Shaker Transducer Centering Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shaker-type magneto-dynamic transducers face challenges in maintaining the sound coil aligned with the mobile magnetic unit due to the absence of a membrane, leading to mechanical interference and noise, and existing centering systems are either too complex, too flexible, or not suitable for miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A centering element with a central cylindrical shank and peripheral shank connected by equally spaced, planar elastic spokes that act as flat springs, ensuring axial movement and self-centering of the sound coil within the air gap, while maintaining low stretchiness and minimizing volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional centering system is used in shaker-type transducers, then the sound coil can be centered, but the system becomes structurally complicated and requires additional anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centering function with the coil support structure by integrating the centering element into the coil assembly. The centering element is formed as a single piece with the coil support, eliminating the need for separate centering components and additional anchoring mechanisms, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining centering precision
Solution Approach 2:
The coil support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the coil winding, acts as a centering element through its geometric design, and eliminates the need for separate centering devices. This multi-functional design reduces the overall device complexity while achieving the required centering accuracy
2Ease of operation
If the centering device is made more flexible to allow axial movement, then the coil can move freely, but the centering capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element features localized flexible regions with specific geometric configurations that provide controlled elasticity. These localized flexible zones allow axial movement while the overall structure maintains its centering geometry, achieving both movement freedom and centering accuracy through spatially differentiated properties
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt during operation. The flexible structure enables the element to deform elastically during axial movement and then return to its original position, maintaining centering accuracy dynamically throughout the operation cycle
3Manufacturing precision
If the centering element is made rigid to maintain centering, then centering precision is maintained, but the coil cannot move axially
Solution Approach 1:
The centering element incorporates localized flexible regions with specific geometric configurations that provide controlled elasticity. These localized flexible zones allow axial movement while the overall structure maintains its centering geometry, achieving both movement freedom and centering accuracy through spatially differentiated properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the centering element by introducing controlled flexibility through geometric design. The element's stiffness parameters are optimized to provide sufficient rigidity for centering while allowing controlled elastic deformation for axial movement, achieving a balance between the two requirements
4Manufacturing precision
If existing centering systems are used, then centering is achieved, but the design is not suitable for miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centering function with the coil support structure by integrating the centering element into the coil assembly. The centering element is formed as a single piece with the coil support, eliminating the need for separate centering components and additional anchoring mechanisms, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining centering precision
Solution Approach 2:
The centering element is designed to be nested within the coil support structure, with the flexible elements arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. This nested arrangement minimizes the volume required for the centering system while maintaining its functional effectiveness
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 provides reliable, cost-effective, and repeatable axial movement of the sound coil, preventing mechanical interference and optimizing the design for miniaturization, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of shaker-type transducers.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic spokes arranged between the central shank and peripheral shank, the spokes having a lower thickness than the height of the central shank
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic unit composed of a magnet disposed between a first polar plate and a second polar plate in such a way to generate a toroidal air gap
Implementation Method 3
a sound coil comprising an empty cylindrical support around which a winding is wound, said sound coil being disposed in the air gap
Data Source
AI summary
A shaker transducer is disclosed, which comprises a magnetic unit (1) composed of a magnet (3) disposed between a first polar plate (2) and a second polar plate (4) in such a way to generate a toroidal air gap (5). A sound coil (6) is disposed in the air gap (5) to move axially and a centering element (100) is fixed to the coil to maintain it centered with respect to the magnetic unit (1). A rigid element (10) comprising a shank (12) fixed to said cylindrical support (61) of the sound coil and adapted to be anchored to a surface to transfer the sound vibrations generated by the magnetic unit (1). The centering element (100) comprises a central cylindrical shank (101) fixed to the coil, a peripheral shank (102) fixed to the second polar plate (4) and a plurality of elastic spokes (103, 103′) disposed between said central shank (101) and said peripheral shank (102).