Localized Vibration Rendering on Flexible Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat-panel loudspeakers face challenges in integrating into commercial products due to irregularities in sound radiation qualities and difficulty in modeling vibration profiles, especially with non-uniform boundary conditions found in devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
The use of a frequency crossover network combined with an array of force drivers to selectively excite different panel mechanical modes, allowing for localized vibration rendering on panels with empirical measurement-based filter optimization to achieve targeted vibration profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a flat-panel loudspeaker is used to achieve weight reduction and compact form factor, then portability and integration are improved, but sound radiation quality becomes irregular and difficult to model
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the panel into multiple independently controllable vibration regions, each driven by separate actuators. This segmentation allows precise control of vibration patterns in different zones, enabling consistent sound radiation quality across the entire panel surface despite the lightweight construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different vibration characteristics to different regions of the panel by controlling individual actuators. Each region can be optimized for specific frequency ranges or radiation patterns, ensuring uniform audio performance across the panel while maintaining the overall lightweight design.
2Manufacturing precision
If empirical measurement-based filter optimization is used to achieve targeted vibration profiles, then audio reproduction quality is improved, but system complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs empirical measurements and filter optimizations during the manufacturing setup phase rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments. Vibration profiles are characterized once during production, and pre-computed filters are stored for use during operation, achieving high precision without ongoing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measured vibration responses from the panel to compute optimal filter characteristics. This feedback loop during setup allows the system to adapt to specific panel variations, achieving accurate vibration profiles while keeping the operational system simple through pre-computed solutions.
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 method enables high-quality audio reproduction and localized sound source rendering on various panel materials and designs, effectively addressing the challenges of non-uniform boundary conditions and enhancing audio performance in devices with complex vibration profiles.
Implementation Method 1
Loudspeakers that employ bending mode vibrations of a diaphragm or plate to reproduce sound
Implementation Method 2
The basic concept of generating sound from bending waves in plates
Implementation Method 3
the empiric measurement of a vibration profile is obtained by use of a laser vibrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A loudspeaker system composed of a flexible panel with an affixed array of force actuators, a signal processing system, and interface electronic circuits is described. The system described is capable of creating a pattern of standing bending waves at any location on the panel and the instantaneous amplitude, velocity, or acceleration of the standing waves can be controlled by an audio signal to create localized acoustic sources at the selected locations in the plane of the panel.