Electrostatic Speaker Actuator with Dielectric Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle speaker systems lack the ability to autonomously adjust their position and orientation to optimize sound directionality and distribution both within the vehicle and towards the external environment, relying on manual adjustments or complex mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A speaker assembly with actuators featuring a bladder with a dielectric fluid and conductors that, when electrified, create an electrostatic attraction, allowing for the adjustment of the speaker's position and orientation, which can be controlled by processors and sensors to direct sound effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments or complex mechanical systems are used to adjust speaker position and orientation, then speaker adjustment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with electrostatic actuators that use electrical fields to move speaker components. The electrostatic actuator includes a stator, mover, and dielectric member that interact through electrostatic forces to achieve speaker position and orientation adjustment without traditional mechanical linkages, gears, or motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and position of a dielectric member within the electrostatic actuator to control speaker adjustment. By moving the dielectric member between different positions (first position for first adjustment, second position for second adjustment), the system achieves variable speaker orientation and position through parameter change rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If electrostatic actuators with dielectric fluid are used to adjust speaker position, then adjustment efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible dielectric member that can deform and move in response to electrostatic forces. The dielectric member's flexibility allows it to conform to the electrostatic field distribution and achieve precise positioning through material compliance rather than requiring extremely precise mechanical tolerances in the conductor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric member acts as an intermediary between the stator and mover conductors, mediating the electrostatic interaction. This intermediary allows the system to achieve precise control by manipulating the dielectric's position and properties rather than requiring direct, ultra-precise positioning of the conductors themselves.
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 autonomous and efficient reorientation of speakers to enhance sound distribution towards occupants and external environments, reducing the need for complex mechanical components and improving sound directionality.
Implementation Method 1
the first conductor and the second conductor can have opposite charges. As a result, the first conductor and the second conductor can be electrostatically attracted toward each other, which, in turn, can cause at least a portion of the dielectric fluid to be displaced
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker assembly can include a speaker and one or more actuators operatively positioned to cause the position and/or the orientation of the speaker to be adjusted. The one or more actuators include a bladder. The bladder can include a flexible casing. The bladder can define a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber can contain a dielectric fluid. The one or more actuators can include a first conductor and a second conductor operatively positioned on opposite portions of the bladder. The one or more actuators can be configured such that, when electrical energy is supplied to the first conductor and the second conductor, the first conductor and the second conductor can become oppositely charged. As a result, the first conductor and the second conductor are electrostatically attracted toward each other to cause at least a portion of the dielectric fluid to be displaced to an outer peripheral region of the fluid chamber.