Directional Acoustic Sensor Resonator Layout for High Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional acoustic sensors face challenges in maintaining sensitivity and reducing device size due to through-hole portions that decrease acoustic resistance, leading to reduced sensitivity and increased size.

Innovation Solution

The directional acoustic sensor employs a resonator arrangement where resonators face each other with intersecting ends to minimize through-hole portions, thereby reducing acoustic resistance and maintaining sensitivity while minimizing device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If through-holes are introduced in resonator arrangements, then device size is reduced, but acoustic resistance decreases and sensitivity is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidacoustic resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resonators are arranged in an intersecting pattern where ends of facing resonators form intersections, transitioning from a simple linear or grid arrangement to a multi-dimensional intersecting configuration. This dimensional change allows the resonators to block through-holes more effectively while maintaining a compact footprint, thus preserving acoustic resistance without significantly increasing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The intersecting structure of resonators creates a nested-like configuration where resonators are positioned to overlap and interlock in the acoustic path. This nesting effect prevents the formation of continuous through-holes by having resonators from different directions intersect and block each other's potential acoustic leakage paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If resonators are arranged to eliminate through-holes, then acoustic resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic resistanceVSAvoidresonator arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator array is segmented into multiple groups oriented in different directions, with each group independently forming intersections with adjacent groups. This segmentation allows the complex intersecting pattern to be constructed from simpler modular units, making the overall design more manageable and potentially easier to manufacture despite the increased acoustic performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resonator arrangement employs asymmetric positioning where resonators are deliberately offset and intersect at non-uniform intervals and angles. This asymmetric design breaks the symmetry that would otherwise create predictable through-hole patterns, effectively blocking acoustic leakage while the irregular pattern can be optimized to reduce the number of resonators needed compared to a fully symmetric dense array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 sensitivity and reduces device size by minimizing acoustic resistance, improving the acoustic sensor's performance and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a directional acoustic sensor for detecting an acoustic signal by converting a mechanical motion caused by a pressure difference into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a directional acoustic sensor for detecting an acoustic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic sound: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP4181534B1Directional acoustic sensor
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4181534B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4181534B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4181534B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A directional acoustic sensor includes: a support including a first support portion and a second support portion that are separated from each other and face each other; a plurality of first resonators extending in a length direction thereof from the first support portion of the support; and a plurality of second resonators extending in the length direction thereof from the second support portion of the support and facing the plurality of first resonators, wherein each first resonator of the plurality of first resonators has a first end, wherein each second resonator of the plurality of second resonators has a second end, and wherein, in a first resonator arrangement of a region where the plurality of first resonators and the plurality of second resonators face each other, the first ends of the plurality of first resonators and the second ends of the plurality of second resonators form an intersecting structure.