Piezoelectric Beam Microphone for Directional Sound Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microphones lack directional capabilities, which are essential for applications such as scene recognition, sound source localization, noise-reducing calls, and hearing assistance.

Innovation Solution

A piezoelectric microphone design featuring a housing with beam structures that vibrate in response to sound waves, generating electrical signals through piezoelectric transducers, and utilizing sound guiding holes for directional sound recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional microphone structures are used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but directional capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional capabilityVSAvoidmicrophone structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microphone is divided into multiple beam structures (at least two beams) that are spatially separated and independently vibratable. Each beam can respond to sound waves from different directions, enabling directional capability through segmentation of the sensing function across multiple structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning beam structures at different locations and orientations within the housing. The beams are arranged to respond to sound waves from different directions (front, rear, left, right), adding directional dimensionality to the microphone's sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If beam structures with piezoelectric transducers are added, then directional recognition and sound source localization are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source localization precisionVSAvoidmicrophone structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical diaphragm-based sound detection with piezoelectric transducers that convert mechanical vibrations directly into electrical signals. This substitution enables more precise measurement of beam vibrations and sound wave directions while simplifying the signal processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam structures serve multiple functions: they act as both mechanical vibration sensors and directional sound wave detectors. The same structural elements that provide mechanical support also function as the sensing elements for directional audio detection, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple beam structures are arranged in the housing, then directional sound detection is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional sound detectionVSAvoidbeam structure arrangement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the microphone housing. Each beam structure is positioned and dimensioned to detect sound waves from specific directions, with local variations in beam length, width, and spacing optimized for directional sensitivity in different spatial regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables directional recognition and sound source localization, enhancing applications like acoustic scene classification, noise reduction, and hearing assistance.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the plurality of beam structures are provided with a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the vibration of the plurality of beam structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250294295A1microphones

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO LTD

AI summary

The embodiments of this disclosure disclose a microphone, comprising: a support member, a plurality of beam structures, and a housing. One end of each beam structure of the plurality of beam structures is arranged on the support member. The plurality of beam structures vibrate along a first direction. At least a portion of the plurality of beam structures are provided with a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to the vibration of the plurality of beam structures. The housing is configured to accommodate the support member and the beam structures. The housing forms a first cavity and a second cavity along the first direction and located on both sides of the plurality of beam structures. The housing is provided with a first sound guiding hole and a second sound guiding hole.