Headboard Planar Audio Radiation Without Speaker Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bed headboards lack the ability to efficiently and comfortably provide audio to users without the need for external speakers, which can be impractical, unsanitary, and ineffective in healthcare environments, and fail to meet the requirements for emergency audio signaling and even sound distribution.
Innovation Solution
Affixing inertial acoustic actuators to the headboard or footboard, transforming them into large surface acoustic radiators that emit sound through bending waves, providing full audio spectrum coverage without the need for external speakers or openings, and allowing for integration with emergency systems and entertainment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cone type speakers are used for audio emission, then audio signal can be emitted, but the acoustic energy is concentrated at a point source which causes discomfort or damage to users lying close to the speaker
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the audio emission function across multiple inertial acoustic actuators distributed throughout the headboard panel, transforming a single point source into multiple distributed sources. This segmentation of the acoustic radiation function eliminates the concentrated energy problem while maintaining effective audio delivery to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional point-source acoustic radiation to planar surface acoustic radiation by mounting actuators across the two-dimensional headboard surface. This dimensional change distributes acoustic energy across a plane rather than concentrating it at a point, fundamentally resolving the energy concentration issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external speakers and complex structures are used to provide audio functionality, then audio signal emission is achieved, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the audio emission function directly into the headboard structure itself by mounting inertial acoustic actuators on the headboard panel. This integration eliminates the need for separate external speakers and complex mounting structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining audio functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The headboard panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, backrest functionality, and audio emission capability through the integrated actuators. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated audio devices and reduces infrastructure requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional speakers with openings and complex structures are installed in headboards, then audio functionality is provided, but hygiene and ease of cleaning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the traditional speaker cone and enclosure structure, retaining only the essential audio generation function through inertial acoustic actuators. This extraction eliminates openings, grilles, and complex internal structures that trap contaminants, leaving a smooth, cleanable headboard surface suitable for healthcare environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical speaker system (cone, voice coil, magnet, enclosure) with inertial acoustic actuators that generate sound through controlled vibration of the headboard panel itself. This substitution eliminates the need for openings and complex mechanical structures, creating a hygienic, easy-to-clean surface.
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
This solution provides comfortable and even audio distribution, enhances audio fidelity, reduces infrastructure costs, and improves hygiene by eliminating the need for external speakers and complex structures, while meeting emergency signaling requirements and allowing for easy cleaning and disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
An inertial acoustic actuator vibrates at audio frequencies in reciprocating strokes of very small amplitude thus creating the bending waves in the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An audio bed board having an inertial type acoustics transducer is disclosed. The novel bed board structure is capable of emitting sound without any exposed audio speakers or speaker openings allowing sound to escape. The bed board typically acts as an audio emitter. In a preferred embodiment, the bed board is generally hollow thereby allowing the installation of the acoustic elements within the bed board. Additionally, an audio amplifier contained therein may be coupled to the headboard, other bed structures or surrounding structures. The bed board generally has a surface adjacent one of head end and foot end having no normally apparent openings so as to facilitate cleaning of the bed board. Furthermore, the emitted sound signal may utilize multiple audio sources for reproduction by the bed board sound system including but not limited to digital, analog, optical and emergency signals.