Piezoelectric Sound Interface for Low-Energy Watch Acoustic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watches face energy consumption issues due to loudspeaker-based acoustic signal notifications, which are inefficient given their limited energy capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a sound interface with multiple piezoelectric elements mounted on deformable support elements to produce acoustic signals, allowing for varied sounds with controlled vibration frequencies and amplitudes, reducing energy consumption and enabling tactile notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a loudspeaker-based sound interface is used to broadcast acoustic signals, then the acoustic signal can be effectively transmitted to the wearer, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic loudspeaker system with a piezoelectric-based acoustic interface. The piezoelectric elements convert electrical signals directly into mechanical vibrations that produce acoustic waves, eliminating the need for complex electromagnetic coils and magnets found in conventional loudspeakers. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective acoustic signal transmission to the wearer's ear.
2Volume of moving object
If a traditional loudspeaker sound interface is used, then acoustic signals can be broadcast, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The sound interface is divided into multiple independent piezoelectric elements arranged in an array. Each element can be individually controlled to produce specific acoustic patterns. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective sound broadcasting through coordinated operation of multiple small elements, rather than requiring a single large loudspeaker component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-point loudspeaker to a two-dimensional array of piezoelectric elements. This dimensional expansion enables the system to create focused acoustic beams and directional sound patterns, achieving effective signal transmission with much smaller individual elements and overall compact form factor.
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 enables efficient, low-energy acoustic signal broadcasting and simultaneous tactile messaging, enhancing user experience while conserving watch battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a sound interface of the watch comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements mounted on at least one deformable support element, said plurality of piezoelectric elements and said at least one deformable support element being able together to produce a sound
Implementation Method 2
said plurality of piezoelectric elements and said at least one deformable support element being able together to produce a sound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for broadcasting an acoustic signal to the wearer of a watch, the method comprising a step of identifying an event relating to a function of this watch (1) as well as a step of sending a configuration signal relating to said identified event to a sound interface (3) of the watch (1) comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements (4) mounted on at least one deformable support element (9), said plurality of piezoelectric elements and said at least one deformable support element (9) being able together to produce a sound.