Piezo Sounder Temperature Compensation via Dynamic Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Piezo sounders in notification devices experience a loss in sound pressure level due to mismatch between resonance and drive frequencies caused by temperature deviations from the nominal temperature of 25°C, leading to reduced sound output and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the temperature of the sound generation mechanism, identifies its resonant frequency, and adjusts the excitation frequency to match the resonant frequency, thereby minimizing the difference and maintaining optimal sound pressure levels across varying temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the piezo sounder operates at a fixed excitation frequency, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sound pressure level deteriorates due to frequency drift with temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency control complexityVSAvoidsound pressure level consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The excitation frequency is made dynamic by adjusting it based on temperature conditions. The system transitions from a fixed frequency operation to a variable frequency operation where the controller modifies the excitation frequency in response to temperature sensor readings, thereby maintaining optimal sound pressure level across different temperature ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by using temperature sensors to monitor the operating temperature of the piezo sounder and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the excitation frequency based on this feedback to compensate for frequency drift and maintain consistent sound pressure level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the excitation frequency is adjusted to match resonant frequency at each temperature, then the sound pressure level is improved, but the device complexity increases due to temperature sensing and frequency adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound pressure level consistencyVSAvoidtemperature compensation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operating parameters by adjusting the excitation frequency based on temperature conditions. The controller modifies the frequency parameter in response to temperature sensor readings, thereby optimizing the sound pressure level performance across different temperature ranges while maintaining a relatively simple hardware structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the piezo sounder operates away from resonant frequency due to temperature drift, then the device can maintain simple operation, but the power consumption increases and sound output decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the excitation frequency to match the resonant frequency at different operating temperatures. This dynamic frequency adjustment ensures that the piezo sounder operates at optimal efficiency across the temperature range, thereby reducing power consumption and improving sound output while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enhances sound pressure levels by up to 6dB without increasing power consumption, ensuring consistent performance across a range of temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

A piezo sounder is a high intensity sound source usable in a notification device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the resonance and drive frequencies associated with operation of a piezo sounder are designed to match at the nominal temperature. However, these frequencies tend to drift apart as the temperature deviates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3776526B1Temperature compensation for piezo sounder
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3776526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3776526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3776526B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of operating a sound generation mechanism includes determining a temperature of the sound generation mechanism, identifying a resonant frequency of the sound generation mechanism associated with the determined temperature, and communicating an excitation frequency to the sound generation mechanism. The excitation frequency is selected in response to the resonant frequency associated with the determined temperature. The sound generation mechanism is operated to produce one or more sounds.