Coplanar Air Pulse Generating Element for Compact Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speaker drivers face challenges in covering the entire audio frequency band due to membrane displacement limitations and require large enclosures for high fidelity sound production, while existing air pulse generating elements have high manufacturing complexity and yield loss rates.
Innovation Solution
An air pulse generating element with valves and a membrane fabricated at the same layer, utilizing valve control signals and membrane driving voltage to generate pulses at a rate higher than the maximum audible frequency, reducing manufacturing complexity and yield loss by simplifying the fabrication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If valves and membrane are fabricated at different layers (3-layer structure), then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but device complexity and yield loss rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fabrication of valves and membrane into a single layer (layer 3), eliminating the need for separate fabrication layers. This consolidation reduces the overall layer count from 3 to 2, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functional integrity through coplanar arrangement of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-layer vertical stacking approach to a coplanar two-dimensional arrangement where valves and membrane share the same fabrication layer. This dimensional reorganization reduces manufacturing complexity while preserving the functional relationships between components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If valves and membrane are fabricated at different layers, then structural stability can be maintained, but yield loss rate increases due to multiple fabrication layers
Solution Approach 1:
By combining valve and membrane fabrication into the same layer, the patent eliminates the compounding yield loss that occurs across multiple independent fabrication layers. A single successful fabrication layer replaces three separate layers, each with its own potential failure points.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional speaker drivers are used, then manufacturing simplicity can be maintained, but the ability to cover entire audio frequency band is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically controllable valves that can be opened and closed in different patterns to generate air pulses at varying rates. By controlling valve opening/closing timing and duration, the system can adapt to different frequency requirements while using a single simplified membrane structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic valve actuation to generate air pulses at different rates, where the pulse rate is controlled by the valve opening/closing frequency. This periodic action enables the single membrane to produce sounds across the entire audio frequency band by varying the pulse generation rate.
4Ease of manufacture
If air pulse generating element uses multiple layers, then functional separation can be achieved, but enclosure volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorganizes components from a multi-layer vertical arrangement to a coplanar horizontal arrangement. This dimensional change allows all functional elements (valves and membrane) to be integrated within a single thin layer, significantly reducing the vertical height and overall enclosure volume.
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 enables the production of sound covering the entire audio frequency band with reduced enclosure size and manufacturing complexity, lowering costs and improving yield rates by fabricating the air pulse generating element with coplanar valves and membrane, thus enhancing energy efficiency and area utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane partitions the chamber into a front sub-chamber and a back sub-chamber
Implementation Method 2
The valves are controlled in response to a plurality of valve control signals to open and close
Implementation Method 3
The membrane is controlled in response to a membrane driving voltage to move up and down
Implementation Method 4
generate a plurality of air pulses in response to the valve control signals and the membrane driving voltage at a pulse rate, where the pulse rate of the plurality of air pulses is higher than a maximum audible frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
An air pulse generating element (20), disposed in a sound producing device, includes a membrane (205), disposed within a chamber (208); and a plurality of valves (201-204), disposed by the membrane within the chamber, configured to seal a plurality of openings (211-214) of the chamber in response to a plurality of valve control signals (G, H); wherein the membrane (205) and the plurality of valves (201-204) are all fabricated at a first layer (Layer 3).