Nested Electroacoustic Transducer Assembly for Spatial Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices that convert energy forms, such as microphones, face challenges in reducing spatial interference when sound is received simultaneously by multiple transducers, leading to reduced functionality and quality.
Innovation Solution
A transducer assembly comprising a first and second electroacoustic transducer with counter electrodes formed by the inner and outer diaphragm sections, allowing for independent operation and adjustable directional patterns through signal mixing, enabling compact design and noise immunity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transducers are used to receive sound simultaneously, then sound recording capability is improved, but spatial interference increases leading to reduced functionality and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested transducer configuration where an inner transducer is positioned within the outer transducer structure. The inner diaphragm section lies within the inner circumference of the outer diaphragm section, creating a concentric arrangement. This nesting allows multiple transducers to share the same spatial domain without substantial interference, as they are acoustically decoupled through their different diaphragm sections and electrode arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the diaphragm into distinct sections: an outer diaphragm section forming the counter electrode of the first transducer, and an inner diaphragm section forming the counter electrode of the second transducer. This segmentation allows each transducer to independently process sound waves while maintaining separate functional domains, thereby reducing spatial interference while preserving multi-channel sound recording capability.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple transducers are positioned in close proximity, then device compactness is improved, but spatial interference and functional quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the inner transducer within the outer transducer structure, the patent achieves maximum compactness with minimal volume. The inner diaphragm section is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer diaphragm section, allowing both transducers to occupy the same spatial envelope without substantial interference, thus achieving compact design while maintaining functional quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes radial dimensionality by arranging transducers in a concentric pattern rather than linear stacking. The inner and outer diaphragm sections are arranged radially with the inner section within the inner circumference of the outer section, effectively using radial space to accommodate multiple transducers in a compact configuration without spatial interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inner and outer diaphragm sections are acoustically decoupled, then independence of transducer operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diaphragm into distinct inner and outer sections that are acoustically decoupled. The inner diaphragm section and outer diaphragm section are separated by a functional gap or hole in the center of the outer diaphragm section, allowing independent acoustic operation of each transducer. This segmentation can be achieved through standard manufacturing techniques such as punching holes or creating gaps during diaphragm formation, balancing independence with manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal diaphragm structure that serves multiple functions: the outer diaphragm section acts as both the acoustic membrane for the outer transducer and the counter electrode structure, while the inner diaphragm section similarly serves dual purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining operational independence through acoustic decoupling.
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 solution effectively reduces spatial interference, enhances sensitivity, and allows for electronically adjustable directional properties, improving noise immunity and reducing costs by enabling compact and robust microphone designs.
Implementation Method 1
Some devices do not substantially reduce a functional or a spatial domain when sound is received simultaneously at two or more transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer assembly includes a first electroacoustic transducer and a second electroacoustic transducer. The first and the second electrostatic transducers include an electrode and a counter electrode. An inner circumference of an outer diaphragm section lying within an outer circumference forms the counter electrode of the first electroacoustic transducer. An inner diaphragm section that lies within the inner circumference of the outer diaphragm section forms the counter electrode of the second electroacoustic transducer.