Dielectric Elastomer Rotary Speaker for Wide-Angle Audio Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrodynamic speakers have low efficiency and high mass due to limited magnetic flux density and the use of permanent magnets, requiring multiple drivers for wide frequency and angle radiation, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A speaker design utilizing a rotary actuator with a wound laminate of dielectric elastomer between electrodes, allowing for wide frequency range and large dispersion angle radiation, eliminating the need for permanent magnets and reducing mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrodynamic speakers use permanent magnets to generate magnetic flux, then they can produce acoustic signals, but the mass increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes permanent magnets from the speaker system entirely, extracting the magnetic field generation function and replacing it with an electrostatic field generated by electrodes. This eliminates the heavy permanent magnets while maintaining the core function of generating acoustic signals through field interaction with a diaphragm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrodynamic mechanism (electromagnetic interaction between voice coil and permanent magnet) with an electrostatic mechanism (electric field interaction between electrodes and diaphragm). This substitution eliminates the need for permanent magnets and mechanical voice coils, reducing mass while improving efficiency.
2Power
If electrodynamic speakers use limited magnetic flux density in the air gap, then the structure is compact, but efficiency remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental physical parameter from magnetic flux density to electric field strength. By using electrostatic fields instead of magnetic fields, the system achieves higher energy conversion efficiency because electrostatic actuators can generate higher forces per unit input energy compared to electrodynamic systems with limited magnetic flux density.
3Ease of operation
If electrodynamic speakers use current-dependent force effect, then they can control acoustic output, but efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the current-dependent electromagnetic force effect with a voltage-dependent electrostatic force effect. The electrostatic force between electrodes and diaphragm is proportional to the square of the voltage, providing control capability while achieving higher efficiency since voltage control is more energy-efficient than current control in this application context.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrodynamic speakers use different drivers and radiating surfaces for different frequency ranges, then they can achieve wide frequency range, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electrostatic speaker design where a single diaphragm and electrode structure can reproduce acoustic signals across a wide frequency range. The electrostatic mechanism inherently supports wide frequency response without requiring multiple specialized drivers, as the electric field can respond effectively to both low and high frequency signals with the same basic structure.
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 efficient acoustic signal reproduction with a wide dispersion angle and lower mass, suitable for weight-sensitive applications like the aerospace industry, reducing costs and improving spatial intelligibility.
Implementation Method 1
a wound laminate, the laminate comprising a first layer and a second layer, each comprising or consisting of a dielectric elastomer, a first electrode disposed between the first layer and the second layer in direct contact therewith; a second electrode disposed on a side of the first layer distal from the first electrode and in direct contact with the first layer; and a third electrode disposed on a side of the second layer distal from the first electrode and in direct contact with the second layer; wherein the rotary actuator is arranged at least partially above the vibratable body in the direction of radiation of the speaker
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker and a method are disclosed, where the speaker comprises a rotary actuator comprising a wound laminate. The laminate comprises a first layer and a second layer each comprising or consisting of a dielectric elastomer, a first electrode disposed between the first layer and the second layer in direct contact therewith. The laminate also comprises a second metal layer disposed between and electrically conductively connected to a first sub-layer of the first electrode and a second sub-layer of the first electrode. The laminate also comprises a second electrode disposed on a side of the first layer distal from the first electrode and in direct contact with the first layer; a third electrode disposed on a side of the second layer distal from the first electrode and in direct contact with the second layer. The laminate also comprises a first metal layer electrically conductively connected to the third electrode.