Decentralized Active Acoustic Control for Non-Reciprocal Broadband Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active noise control techniques are computationally demanding, limited in achieving non-reciprocal acoustic behavior over a narrow frequency range, and introduce signal distortions, making them impractical for applications like full duplex communication and acoustic absorption in weight and dimensionally restricted environments.
Innovation Solution
An active acoustic control system that uses a decentralized control approach with a first and second control source arrangement, each generating control signals to minimize transmitted and reflected components of acoustic signals independently, allowing for adaptive control and reduced computational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional active noise control techniques are used, then noise control can be achieved, but computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic control problem into two separate independent control channels: one for controlling the transmitted acoustic component and another for controlling the reflected acoustic component. Each channel has its own control source arrangement and controller, processing only its specific component rather than handling the complete acoustic field simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the computational burden of each individual controller while maintaining overall noise control effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If known non-reciprocal acoustic techniques are used, then one-way acoustic wave propagation is achieved, but the frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs active control sources that can dynamically adjust their output in real-time based on the incident acoustic signal characteristics. The control sources are driven by controllers that process sensor information and generate appropriate control signals adaptively. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain non-reciprocal acoustic behavior across a broadband frequency range, unlike static passive structures that are tuned to specific frequencies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known non-reciprocal acoustic techniques are used, then acoustic directionality is achieved, but signal distortions are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical or material-based non-reciprocal structures (which inherently introduce distortions) with an active control system using sensors, processors, and controllable sources. The active controllers generate control signals that precisely counteract the incident acoustic components without the nonlinearities and distortions associated with passive non-reciprocal media. This substitution of active electronic control for passive mechanical structures preserves signal quality while achieving acoustic directionality.
4Reliability
If passive noise control techniques are used, then noise control is achieved, but weight and dimensional constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy passive noise control structures (such as thick acoustic barriers, absorptive materials, or bulky resonant cavities) with a lightweight active control system consisting of thin sensor arrays, electronic processors, and compact control sources. This substitution maintains effective noise control while dramatically reducing the weight and dimensional footprint, making it suitable for applications in vehicles and portable devices where mass and space are critical constraints.
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 system effectively maximizes acoustic absorption and achieves non-reciprocal behavior across a broadband frequency range without introducing distortions, improving noise control in restricted environments.
Implementation Method 1
an active acoustic control system for controlling an acoustic signal propagating along a propagation path
Implementation Method 2
receive information from a first sensor arrangement, the information related to the acoustic signal propagating along the propagation path
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure there is provided an active acoustic control system for controlling an acoustic signal propagating along a propagation path, the system comprising: an active control unit configured to: receive information from a first sensor arrangement, the information related to the acoustic signal propagating along the propagation path; generate a control signal for controlling the acoustic signal based on the information from the first sensor arrangement, by being arranged to control: a first control source arrangement comprising a finite 2D array of first control sources for generating a first control signal for controlling a first component of the acoustic signal.