Cable-Free Acoustic Sensor Design for Stethoscope Vibration Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stethoscopes with bioacoustic sensors face challenges in maintaining a simple configuration while effectively detecting vibrations, often requiring a support structure that limits the shape and arrangement of components due to the need for a cable to extract electric signals.
Innovation Solution
The proposed acoustic sensor and stethoscope configuration includes a piezoelectric plate with a conductor plate and a cover that faces the conductor plate, supported by a substrate and connected via insulating and conductive structures, allowing for vibration detection without the need for a cable, thus simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cable is connected to extract electric signals from the piezoelectric plate, then the electric signal can be extracted to the outside, but the degree of freedom of the shapes and arrangement of the diaphragm and the piezoelectric plate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing integrates multiple functions: it supports the diaphragm and piezoelectric plate, provides structural protection, and incorporates an opening for cable passage. By merging the support structure and signal extraction pathway into a single integrated housing design, the patent achieves both structural stability and signal extraction capability without requiring separate complex support mechanisms.
2Strength
If a support member is provided to support the diaphragm and piezoelectric plate, then the components are structurally supported, but the degree of freedom of the shapes and arrangement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as the structural support for the diaphragm and piezoelectric plate, provides mechanical protection, defines the overall device shape, and incorporates the cable exit opening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated support members, thereby maintaining structural integrity while preserving design flexibility.
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 configuration enables effective vibration detection with a simplified design, allowing for downsizing of the acoustic sensor and stethoscope, while also providing a liquid-tight structure that protects the piezoelectric plate from moisture and antiseptic solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric plate including a conductor plate including a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface, and a piezoelectric element on the second surface of the conductor plate
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic sensor includes a piezoelectric plate including a conductor plate with first and second surfaces, and a piezoelectric element on the second surface, a cover facing the first surface of the conductor plate, a support substrate facing the second surface of the conductor plate and the piezoelectric element, a first connector including a conductor between the piezoelectric element and the support substrate and electrically connecting the piezoelectric element and the support substrate, a first insulating structure including an insulator between the second surface of the conductor plate and the support substrate at an outer edge of the second surface of the conductor plate, and a second connector including a conductor on an outer edge of the first surface of the conductor plate and electrically connecting the conductor plate and the cover.