Speaker Array With Boundary Layer Acoustic Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio generating devices, such as those employing parametric audio systems, require high power ultrasound signals and complex operations, making them less efficient and more cumbersome, especially in compact form factors.
Innovation Solution
A speaker device and speaker array design that utilizes a membrane and acoustic channel with dimensions comparable to the viscous boundary layer of air, where nonlinear acoustic flow self-modulates ultrasonic signals to generate audio signals, simplifying operation while maintaining a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If parametric audio systems use arrays of acoustic transducers to project ultrasonic carrier signals, then audio signals can be generated and transmitted through air, but high power ultrasound signals are required and the systems become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of audio generation from complex parametric arrays by using a single membrane and simple acoustic channel structure. The membrane oscillates to generate ultrasonic signals that are self-modulated by nonlinear flow in the acoustic channel, eliminating the need for complex arrays of acoustic transducers while maintaining audio signal generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic channel performs self-modulation of the ultrasonic signal through nonlinear flow effects. The nonlinear flow in the acoustic channel automatically generates the audio signal from the ultrasonic carrier without requiring external modulation mechanisms or complex control systems, making the system simpler and more efficient
2Volume of moving object
If existing audio generating devices use ultrasonic carrier signals modulated by acoustic modulators, then high power audio signals can be generated from minimal device volume, but the operation becomes complex and requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-modulation where the nonlinear flow in the acoustic channel automatically generates the audio signal from the ultrasonic carrier. This eliminates the need for external acoustic modulators or complex control mechanisms, making the device easier to operate while maintaining compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using membrane oscillation at ultrasonic frequencies and relying on nonlinear flow effects in the acoustic channel. This approach generates high power audio signals from minimal device volume through parameter optimization rather than complex operational control
3Productivity
If acoustic channels have dimensions comparable to the viscous boundary layer, then pronounced nonlinear flow occurs and audio signals are generated efficiently, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the acoustic channel dimensions to be comparable to the viscous boundary layer thickness, which maximizes nonlinear flow effects and audio signal generation efficiency. This parameter optimization creates a straightforward design rule that balances manufacturing feasibility with high productivity
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 design efficiently generates audio signals with pronounced nonlinear flow, achieving high audio signal conversion efficiency and compactness, improving upon the complexity and power requirements of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane is configured to oscillate and generate an ultrasonic acoustic signal which is transmitted at least partially in the acoustic channel
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic flow in the acoustic channel experienced pronounced nonlinear flow due to the at least one dimension which is comparable to the dimension of the viscous boundary layer of air. The nonlinear flow self modulates the ultrasonic acoustic signal and generates an audio signal
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic channel has at least one dimension comparable to the dimension of the viscous boundary layer of air. The acoustic flow in the acoustic channel experienced pronounced nonlinear flow due to the at least one dimension which is comparable to the dimension of the viscous boundary layer
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker array includes a first speaker device having a first membrane and a first acoustic channel, the first membrane being configured to oscillate and generate a first ultrasonic acoustic signal configured to be transmitted at least partially in the first acoustic channel, the first acoustic channel including at least one dimension comparable to a dimension of a viscous boundary layer of air. A second speaker device includes a second membrane and a second acoustic channel, the second membrane being configured to oscillate and generate a second ultrasonic acoustic signal configured to be transmitted at least partially in the second acoustic channel, the second acoustic channel including at least one dimension comparable to the dimension of the viscous boundary layer of air. An audio output of the speaker array is the combined output of at least the first speaker device and the second speaker device.