Auscultation Diaphragm Segmentation for Compact Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auscultation devices, such as electronic stethoscopes, are large and complex due to the arrangement of multiple sensors, making them cumbersome for precise sound source localization.
Innovation Solution
A compact auscultation device with a diaphragm having distinct vibration regions of different natural frequencies, utilizing a vibration suppression member to create these regions and a sound sensor to convert vibrations into electric signals, allowing for identification of the sound source's direction through peak frequency analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged to capture biological sounds from different directions, then sound source localization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is segmented into multiple vibration regions (first vibration region and second vibration region) with different natural frequencies. Each region independently responds to sound waves from different directions, enabling directional sound source localization without requiring multiple separate sensors. This segmentation approach achieves localization accuracy while maintaining a compact single-unit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the diaphragm are designed with distinct local properties - specifically, the first and second vibration regions have different natural frequencies. This local quality differentiation allows each region to be tuned to respond optimally to sound waves from specific directions, enabling accurate sound source localization through frequency-based differentiation rather than through multiple identical sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are arranged to capture biological sounds from different directions, then sound source localization accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single diaphragm structure. The first and second vibration regions are integrated into one diaphragm component, allowing the device to detect sound waves from different directions simultaneously using a single unified element rather than multiple separate sensors. This merging significantly reduces device size while maintaining localization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a spatial arrangement of multiple sensors to a frequency-based differentiation approach. Instead of placing sensors at different spatial locations, the diaphragm creates distinct vibration regions with different natural frequencies that respond to sound from different directions. This dimensional shift from space to frequency enables localization without increasing physical device size.
3Measurement precision
If a vibration suppression member is added to create distinct vibration regions, then manufacturing precision requirements increase, but sound source localization capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration suppression member modifies the natural frequency parameter of specific diaphragm regions. By strategically placing the vibration suppression member, the first and second vibration regions are created with distinctly different natural frequencies. This parameter change approach enables clear frequency-based differentiation for sound source localization while using a simple structural modification rather than complex precision manufacturing.
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
Enables accurate and efficient localization of sound sources with a simplified and compact design, enhancing usability and precision in identifying biological sound sources.
Implementation Method 1
the diaphragm includes a first vibration region having a first natural frequency and a second vibration region having a second natural frequency different from the first natural frequency
Implementation Method 2
the first and second vibration regions have different natural frequencies, allowing for identification of the sound source's direction through peak frequency analysis
Implementation Method 3
a sound sensor configured to receive a vibration propagated from the diaphragm and convert the vibration into an electric signal
Implementation Method 4
a vibration suppression member configured to suppress vibration at a vibration suppression point on the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
An auscultation device includes a diaphragm in contact with a living body, a sound sensor that receives a vibration propagated from the diaphragm and converts the vibration into an electric signal, and a vibration suppression member that suppresses vibration. The diaphragm includes a first vibration region having a first natural frequency and a second vibration region having a second natural frequency, and when viewed in a first direction in which the diaphragm is in contact with the living body, the first and second vibration regions Ra and Rb are arranged next to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The vibration suppression point is located between the first vibration region and the second vibration region when viewed in the first direction and is offset in the second direction from a center point of the diaphragm in the second direction when viewed in the first direction.