Electromagnetic Transducer With Piezoelectric Spring for Frequency Tuning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, particularly auditory prostheses, face challenges in generating a wide range of vibrational frequencies and adjusting sensitivity effectively, which can impact the therapeutic benefits they provide.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator incorporating a piezoelectric spring is used to supplement the vibrations generated by an electromagnet, allowing for additional vibrations driven by oscillating electrical signals, which can adjust stiffness and balance points, enhancing the vibrational output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electromagnetic actuators are used in auditory prostheses, then they can generate vibrations, but they cannot effectively adjust vibrational frequencies and sensitivity across a wide range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional electromagnetic actuator with a piezoelectric spring into a hybrid system. The electromagnetic actuator generates primary vibrations while the piezoelectric spring, when actuated by electrical signals, supplements these vibrations and enables precise frequency and sensitivity adjustments. This merging of two different actuation mechanisms allows the system to achieve both broad frequency range and precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric spring allows for dynamic changes in the mechanical properties of the actuator system by applying electrical signals that alter the spring's stiffness and equilibrium position. This parameter change capability enables real-time adjustment of vibrational frequency and sensitivity without mechanical reconfiguration, directly addressing the need for precise frequency control across different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electromagnetic actuators are used, then they can generate vibrations, but they cannot effectively adjust sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric spring serves multiple functions within the actuator system: it acts as a mechanical spring for vibration generation, a frequency adjustment mechanism, and a sensitivity control element. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent achieves effective sensitivity adjustment without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a piezoelectric-based system. Instead of using mechanical springs or dampers for sensitivity control, the piezoelectric spring uses electrical actuation to achieve the same and additional control functions, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving adjustability.
3Measurement precision
If piezoelectric elements are added to the electromagnetic actuator, then frequency adjustment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element is integrated into the existing electromagnetic actuator structure, merging two actuation mechanisms into a unified system. This integration allows frequency control precision to be improved while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by utilizing the existing structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element provides a non-mechanical method for adjusting system parameters (frequency and sensitivity) through electrical actuation. This parameter change approach avoids the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 integration of a piezoelectric element with the electromagnetic actuator enables fine adjustments in vibrational frequencies and sensitivity, improving the therapeutic effectiveness of auditory prostheses and other medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spring comprises at least one piezoelectric element... applying at least one electrical signal to the at least one piezoelectric element... moving the at least one mass and/or changing a stiffness of the at least one resilient member
Implementation Method 2
vibrating at least one mass in response to oscillating magnetic fields generated by an electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a bobbin, at least one counterweight assembly, and at least one spring. The bobbin includes at least one core and at least one electrically conductive coil wound around at least a portion of the bobbin. The at least one counterweight assembly is configured to move in response to magnetic fields generated by the bobbin. The at least one spring is in mechanical communication with the at least one counterweight assembly. The at least one spring is configured to resiliently deform in response to movement of the at least one counterweight assembly. The at least one spring includes at least one piezoelectric element.