" that notifies the user of incoming calls (receiving radio signals) not only with sound but also with vibration. Traditionally, this function was achieved by incorporating a small motor into the device and using it to generate vibrations. This method presented a challenge: it was difficult to miniaturize the motor, which is the vibration source, compared to the current model, thus impacting the miniaturization of the terminal. To solve this problem, we will use ultrasound. The terminal has a built-in ultrasonic generator that irradiates plate-shaped parts such as metal. Ultrasound is a high-frequency sound wave that humans cannot perceive, so it cannot be perceived as sound. However, because it is a sound wave signal that propagates through the air, a medium, vibrations are generated when it is shone on a plate-shaped component. How to use this vibration for the silent mode function. The ultrasonic generator is speaker-shaped and used for generating ringtones and voice calls. Because it generates vibrations by irradiating a plate-shaped component with ultrasonic waves, it can save space within the terminal compared to using a small motor. This method utilizes vibrations caused by ultrasonic irradiation for the silent mode function, solving the challenge of miniaturizing the vibration source and contributing to the miniaturization, thinning, and weight reduction of the device.

3. An apparatus or transport device using the method described in claim 1.

4. An apparatus or device using the method described in claim 2.

5. The apparatus, transport system, or service or business using the apparatus, equipment, or machinery described in claim 4.