Focused Ultrasonic Interaction for Secure On-Board Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic transducer systems lack secure and efficient methods for remote data transfer and function activation, particularly in applications where precise control and safety are crucial.

Innovation Solution

An on-board interaction system using PMUT type piezoelectric transducers arranged in matrices and sub-matrices, controlled by a module to generate focused ultrasonic acoustic pulses, allowing secure data transfer and remote mechanical actions within a limited emission cone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ultrasonic transducers are used for remote data transfer and function activation, then interaction capability is improved, but security and control precision are worsened due to lack of confined interaction zone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidsecurity and control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ultrasonic acoustic field as an intermediary medium to transfer data and activate functions remotely. The focused ultrasonic pulses serve as the mediator between the transmitter and receiver, enabling secure interaction without direct contact or exposed electromagnetic signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies focal concentration to create a localized interaction zone where ultrasonic energy is concentrated at a specific point in space. This local quality ensures that only devices within the focal region can receive or be activated by the ultrasonic pulses, providing spatial security and control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If a large surface area of ultrasonic transducers is used to generate strong acoustic pressure, then interaction effectiveness is improved, but device size and integration complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic pressureVSAvoidsurface integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ultrasonic transducer array into multiple segments or elements that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the transducer surface, the system achieves focused acoustic pressure through constructive interference at the focal point without requiring a single large transducer surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional transducer surface to a three-dimensional focal point in space. By using phased array control, the system concentrates acoustic energy from multiple transducer elements at a specific point in the third dimension, achieving high acoustic pressure without increasing the transducer surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If ultrasonic pulses are transmitted over long distances, then interaction range is improved, but acoustic pressure and signal strength are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction rangeVSAvoidacoustic pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary focusing by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the phase and amplitude of each transducer element to concentrate energy at the desired focal point before the ultrasonic pulses are emitted. This preliminary action ensures that the acoustic energy is already concentrated at the target location, maintaining high pressure over distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic phase and amplitude control of individual transducer elements to adapt the focal point position and maintain acoustic pressure over varying distances. The system can dynamically adjust the beam forming parameters to track and maintain focus at different ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 secure and efficient remote data transfer and function activation by generating high acoustic pressure with optimized surface integration and precise wave focusing, ensuring interactions are confined to a controlled volume.

Implementation Method 1

Each ultrasonic transducer includes a flexible membrane suspended on a rigid support and a piezoelectric conversion element attached to the flexible membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

generate at least one focused stream of ultrasonic acoustic waves, called an ultrasonic acoustic pulse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 3

A control circuit controls the transmission of the transducers with phase shifts between the different transducers so as to focus the emitted waves at a given focal point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse carries a directional pressure adapted to actuate a predetermined function in the receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentEP4632730A1On-board interaction system
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4632730A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4632730A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4632730A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an on-board interaction system comprising a set of ultrasonic transducers (3) controllable by a control module (5) to generate at least one focused flow of ultrasonic acoustic waves, called an ultrasonic acoustic pulse, configured to interact with at least one destination device (7) provided with a receiver module (9) sensitive to said at least one ultrasonic acoustic pulse.