Composite Ultrasonic Transducer Case for Q Factor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airborne ultrasonic transducers face challenges in manufacturing complexity, Q factor control, sound pressure level, and signal-to-noise ratio due to the use of metallic cases, which require sophisticated machining and glue application, limiting detection distance and interference from electronics.
Innovation Solution
A composite case structure combining a metallic component with a plastic component of lower acoustic impedance, connected via strong bonding, reduces the mechanical quality factor while maintaining sound pressure level, allowing for simpler manufacturing and improved signal-to-noise ratio by eliminating the need for extensive glue and accommodating electronics within the case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a metallic case is used to shape and amplify ultrasound, then sound pressure level is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to sophisticated machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metallic case component with a plastic case component. The metallic component provides the necessary acoustic impedance for sound pressure level, while the plastic component enables simpler manufacturing processes. The composite structure integrates the advantages of both materials to resolve the contradiction between performance and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is segmented into multiple components: a metallic case component and a plastic case component. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using appropriate processes (machining for metal, molding for plastic) and then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining acoustic performance.
2Reliability
If glue is applied inside the transducer case to control Q factor, then mechanical quality factor is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to non-uniform glue application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the Q factor control function from the glue application method. By using a plastic case component with specific acoustic impedance properties, the Q factor is controlled through the material selection and structural design rather than through variable glue application, eliminating the manufacturing precision issue.
3Power
If a metallic case is used to maintain sound pressure level, then detection distance is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio worsens due to electronics interference
Solution Approach 1:
The composite case structure uses a plastic case component that provides electrical isolation properties, reducing interference from electronics while the metallic component maintains the necessary acoustic impedance for sound pressure level. This resolves the contradiction between detection distance and signal-to-noise ratio.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the case shape is made complicated to achieve desired ultrasound coverage, then object detection capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into metallic and plastic components with simpler individual geometries. The plastic component can be molded into the necessary complex shape for ultrasound coverage, while the metallic component has a simpler structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between detection capability and manufacturing ease.
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 composite case achieves reduced Q factor, increased sound pressure level, and improved signal-to-noise ratio, enabling longer detection distances and flexible frequency control schemes for enhanced ultrasonic detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Blocks made of piezoelectric material are normally used as the converter in modern applications. A transducer case is normally attached to the converter for both to mechanically vibrate together
Implementation Method 2
The second case component is made of a material different from the first case component having an acoustic impedance smaller than that of said first case component and is structurally connected to the first case component by strong bonding at an interface between the components for reducing said mechanical quality factor
Implementation Method 3
an airborne ultrasonic transducer with composite case for improved object detection in atmospheric environment
Data Source
AI summary
A composite case of an airborne ultrasonic transducer for transmitting, receiving, or both of ultrasound in atmospheric environment at an ultrasound pressure level is disclosed. The case comprises a first case component and at least a second case component. The second case component is made of a material different from the first case component having an acoustic impedance smaller than that of said first case component and is structurally connected to the first case component for reducing said mechanical quality factor while maintaining said ultrasound pressure level. The connection between the first and second case components is by strong bonding at an interface between the components so that the strong bonding forms a composite structure for the case.