Bone Conduction Audio Device with Dynamic Distance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for outputting audio signals through a surface, such as wearable devices, face challenges in optimizing sound transmission to ensure minimal leakage and optimal sound quality, particularly when using the bone conduction method.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a vibrator, a sensor to measure pressure, a distance adjusting unit, and a control unit that preprocesses audio signals based on pressure measurements to maintain an optimal distance for effective sound transmission, minimizing leakage and enhancing sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance between the vibrator cover and the surface of the object is not controlled, then the device structure is simpler, but the sound transmission quality deteriorates and sound leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distance adjusting unit as an intermediary component between the vibrator cover and the object surface. This unit includes a strap and a lifting unit that act as mediators to control and maintain the optimal distance, thereby resolving the contradiction by adding a specialized component rather than complicating the entire device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distance control mechanisms with a simpler system combining a flexible strap and a lifting unit. The strap provides flexible positioning while the lifting unit (which can be a simple motor or actuator) provides precise vertical adjustment, substituting what would otherwise require a complex mechanical linkage system
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the distance between the vibrator cover and the surface of the object is increased, then sound leakage is reduced, but bone conduction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic distance control where the distance between the vibrator cover and the object surface can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The lifting unit enables the system to dynamically optimize the distance to maintain reliable bone conduction while minimizing sound leakage, rather than using a fixed distance design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the distance parameter dynamically through the lifting unit mechanism. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system can optimize the balance between bone conduction efficiency (which requires close contact) and sound leakage reduction (which benefits from greater distance), resolving the contradiction through parameter optimization
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure between the vibrator cover and the surface is not monitored, then the device structure is simpler, but audio signal output quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor that provides feedback on the pressure between the vibrator cover and the object surface. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to monitor and adjust the distance via the lifting unit to maintain optimal pressure conditions, ensuring high audio signal output quality while using a relatively simple sensor integration approach
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 ensures optimal audio signal output with minimized sound leakage and improved sound quality by adjusting the distance between the device and the surface using a strap or lifting mechanism, maintaining a predetermined distance for efficient bone conduction.
Implementation Method 1
According to the bone conduction method, a sound may be transmitted through a skull to a cochlea and then transmitted through an auditory nerve to a brain. Since a sound vibration applied to a skin surface around an ear may be directly transmitted to a cochlea through a skull
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to measure a pressure between the surface of the object and the vibrator cover
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a device for outputting an audio signal. The device includes: a vibrator configured to output the audio signal; a vibrator cover provided on the vibrator to transmit the output audio signal to a surface of an object mounted with the device; a sensor configured to measure a pressure between the surface of the object and the vibrator cover; a distance adjusting unit configured to adjust a distance between the surface of the object and the vibrator cover based on the pressure measured by the sensor to optimally output the audio signal; and a control unit configured to control the vibrator, the sensor, and the distance adjusting unit.