Modular Acoustic System for Aerospace Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current loudspeaker-based and direct-field acoustic testing systems for aerospace applications are inefficient, prone to mechanical and thermal failures, and require complex assemblies, leading to acoustic and operational inefficiencies, and do not effectively cover the entire audible spectrum with enhanced reliability and acoustic capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A modular acoustic system comprising a housing with a horn assembly and transducers, an amplification and power distribution device, and a controller that adjusts noise signals to generate acoustic waves across the entire audible spectrum, allowing for real-time adjustments and improved reliability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If loudspeaker-based testing systems and direct-field acoustic testing systems are used, then acoustic testing can be performed, but the systems require complicated and time-consuming assemblies with many components including line arrays, subwoofers, and other electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple acoustic sources (subwoofers, mid-range drivers, high-frequency drivers) into a single integrated acoustic assembly that functions as one unified testing system. This merging eliminates the need for separate line arrays, subwoofers, and other electrical components while maintaining the ability to perform acoustic testing across the entire audible spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated acoustic assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: it can generate acoustic waves across the entire audible spectrum (low, mid, and high frequencies) simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized components. The system provides universal acoustic testing capability across all frequency ranges without requiring separate assemblies for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If line arrays are used in acoustic testing systems, then acoustic waves can be generated, but unavoidable irregularities in the sound field occur that do not satisfy customer needs in aerospace applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound field uniformityVSAvoidacoustic testing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different types of acoustic drivers (subwoofers, mid-range drivers, high-frequency drivers) positioned at specific locations within the assembly to target different frequency ranges. Each driver type is optimized for its specific frequency band, creating locally optimized acoustic output that collectively produces a uniform sound field across the entire audible spectrum without the irregularities caused by line arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If existing loudspeaker-based testing systems are used, then acoustic testing can be performed, but the systems are prone to mechanical and thermal failures that compromise reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of electrical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating multiple acoustic drivers and their associated electronics into a single unified assembly, the patent reduces the total number of separate electrical components and connection points. This integration minimizes potential failure points while maintaining the acoustic testing capabilities, thereby improving system reliability and reducing mechanical and thermal failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modular acoustic system enhances acoustic testing efficiency and capabilities, providing a wider power band coverage with reduced component complexity and assembly time, while minimizing mechanical and thermal failures, thus offering a more reliable and cost-effective solution.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of transducers configured to generate the plurality of acoustic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

a horn assembly with a plurality of transducers configured to generate the plurality of acoustic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic horn amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12104985B2System for aerospace acoustic testing

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 ACOUSTIC RES SYST LLC

AI summary

A modular acoustic system for use to perform acoustic testing on an object across an entire audible spectrum with enhanced efficiency and acoustic capabilities is provided. The acoustic system includes an acoustic device having a housing to store a horn assembly with a plurality of transducers, an amplification and power distribution device with an amplifier electrically coupled to the horn assembly of the acoustic device, and a controller operably connected to the amplification and power distribution device. The controller is designed to transmit a plurality of noise signals over a network to the amplifier of the amplification and power distribution device to enable the plurality of transducers of the acoustic device to generate a plurality of acoustic waves across the entire audible spectrum.