Folded Membrane Speaker with Synchronized Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speaker drivers face challenges in producing high fidelity sound due to restricted membrane displacement, which limits sound pressure, and existing technologies do not effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
An air pulse generating element with a folded membrane and synchronized valve control, utilizing electrostatic or piezoelectric actuators to produce air pulses at a rate higher than the maximum audible frequency, allowing for increased sound pressure and fidelity through horizontal membrane deformation and controlled airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the membrane displacement of conventional speaker driver is increased to produce enough sound pressure, then the sound pressure is improved, but the membrane displacement is restricted to a peak displacement which confines the sound pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic valve opening and closing actions synchronized with the membrane vibration cycle. The valves are opened during specific phases of the membrane vibration to allow air flow, creating periodic air pulses that amplify sound pressure without requiring increased membrane displacement amplitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic mechanism using controlled air flow through valves to enhance sound pressure generation. By regulating air intake and exhaust through the valves during membrane vibration, the system creates pressure variations that amplify acoustic output without exceeding membrane displacement limits.
2Stress or pressure
If the acceleration of the membrane is increased to produce enough sound pressure, then the sound pressure is improved, but the membrane displacement is restricted which confines the sound pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air flow and valves as intermediary elements between the membrane and the surrounding air. The valves control air flow to create pressure variations that amplify sound, acting as a mediator that enhances acoustic output without requiring increased membrane acceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized periodic opening and closing of valves during membrane vibration creates amplified air pulses. This periodic action converts the restricted membrane motion into enhanced sound pressure through controlled air flow cycles.
3Measurement precision
If air pulses are generated at ultrasonic rate to achieve high fidelity sound, then the sound fidelity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to synchronized valve control
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system uses feedback from the membrane vibration state to synchronize valve opening and closing actions. This feedback mechanism ensures that valves operate at the optimal moments during each vibration cycle, achieving high fidelity sound while maintaining coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system performs multiple functions: controlling air intake, managing air exhaust, and synchronizing with membrane vibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while achieving ultrasonic rate air pulse generation.
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 air pulse generating element achieves high fidelity sound and sufficient sound pressure by generating air pulses at an ultrasonic rate, exceeding the maximum human audible frequency, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional speaker drivers.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of actuators are electrostatic actuators with a plurality of electrodes, such that the plurality of membrane units perform the horizontal deformation when a plurality of driving charges are applied on the plurality of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
when the plurality of actuators are piezoelectric actuators with a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of membrane units perform the horizontal deformation when a plurality of driving charges are applied on the plurality of electrodes
Implementation Method 3
when the folded membrane is incorporated with electromagnetic actuator and a current flows along the folded membrane, the plurality of membrane units perform the horizontal deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
An air pulse generating element (10, 1500, 1600, 1900) is disclosed. The air pulse generating element (10, 1500, 1600, 1900) includes a front faceplate (102); a back faceplate (104); a front supporting element (106); a back supporting element (108); a folded membrane (110, 1510, 1610, 1910), configured to form a front chamber and a back chamber, and comprising a plurality of membrane units (MU); wherein the plurality of membrane units (MU) are parallel and sequentially connected and an end of the folded membrane (110, 1510, 1610, 1910) is connected to the back faceplate (104) via the back supporting element (108) and another end of the folded membrane (110, 1510, 1610, 1910) is connected to the front faceplate (102) via the front supporting element (106); and a plurality of valves (VFF, VFB, VSF, VSB) controlling a plurality of air flow channels between the front chamber toward either a front space or a back space; wherein the plurality of membrane units (MU) are configured to perform horizontal deformation to squeeze air in and out of the front or back chamber with operations of the plurality of valves (VFF, VFB, VSF, VSB).