Digital Transducer Array for High-Intensity Sound Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current speaker technologies face limitations in generating sound with sufficient intensity and dynamic range due to short stroke lengths and the need for high driving voltages, which complicates the design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A digital transducer array utilizing a combination of magnetic and electrostatic forces to achieve long stroke lengths, where moving elements are constrained by serpentine flexures and controlled by a coil and electrostatic latches, allowing for direct digital sound reconstruction and efficient sound pressure generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional speaker technologies are used, then sound generation is achieved, but sound intensity and dynamic range are limited due to short stroke lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the speaker into multiple independent moving elements (micro-speakers) arranged in an array. Each element can be independently controlled to move in sync, collectively producing sound waves. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater effective stroke length through coordinated movement of multiple elements rather than relying on a single long-stroke element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point actuation model to a distributed array model across two-dimensional space. By arranging multiple moving elements in an array and controlling them to move in unison, the system effectively extends the stroke length dimension through spatial distribution, achieving long-stroke acoustic output without requiring individually long-traveling components.
2Power
If conventional speaker technologies are used, then sound generation is achieved, but high driving voltages are required which complicates design and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electromagnetic actuation (for synchronized motion) with electrostatic latching (for position holding) in a unified micro-speaker design. This merging of two actuation mechanisms allows the system to achieve high sound output power through coordinated movement of multiple elements while using low driving voltages, as the electrostatic latches maintain position without continuous power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous electromagnetic actuation with electrostatic latching for position maintenance. Instead of requiring continuous high-voltage electromagnetic driving to maintain speaker element positions, the system uses low-voltage electrostatic latches to hold elements in place, significantly reducing design complexity and power requirements while maintaining acoustic output performance.
3Productivity
If conventional speaker technologies are used, then sound generation is achieved, but efficiency is reduced due to short stroke lengths requiring higher voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electromagnetic actuation to drive moving elements in synchronized oscillation, combined with periodic electrostatic latching to hold positions during the acoustic output phase. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve efficient sound generation by alternating between actuation and holding phases, maximizing the utility of each voltage input cycle and improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes continuous high-voltage electromagnetic driving with intermittent low-voltage electrostatic latching. By using electrostatic fields to maintain element positions rather than continuous electromagnetic force, the system dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining acoustic output, thereby improving productivity efficiency.
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 louder sound levels with reduced voltage requirements, improving dynamic range and efficiency while maintaining scalability and flexibility in transducer design.
Implementation Method 1
substantially all the moving elements are configured to move in a long oscillating stroke in response to applying an alternating electromagnetic force
Implementation Method 2
selected elements from the array are restrained from or are allowed to respond to the oscillating stroke in response to electrostatic force which is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Actuator apparatus for generating a physical effect, at least one attribute of which corresponds to at least one characteristic of a digital input signal sampled periodically in accordance with a clock, the apparatus comprising at least one array of moving elements each constrained to travel alternately back and forth along a respective axis in response to an alternating electromagnetic force applied to the array of moving elements, at least one latch operative to selectively latch at least one subset of said moving elements in at least one latching position thereby to prevent the individual moving elements from responding to the electromagnetic force, an electromagnetic field control system operative to receive the clock and, accordingly, to control application of the electromagnetic force to the array of moving elements, and a latch controller operative to receive the digital input signal and to control the latch accordingly.