Selective Heating of Acoustic Waves for Reprogrammable Propagation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in maintaining constant propagation characteristics of acoustic waves, which is crucial for applications like non-destructive evaluation and signal processing, as minute changes in material density can significantly affect wave phase and direction.

Innovation Solution

The method involves time-resolved and spatially specific pulsed selective heating to temporarily alter local material density or surface concentration, allowing for the modification of acoustic waves by altering thermal, mechanical, or chemical properties at specific locations on a substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If selective heating is applied to alter local material density, then adaptability of acoustic wave propagation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to temporary alterations requiring reprogramming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of acoustic wave propagationVSAvoidprecision of acoustic wave propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of acoustic wave propagation by using selective heating to temporarily alter material density at specific locations. The heating element can be activated and deactivated to create time-dependent density variations, allowing the acoustic wave path to be dynamically reconfigured. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable through controlled temporary changes rather than permanent modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the material at specific locations to alter density and thereby control acoustic wave propagation. By adjusting the temperature through selective heating, the material density changes temporarily, enabling reprogramming of acoustic paths. This parameter change approach allows adaptability while maintaining precision through controlled, reversible modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If pulsed selective heating is used to temporarily alter material properties, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to timing and spatial control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereprogrammability of acoustic wave pathsVSAvoidcomplexity of heating control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed heating to temporarily alter material properties at specific locations. The heating element is activated in periodic pulses rather than continuously, creating temporary density variations that guide acoustic waves. This periodic action enables reprogrammability of acoustic paths while managing device complexity through controlled, intermittent operation rather than continuous complex control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical reconfiguration systems with a thermal field-based approach. Instead of physically moving or reconfiguring acoustic waveguides, the system uses selective heating to create temporary density variations that redirect acoustic waves. This substitution of mechanical systems with thermal field control reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables the 'reprogramming' of acoustic waves, allowing for precise control over wave propagation, focusing, redirection, or phase shifting, enhancing the precision and adaptability of acoustic wave applications.

Implementation Method 1

selectively heating the second location of the substrate so as to alter a property of the second location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective heating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

temporarily alter the local material density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

initiate excitation of an acoustic wave from a first location on a substrate to a second location on the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10160061B2Systems and methods for modifying acoustic waves based on selective heating

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

An acoustic wave is modified by initiating excitation of an acoustic wave from a first location on a substrate to a second location on the substrate and selectively heating the second location of the substrate so as to alter a property of the second location. With such arrangements, the altered property of the second location modifies the acoustic wave to result in a modified acoustic wave that is propagated from the second location to a third location on the substrate. Related apparatus, systems, and methods are also described.