Electrostatic Sound Transmission Device for Unobstructed Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sound transmission devices, such as headphones and earphones, consume power even when not in use and block the ear, making it difficult to simultaneously listen to sounds from the device and ambient sounds without obstructing the ear.

Innovation Solution

A sound transmission device comprising an insulator and a conductor that only operates when in contact with the human body, using a driving voltage to transmit sound through electrostatic force without continuous power consumption, allowing simultaneous listening to device-generated and ambient sounds without ear obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional headphone or earphone is used to transmit sound, then sound transmission function is achieved, but the ear is blocked and power is consumed even when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidear blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical vibration-based sound transmission system with an electrostatic field-based system. The sound transmission device uses electrostatic force generated by a voltage source to vibrate the user's ear or skull bones directly, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical vibration and reducing power consumption to only what is needed for electrostatic field generation. This substitution resolves the contradiction by enabling sound transmission without continuous mechanical operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the user's own body (ear or skull bones) as an intermediary medium for sound transmission. Instead of using a conventional speaker that blocks the ear, the device uses electrostatic force to directly vibrate the user's body tissues, which then transmit sound to the inner ear. This intermediary approach allows sound transmission without blocking the external ear canal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a bone conduction speaker is used to transmit sound without blocking the ear, then simultaneous listening to device sound and ambient sound is enabled, but power is consumed continuously regardless of wearing status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveear unblockingVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power consumption model where the device only consumes power when actually worn by a user. The control unit detects whether the sound transmission device is in contact with the user's body and only activates the voltage source to generate electrostatic force when wear is detected. This dynamic operation enables the device to maintain ear unblocking capability while eliminating continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism through the control unit that monitors the wearing status of the device. The control unit receives feedback about whether the device is in contact with the user's body and adjusts power consumption accordingly, activating the electrostatic field generation only when needed. This feedback-based control resolves the contradiction between maintaining ear unblocking and reducing continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a sounding body vibrates continuously to transmit sound, then sound transmission is maintained, but power is consumed even when the device is not worn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound transmission continuityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by activating the electrostatic field generation only during periods when the device is actually worn by a user, rather than continuously. The control unit periodically checks wearing status and activates power consumption only during appropriate periods. This periodic operation maintains sound transmission reliability when needed while eliminating wasteful continuous power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 device reduces power consumption by only operating when in contact with the body and allows for unobstructed listening to both device-generated and ambient sounds, enhancing safety and comfort by not blocking the ear.

Implementation Method 1

using a driving voltage to transmit sound through electrostatic force without continuous power consumption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10462547B2Sound transmission device and sound transmission system

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A sound transmission system that includes a sound transmission device that is brought into contact with a human body and a sound signal generation device connected to the sound transmission device. The sound transmission device includes an insulator that is brought into contact with the human body, a conductor that is in contact with the insulator, and an input that is provided on the conductor and inputs a driving voltage. One end of the sound signal generation device is connected to the input, and the sound signal generation device supplies the driving voltage based on a sound signal to the sound transmission device.