Phononic Crystal Coupler Acoustic Waveguide Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling acoustic waves between waveguides often require transducers, which increase costs and degrade performance due to noise, necessitating an improved system for efficient acoustic energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A phononic coupler comprising a sheet with standard and divergent reflectors, configured to couple sound waves between waveguides with a frequency range of 10 MHz to 100 GHz, achieving efficient power transfer between ports with a coupling ratio of at least 0.1%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transducers are used to couple acoustic waves between waveguides, then coupling can be achieved, but the cost increases and performance degrades due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces transducers (electromechanical devices) with a phononic crystal structure that uses acoustic wave interference and bandgap effects to achieve coupling. The phononic crystal waveguides and reflectors create controlled acoustic paths that couple energy between waveguides without mechanical-to-electrical conversion, eliminating transducer noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phononic crystal structure as an intermediary between the two waveguides. This intermediate structure uses periodic reflectors and waveguide geometry to mediate the coupling process through acoustic field interactions rather than direct transducer contact
2Reliability
If transducers are used to couple acoustic waves between waveguides, then coupling can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive transducer assemblies with a phononic crystal structure fabricated from standard semiconductor materials (silicon, silicon nitride, silicon dioxide) using conventional MEMS fabrication processes, significantly reducing component cost and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The phononic crystal structure serves multiple functions: it provides acoustic confinement, controls wave propagation, enables coupling between waveguides, and can be integrated with standard CMOS fabrication processes, replacing multiple separate components with a single multifunctional structure
3Manufacturing precision
If standard reflectors are used in the phononic coupler, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but coupling efficiency may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses uniform standard reflectors with consistent dimensions and spacing throughout the phononic crystal structure. This local uniformity ensures predictable acoustic behavior and simplifies fabrication while the overall structure design optimizes coupling efficiency through controlled acoustic interference patterns
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 phononic coupler effectively couples acoustic energy between waveguides with minimal loss, reducing the need for transducers and enhancing performance by maintaining a low bulk propagation loss and precise grid spacing, allowing for efficient sound wave propagation and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide, and a second waveguide... configured to couple sound waves, at a frequency greater than 10 MHz and less than 100 GHz
Implementation Method 2
a sheet, including a plurality of standard reflectors, and a plurality of divergent reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
A phononic coupler. In some embodiments, the phononic coupler includes a sheet, including a plurality of standard reflectors, and a plurality of divergent reflectors. The divergent reflectors define, among the standard reflectors, a first waveguide, and a second waveguide. The coupler has a first port, at a first end of the coupler, a second port, at the first end of the coupler, and a third port, at a second end of the coupler. The first waveguide has a first end at the first port. The second waveguide has a first end at the second port, and a second end at the third port. The coupler is configured to couple longitudinal sound waves to both the first port and the second port.