Actuated Panel Acoustic System for Compact Device Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
As consumer electronics devices become smaller, they face challenges in producing high-quality low-frequency audio due to reduced internal space, leading to decreased sound quality and limited audible response.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically actuated panel acoustic system is implemented, where the device's enclosure is divided into sub-panels with different resonance frequencies, each driven by a digital signal processor to produce coherent acoustic outputs that combine constructively, enhancing low-frequency sound production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced, then the device becomes more compact and portable, but the sound quality and low-frequency audio production capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure panel is divided into multiple sub-panels, each with different resonance frequencies. Each sub-panel is independently actuated by its own actuator and driven by a separate audio signal processed by a digital signal processor. This segmentation allows the system to produce coherent acoustic outputs across a wide frequency band while maintaining a compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the two-dimensional surface area of the enclosure panel as the acoustic radiating surface, rather than relying on a traditional three-dimensional speaker volume. By vibrating the panel surface itself, the system produces low-frequency sound without requiring a large internal speaker volume, thus maintaining compact device dimensions while improving sound quality.
2Volume of moving object
If the speaker size is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but the air movement capability and sound output decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural housing of the device and the acoustic radiating surface. By making the panel itself the speaker diaphragm, the system eliminates the need for a separate traditional speaker, thus saving space while maintaining or improving air movement capability through the vibration of the entire panel surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mechanical vibration of the panel surface to produce sound. Each sub-panel is actuated to vibrate at its resonant frequency, and the sum of these vibrations produces low-frequency acoustic output. This mechanical vibration approach allows efficient air movement without requiring a large speaker volume.
3Device complexity
If a single speaker is used, then the device structure is simple, but the frequency range and audible response are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic system is segmented into multiple sub-panels, each with a different resonance frequency. Each sub-panel is independently controlled by its own actuator and audio signal processing channel. This segmentation enables the system to cover a wide frequency range by combining the outputs of multiple resonant frequencies, while the digital signal processor coordinates them to produce coherent acoustic summation.
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 solution effectively increases the sound quality and frequency range of small consumer electronics devices by utilizing the enclosure as an acoustic system, allowing for improved bass production and stereo/mono audio capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each sub-panel has a resonance frequency. For each sub-panel, the audio signal driving the actuator of the sub-panel may be limited to a narrow frequency band at the resonance frequency of the sub-panel.
Implementation Method 2
one or more sub-panel actuators attached to vibrate the sub-panel. The actuator and its attached sub-panel convert an audio signal to acoustic output.
Implementation Method 3
The sum of the acoustic outputs of the sub-panels produces low frequency sound over a wide frequency band.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device whose enclosure or housing panel is used as part of an acoustic system is described. The panel is divided into several sub-panels. For each sub-panel, the device includes one or more actuators attached to vibrate the sub-panel. The actuator and its attached sub-panel convert an audio signal to acoustic output. Each actuator and sub-panel combination may receive a separate audio signal. The device includes a digital signal processor for controlling each of the sub-panel driving audio signals. The device may further include one or more backing frames that are attached to the panel to provide boundary conditions to the sub-panels. The boundary conditions define a resonance frequency for each sub-panel.