Multi-Microphone System Diaphragm Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condenser MEMS microphones with small diaphragms are prone to noise corruption and signal weakness, while larger diaphragms may bow and degrade sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
A multi-microphone system with multiple independently movable diaphragms secured to a common base, supported by springs, forming separate variable capacitance microphones that are combined to produce a single signal, enhancing sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios while maintaining a thin profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the diaphragm area is increased to improve signal strength, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the diaphragm may bow and produce corrupted signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large diaphragm into multiple smaller diaphragms (e.g., four diaphragms arranged in a 2x2 array). Each small diaphragm maintains flatness and avoids bowing, while the combined signal from all diaphragms provides the necessary signal strength and improved signal-to-noise ratio. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by achieving both reliability (through small, flat diaphragms) and measurement precision (through combined signal output).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple independent microphones with small diaphragms into a single composite signal. By merging the signals from multiple diaphragms, the system achieves the signal strength and noise immunity of a large diaphragm while maintaining the reliability benefits of small, flat diaphragms. This combining approach resolves the contradiction between signal-to-noise ratio and signal corruption.
2Reliability
If a small diaphragm is used to maintain flatness, then signal corruption is reduced, but the signal may be too weak to be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small diaphragms instead of one large diaphragm. Each small diaphragm remains flat and produces a clean, undistorted signal, while the multiplicity of diaphragms ensures sufficient total signal strength. The segmentation approach allows each diaphragm to maintain integrity while the collective output ensures detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The outputs from multiple small diaphragms are combined through circuitry to produce a composite signal with sufficient amplitude for measurement. By merging the signals from multiple independent diaphragms, the system achieves the signal strength necessary for detection while preserving the signal integrity benefits of small diaphragm size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are integrated on a single base, then sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple microphones and their associated support structures onto a single common base, creating a multi-functional device. This unified structure performs the functions of multiple independent microphones while sharing common infrastructure (base, cavity, packaging), thereby reducing the complexity increase that would result from completely separate microphone assemblies. The multi-functionality approach allows sensitivity improvement while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple diaphragms are arranged in a compact configuration on a single base, with each microphone nested within the overall package structure. The nested arrangement allows multiple sensing elements to occupy a small footprint, improving sensitivity without proportionally increasing the overall device size or complexity. The nesting principle enables compact integration of multiple functions.
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 multi-microphone system improves sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios compared to single-diaphragm microphones, reducing the likelihood of diaphragm bowing and noise corruption, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
Receipt of an audible signal causes the diaphragm to vibrate to form a variable capacitance signal representing the audible signal
Implementation Method 2
each diaphragm forms a variable capacitance with the base and thus, each diaphragm effectively forms a generally independent, separate microphone with the base
Implementation Method 3
The microphone system may have a plurality of springs for supporting each of the diaphragms above the base
Implementation Method 4
Each one of the plurality of springs may extend between a support structure and one of the diaphragms
Implementation Method 5
The package has an aperture to permit ingress of audio signals
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone system implements multiple microphones on a single base. To that end, the microphone system has a base, and a plurality of substantially independently movable diaphragms secured to the base. Each of the plurality of diaphragms forms a variable capacitance with the base and thus, each diaphragm effectively forms a generally independent, separate microphone with the base.