Acoustic Sensor Multiplexing Acoustic and Non-Acoustic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-acoustic sensors, such as gas and air pressure sensors, are costly, bulky, and consume substantial power, limiting their adoption in various applications due to their single-purpose design and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic sensor assembly that integrates a MEMS transduction element with an electrical circuit capable of detecting both acoustic and non-acoustic conditions, utilizing a heat source to generate air pressure variations detectable by the transduction element, which produces an electrical signal representative of the detected conditions, and includes optional temperature and humidity sensors for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated non-acoustic sensors (gas sensors, pressure sensors) are used, then measurement precision for specific non-acoustic conditions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: acoustic detection, gas concentration detection, and air pressure detection, using a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor can switch between different measurement modes based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines acoustic sensing capabilities with non-acoustic sensing capabilities into a single sensor assembly. The sensor integrates pressure detection, acoustic detection, and optionally temperature and humidity detection functions within one unified structure, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated non-acoustic sensors are used, then measurement precision for gas and pressure detection is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor assembly provides multiple detection functions (acoustic, gas concentration, air pressure) that would otherwise require separate dedicated sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the total power consumption compared to running multiple independent sensors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor can periodically switch between different measurement modes (acoustic, gas, pressure) based on operational needs, rather than continuously operating all sensing functions. This periodic activation reduces average power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated non-acoustic sensors are used, then detection capability for specific conditions is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges acoustic sensing, gas detection, and pressure detection functions into a single compact sensor assembly. This integration significantly reduces the total volume required compared to housing separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor unit provides multiple detection capabilities (acoustic, gas concentration, air pressure), eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing overall device size. The sensor can adaptively perform different measurement functions within the same physical footprint.
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
The solution enables efficient detection of non-acoustic conditions like gas concentrations and air pressure with reduced power consumption by multiplexing acoustic and non-acoustic signals, providing high sensitivity and noise discrimination, and improving measurement accuracy through signal processing and calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source that creates air pressure variations within the housing when energized
Implementation Method 2
The transduction element can be a capacitive, piezoelectric or other known or future transduction element
Implementation Method 3
the electrical circuit determines a non-acoustic condition or a change thereof based on an amplitude of the air pressure variations detected by the transduction element
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic sensor assembly that produces an electrical signal representative of an acoustic signal, includes an acoustic transduction element disposed in a housing and acoustically, a heat source causing air pressure variations within the housing when energized, and an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the acoustic transduction element and to contacts on an external-device interface of the housing, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to energize the heat source and determine a non-acoustic condition or change therein based on an amplitude of air pressure variations detected by the acoustic transduction element.