Noncoplanar Transducer Arrangement for Directional Ultrasonic Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio devices generate omnidirectional sound waves, making it difficult to direct audio specifically to a user, leading to unwanted sound exposure to others.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module with transducers disposed on noncoplanar surfaces that radiate ultrasonic waves, which intersect and demodulate into directional audible sound waves, allowing sound to be focused towards a specific user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transducers are disposed on coplanar surfaces and emit omnidirectional sound waves, then the device complexity is low, but the sound cannot be directed specifically to the user and causes unwanted exposure to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from coplanar (2D) transducer arrangement to noncoplanar (3D) arrangement, where transducers are positioned on surfaces that are not in the same plane. This spatial dimensionality change enables directional sound wave intersection and focal point creation, solving the directional sound control problem while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric transducer positioning on noncoplanar surfaces with different orientations and angles. This asymmetric arrangement creates specific intersection patterns for sound waves that converge at predetermined locations, enabling directional sound projection to specific users while preventing omnidirectional sound exposure.
2Ease of operation
If additional components are added to adjust emission direction of sound waves, then directional sound control is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent design enables the transducers to self-align and self-position on noncoplanar surfaces such that their sound waves naturally intersect at predetermined locations. This self-organizing geometry eliminates the need for additional active direction-adjustment components or control systems, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining directional sound control.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducers are pre-positioned on noncoplanar surfaces during device assembly with specific orientations and angles calculated to achieve desired sound wave intersection patterns. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that sound waves automatically converge at target locations without requiring real-time adjustment mechanisms, reducing both device complexity and power consumption.
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 directs sound towards a specific user, reducing unwanted sound exposure and conserving power by naturally intersecting ultrasonic waves without additional emission direction adjustments, enhancing user experience in wearable and portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first transducer is configured to radiate a first ultrasonic wave. The second transducer is configured to radiate a second ultrasonic wave.
Implementation Method 2
forming the acoustic wave by demodulating the sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic module is provided. The electronic module includes a first transducer and a second transducer. The first transducer is configured to radiate a first ultrasonic wave. The second transducer is configured to radiate a second ultrasonic wave. The first transducer and the second transducer are disposed on noncoplanar surfaces.