Acoustic Wave Direction Detection Using Rotating Helmholtz Resonator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining the direction of acoustic waves require multiple microphones, which are expensive and difficult to integrate into a compact design, making them costly and impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single microphone positioned within a rotating resonator, such as a Helmholtz resonator, that acquires sound data and determines the direction of incident acoustic waves using processors connected to the microphone, allowing for compact and cost-effective sound direction sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to determine acoustic wave direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating resonator that dynamically changes its orientation relative to the incident acoustic wave. By rotating the resonator through different angles and measuring the acoustic response at each orientation, the system can determine the direction of the acoustic wave using a single microphone. This dynamic approach replaces the static multi-microphone array with a single sensor that collects data over time through rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator rotates periodically to sample the acoustic wave from multiple angular positions. This periodic rotation allows the single microphone to capture acoustic information from different directions sequentially, enabling direction determination through time-series analysis of the acoustic responses at different rotational angles.
2Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to determine acoustic wave direction, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direction-determination function from the microphone array configuration and relocates it to the rotating resonator mechanism. By separating the sensing function (single microphone) from the directionality function (rotating resonator), the system achieves accurate direction measurement with minimal sensors, reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple physical microphones to capture spatial information simultaneously, the system uses a single microphone that copies the acoustic wave information from multiple directions through the rotating resonator. The resonator acts as a mechanical copy mechanism that presents different portions of the acoustic field to the single sensor over time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used to determine acoustic wave direction, then measurement precision is improved, but compact design becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the directionality function with the resonator structure itself, eliminating the need for separate microphone elements positioned at different locations. The rotating resonator combines the acoustic coupling function with the directional sensing function, allowing a single compact unit to achieve what would traditionally require a distributed array of multiple microphones.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate determination of acoustic wave direction using a single microphone, reducing costs and enabling more compact designs compared to traditional multi-microphone systems.
Implementation Method 1
The resonator can be configured to rotate
Implementation Method 2
The system can include a Helmholtz resonator
Data Source
AI summary
The direction of an acoustic wave can be determined using a single microphone. The single microphone can be operatively positioned within an interior of a resonator. The resonator can include a body that includes an aperture, such as a slit, which allows communication between the interior and an exterior of the resonator. The resonator can be configured to rotate. The single microphone can be configured to acquire sound data of an incident acoustic wave. One or more processors can be operatively connected to the single microphone. The one or more processors can be configured to determine a direction of the incident acoustic wave based on the acquired sound data.