Dielectric Elastomer Vibration System with Bias Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dielectric elastomer vibrators used in speakers experience distortion in sound reproduction due to non-linear deformation in response to potential difference changes across electrode layers, leading to degraded sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric elastomer vibration system comprising a dielectric elastomer layer sandwiched between electrode layers and a power supply device that generates a vibration signal voltage by combining alternating current and direct current voltages, ensuring the potential difference falls within a high-response region for linear deformation and minimizing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vibration signal voltage is applied to the dielectric elastomer vibrator, then the vibrator deforms to reproduce sound, but the deformation becomes non-linear causing sound distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a bias voltage to shift the operating point of the dielectric elastomer vibrator to a region where the relationship between potential difference and deformation is more linear. This changes the electrical parameter (voltage) to optimize the mechanical response and reduce distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-applying a bias voltage to the dielectric elastomer vibrator before the actual vibration signal is applied. This preliminary voltage establishes an optimal operating state that ensures linear deformation response during subsequent sound reproduction
2Power
If a high potential difference is applied to induce large deformation, then the sound output increases, but the risk of dielectric elastomer layer breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a bias voltage to establish a safe operating region that prevents the total voltage from exceeding the breakdown threshold. This preparatory voltage configuration acts as a cushion against potential damage while still allowing sufficient deformation for high sound output
3Reliability
If the operating point is set in the low-response region to avoid breakdown, then the dielectric layer is protected, but the sound output and dynamic range are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes this limitation by changing the electrical parameter through bias voltage application, which shifts the effective operating point to a region that provides both adequate sound output and protection from breakdown, rather than being constrained to the low-response region
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 system produces sound with reduced distortion and a wider dynamic range, while being energy-efficient and preventing electrical breakdown, ensuring high-speed responsivity and appropriate vibration generation.
Implementation Method 1
A dielectric elastomer transducer includes a dielectric elastomer layer sandwiched between a pair of electrode layers and has a variety of applications, such as actuation, power generation and sensing.
Implementation Method 2
When the vibration signal voltage is applied, a potential difference is produced across the pair of electrode layers, causing the dielectric elastomer transducer to reproduce the sound.
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric elastomer vibration system includes a dielectric elastomer vibrator with a dielectric elastomer layer and a pair of electrode layers, and a power supply device producing a potential difference across the electrode layers. The vibrator exhibits various modes or regions of relationship between potential difference and deformation induced by the potential difference: a high-response region in which a relatively large deformation is induced; a low-response region of lower-potential difference in which a relatively small deformation is induced; and a low-response region of higher-potential difference in which a relatively small deformation is induced or in which a break point of the dielectric elastomer layer is included. The power supply device produces the potential difference by applying across the electrode layers a vibration signal voltage, which is generated by combining an AC voltage with a bias DC voltage corresponding to a potential difference falling in the high-response region.