Adjustable Acoustic Attenuator Enclosure for Microphone Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microphones struggle to operate effectively in high sound pressure level environments without distortion, as they are either too expensive to manufacture for high SPL capabilities or require bulky and costly external attenuators, and there is a need for a low-cost, adjustable acoustic attenuator that can be used with inexpensive microphones to prevent sound distortion.

Innovation Solution

A passive acoustic attenuator designed as an enclosure with a diaphragm structure and adjustable volume, comprising an attenuator collar, shell, adapter ring, and diaphragm assembly, which can be attached to a microphone to precisely control sound pressure levels and protect the microphone from debris, moisture, and harmful gases, while allowing for adjustable attenuation levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a microphone is designed to handle high sound pressure levels, then it can function in high SPL environments without distortion, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrophone performance in high SPL environmentsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

An acoustic attenuator is introduced as an intermediary component between the high SPL environment and the microphone. The attenuator reduces the sound pressure level before it reaches the microphone, allowing the use of inexpensive microphones while maintaining reliable operation in high SPL environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into two separate components: an acoustic attenuator and a standard microphone. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the attenuator handles the high SPL reduction while the microphone maintains its simple, low-cost design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If an external acoustic attenuator is attached to a microphone, then the microphone can handle high SPL environments, but the device becomes bulkier and more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrophone performance in high SPL environmentsVSAvoidoverall device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic attenuator and microphone are merged into a single integrated unit. The attenuator is built into the microphone housing, eliminating the need for separate external attachments and reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the SPL reduction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic attenuator components are nested within the microphone housing structure. The attenuator diaphragm and acoustic chamber are positioned inside or integrated with the microphone body, maximizing space utilization and minimizing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If an acoustic attenuator is added to protect the microphone, then the microphone can operate in high SPL environments, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrophone performance in high SPL environmentsVSAvoidacoustic attenuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic attenuator uses a flexible diaphragm made of thin film material to achieve the required acoustic attenuation. This thin-film approach simplifies the structure compared to rigid acoustic chambers, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective SPL reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic attenuator's performance is controlled by adjusting parameters such as diaphragm tension, chamber volume, and opening size rather than changing the fundamental structure. This allows for precise control of attenuation levels while keeping the overall device design simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively reduces sound pressure levels to prevent distortion in microphones, allowing them to function in high SPL environments without increasing production costs, and provides physical protection for the microphone, enabling its use in various settings while maintaining clear recording quality.

Implementation Method 1

the divider effect of acoustical compliances of the diaphragm and the enclosed volume of space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic compliance: Acoustics

Data Source

PatentUS11785375B2Precisely controlled microphone acoustic attenuator with protective microphone enclosure

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 QUIET INC

AI summary

The acoustic attenuator also serves as a protective microphone enclosure that reduces exposure to debris as well as environmental humidity 5 and harmful gases.