Electroacoustic Transducer With Flexible Connector and Optical Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroacoustic transducers face limitations in data transfer rates using solely acoustic signals, and traditional solutions that combine optical and acoustic transceivers often result in a larger footprint, compromising barrier integrity and structural integrity when penetrating through barriers for communication.
Innovation Solution
An electroacoustic transducer with a flexible electrical connector and an optical aperture that allows for both acoustic and optical signal transmission through a solid, optically transparent medium, reducing the overall footprint and maintaining barrier integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a purely acoustic approach is used for data transmission, then the transducer structure remains simple, but the data transfer rate is insufficient for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines acoustic and optical transceivers into a single integrated transducer unit, allowing both acoustic signal transmission (for power and data) and optical signal transmission (for high-speed data) to occur through the same barrier penetration point, thereby achieving high data transfer rates while maintaining relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an acoustic transducer for power transmission and data communication, and as an optical transducer for high-speed data transmission, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate systems
2Productivity
If optical and acoustic transceivers are combined separately, then high data transfer rates are achieved, but the footprint increases and barrier integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical and acoustic transceiver functions into a single integrated transducer assembly, allowing both types of signals to be transmitted through one common barrier penetration point rather than requiring separate openings, thereby reducing the overall footprint and maintaining barrier integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical and acoustic components are nested within a single transducer housing structure, with the optical aperture and acoustic elements arranged in a compact configuration that allows both functions to coexist in a small footprint area
3Reliability
If rigid electrical connectors are used to connect electrodes, then electrical connection is stable, but stress on the piezoelectric material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible electrical connectors instead of rigid ones, allowing the connectors to bend and flex with the piezoelectric material during operation, thereby maintaining stable electrical connection while reducing stress concentration and protecting the piezoelectric material from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are designed with dynamic flexibility, enabling them to adapt to dimensional changes and stress in the piezoelectric material during operation, maintaining reliable electrical connection while accommodating material deformation without transmitting excessive stress
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 high data transfer rates with reduced installation complexity and footprint, supporting both optical and acoustic communication across barriers without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric material at least partially sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
The flexible electrical connector may have a stress relieving geometry at and/or between the discrete points
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Electroacoustic Transducer According to the present invention, there is provided an electroacoustic transducer, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piezoelectric material at least partially sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a flexible electrical connector in electrical connection with the first or second electrode at discrete points around a periphery of that electrode, the discrete points being distributed about a substantial portion of that periphery. Fig. 3