Acoustic Sensor Line Carrier for Stability and Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic sensors for vehicle environments face challenges in mechanical stability and component complexity, leading to increased production costs and space requirements due to the need for additional housing components and complex electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The acoustic sensor design incorporates a flexible membrane spanned by a rigid line carrier, which serves both as a mechanical stabilizer and electrical conductor, eliminating the need for additional clamping elements and simplifying the sensor's structure by combining the functions of a contact carrier and housing, while ensuring high rigidity and effective sound transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional housing with additional membrane pot and multiple components is used, then the membrane can be stretched and stabilized, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor carrier is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural housing, provides the stretching surface for the membrane, and acts as the electrical contact carrier. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate membrane pots and additional housing components, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining membrane stability
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor carrier is engineered as a multi-functional component that combines mechanical support, electrical conduction, and membrane anchoring capabilities. By making the conductor carrier universal, the patent eliminates the need for specialized separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure without compromising the membrane's stretched state
2Reliability
If additional housing components and complex electrical leads are used, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical leads are integrated directly into the conductor carrier structure, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and additional connection components. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of assembly steps and components, while maintaining reliable electrical connections between the transducer and external circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor carrier is designed to provide its own electrical connection infrastructure, serving as both the structural support and the electrical pathway. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate electrical lead management systems, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then functional requirements are met, but the sensor size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing, membrane support structure, and electrical contact carrier are merged into a single integrated conductor carrier component. This consolidation dramatically reduces the overall sensor volume by eliminating the space required for multiple separate components and their interconnections, while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor carrier is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions within a compact form factor. By making the conductor carrier multi-functional, the patent reduces the total volume required for the sensor assembly, as the same component provides structural support, electrical conduction, and membrane anchoring without requiring additional space for separate dedicated components
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
This design enhances the sensor's mechanical stability, reduces component count, and simplifies production, resulting in a more cost-effective and space-efficient ultrasonic sensor suitable for detecting vehicle surroundings with improved signal transmission and reception efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electroacoustic transducer configured to excite the diaphragm to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
the diaphragm transmits the acoustic signals picked up from the environment to the electroacoustic transducer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an acoustic sensor (1) for transmitting and/or receiving acoustic signals, in particular ultrasound signals, comprising a membrane (2), an electroacoustic transducer (3) designed to excite the membrane (2) to perform an oscillation, and a wire support (4), on the surface of which at least one electric conductor (5a, 5b) is arranged; the membrane (2) is connected to the wire support (4) at least at two connection points (6a, 6b) and is kept taut by the wire support (4).