Matrix Driver Electroacoustic Transducer Sound Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electroacoustic transducers, such as those produced by MEMS technology, have a configuration where a fixed portion is disposed around the diaphragm, limiting the sound pressure level per arrangement area.

Innovation Solution

The proposed electroacoustic transducer includes a diaphragm, multiple drivers, a support, and a coupler, where the drivers are disposed in a region opposed to the diaphragm, and the support is positioned at the center of the drivers to enhance vibration and increase the ratio of diaphragm area to transducer area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed portion is disposed around the diaphragm in conventional electroacoustic transducers, then structural stability is improved, but the sound pressure level per arrangement area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsound pressure level per arrangement area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The driver is divided into multiple driving sources (first, second, third, and fourth driving sources) arranged in a matrix pattern. This segmentation allows each driving source to independently vibrate the diaphragm, increasing the overall sound pressure level while maintaining structural stability through the distributed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driving sources are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern rather than a single linear arrangement. This dimensional expansion increases the driver area and allows for greater sound pressure generation within the same arrangement area, effectively resolving the contradiction between structural stability and sound pressure level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stress or pressure

If the driver area is increased to improve sound pressure level, then the sound pressure level per arrangement area increases, but the ratio of diaphragm area to transducer area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pressure level per arrangement areaVSAvoidratio of diaphragm area to transducer area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the driver into multiple driving sources arranged in a matrix, the driver area is efficiently utilized without excessive expansion. This allows the sound pressure level to increase while maintaining a favorable diaphragm area to transducer area ratio, as the segmented configuration achieves higher pressure through distributed vibration rather than simply increasing overall driver size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each driving source is positioned to optimally vibrate a specific region of the diaphragm, creating local quality variations that maximize sound pressure generation. This localized approach allows efficient use of the diaphragm area while achieving high sound pressure levels, preventing the need for excessive driver area expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stress or pressure

If multiple driving sources are arranged in a matrix pattern, then sound pressure level per arrangement area increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pressure level per arrangement areaVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple driving sources are merged into a single integrated driver structure with a common support. This combining approach allows the multiple driving sources to function together as one unified component, reducing device complexity while still achieving high sound pressure levels through the coordinated vibration of all driving sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it supports all driving sources, provides a common reference plane, and facilitates the matrix arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple driving sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration increases the sound pressure level per arrangement area and reduces distortion, allowing for a more efficient conversion of electrical signals into sound waves.

Implementation Method 1

The driver includes multiple driving sources to vibrate the diaphragm in the opposing direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250203278A1Electroacoustic transducer, array speaker, wearable device, speaker, and ultrasonic transmitter

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An electroacoustic transducer includes a diaphragm, a driver, a support, and a coupler. The diaphragm extends in an extending direction. The driver extends in the extending direction and is opposed to the diaphragm in an opposing direction orthogonal to the extending direction. The driver includes multiple driving sources to vibrate the diaphragm in the opposing direction. The support is disposed at a center of the multiple driving sources in the extending direction to support the driver. Further, the support is disposed in a region where the diaphragm is disposed in the extending direction. The coupler couples the diaphragm and the driver in the opposing direction. Each of the multiple driving sources of the driver extends from the support in the extending direction.