Mechanical Wake-Up Switch Using Vibratory Signal Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal classification methods, particularly for sound signals, rely on electrically operated devices that consume energy and emit electromagnetic radiation, leading to inefficiencies and potential interference.

Innovation Solution

A network of vibratory elements interconnected by coupling elements is used to classify aperiodic vibration signals in a purely mechanical manner, without consuming electrical energy and minimizing electromagnetic radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrically operated devices are used for signal classification, then classification accuracy can be achieved, but electrical energy is consumed and electromagnetic radiation is emitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical/electronic classification system with a mechanical vibration-based system. A vibratory network with specifically designed elements and coupling mechanisms processes sound signals mechanically through resonance and vibration patterns, eliminating the need for electrical power consumption during classification while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different sound signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes mechanical vibration as the core mechanism for signal classification. The vibratory network responds to incoming sound signals by producing characteristic vibration patterns that can be observed and measured, allowing classification to occur through mechanical means rather than electrical processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Measurement precision

If electrically operated devices are used for signal classification, then classification can be performed, but electromagnetic radiation is emitted causing interference and detectability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a purely mechanical classification system is used, then energy consumption is eliminated, but device complexity increases due to the network of vibratory elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibratory network is divided into discrete, modular elements including individual vibratory components and coupling elements. Each element can be independently designed, positioned, and tuned, allowing the complex classification task to be distributed across multiple simpler mechanical components rather than requiring a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the vibratory network are designed with specific local properties - certain vibratory elements have particular masses, stiffnesses, or geometries tailored to respond to specific frequency ranges or signal characteristics. This localized specialization allows the overall system to handle complex classification while each individual component remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enables energy-efficient signal classification with high accuracy, allowing for long-term operation without a power source and reducing electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

A network of vibratory elements interconnected by coupling elements is used to classify aperiodic vibration signals in a purely mechanical manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The vibratory elements can also be referred to as vibratory memebers, and the coupling elements can also be referred to as coupling members. Such a device shows a particular reaction if an inputted signal is classified as a trigger signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20250037708A1Zero-power operable classification device and switching device and voice-operated powerless wake-up switch

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 ETH ZURICH

AI summary

A classification device for classifying an input signal which is an aperiodic vibration signal, includes a vibratory network and a support. The vibratory network includes a set of vibratory elements and a set of coupling elements that couple the vibratory elements together and to the support, which supports the network. The input signal is classified to be a trigger signal or to be a signal other than a trigger signal depending upon whether a magnitude related to one of the vibratory elements referred to as triggering element is greater than or less than a threshold value. The magnitude is one of a displacement, a velocity, or an acceleration of the triggering element. The switching device includes a classification device and a switching element operationally connected to the classification device, to change a switching state of the switching element when the magnitude reaches or exceeds the threshold value.