Active Acoustic Control System for Non-Reciprocal Broadband Noise
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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 constrained 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 minimizing residual noise across a broadband frequency range without introducing distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional passive noise control techniques are used, then weight and dimensional constraints are satisfied, but noise control effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical noise control structures with an active acoustic control system that uses electronic signals and transducers. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy passive absorption materials and bulky acoustic treatments, thereby satisfying weight and dimensional constraints while maintaining or improving noise control effectiveness through active cancellation and control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If known active noise control techniques are used for absorption control, then noise control is achieved, but computational demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic control problem into independent control of transmitted and reflected components using separate control source arrangements. This segmentation allows for simplified computational processing by treating each component independently, reducing the overall computational burden compared to monolithic active noise control approaches while maintaining effective noise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control strategies that adapt the control signals in real-time based on the acoustic field conditions. This dynamic approach optimizes the control effectiveness while managing computational resources efficiently, as the system only processes and adjusts signals where and when needed, rather than continuously processing entire acoustic fields.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known non-reciprocal acoustic techniques are used, then one-way acoustic transmission is achieved, but frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal acoustic control system that can achieve non-reciprocal behavior across multiple frequency ranges by using controllable acoustic metamaterials with adjustable properties. The system's ability to dynamically tune the acoustic impedance and phase characteristics allows it to provide one-way transmission effectiveness from low to high frequencies, making the system universally applicable across the entire audible spectrum rather than being limited to a narrow frequency band.
4Adaptability or versatility
If known non-reciprocal acoustic techniques are used, then non-reciprocal behavior is achieved, but signal distortions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the acoustic field and adjust the control signals accordingly. This feedback control compensates for signal distortions introduced by the non-reciprocal acoustic elements, maintaining signal integrity while achieving the desired one-way transmission behavior. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt to and correct distortion effects in real-time.
5Adaptability or versatility
If known non-reciprocal acoustic techniques are used, then non-reciprocal transmission is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the non-reciprocal acoustic elements with conventional acoustic control components into an integrated system. By combining the functions of non-reciprocal transmission and active noise control into a unified approach, the system achieves one-way acoustic transmission without proportionally increasing complexity. The integrated design allows shared components and coordinated control strategies that reduce overall system complexity.
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 acoustic behavior, reducing computational complexity and maintaining signal integrity across a wide frequency range, suitable for applications in vehicles and other constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first control source arrangement for generating a first control signal to control a first component of the acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
a second control source arrangement for generating a second control signal to control a second component of the acoustic signal
Implementation Method 3
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 independently control: a first control source arrangement for generating a first control signal to control a first component of the acoustic signal; and a second control source arrangement for generating a second control signal to control a second component of the acoustic signal.