Speaker Panel Ultrasonic Vibration Directivity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speaker apparatuses with arrays of ultrasonic vibrators face challenges in miniaturization due to their configuration, which affects the directivity and efficiency of sound wave generation.

Innovation Solution

A speaker apparatus comprising a panel with vibration elements and a drive unit that generates striped vibration regions by modulating ultrasonic waves with audible frequency signals, combined with a reflection part that adjusts the direction of ultrasonic waves to enhance directivity without the need for a large array of vibrators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of ultrasonic vibrators are arranged in array to provide directivity, then the directivity and efficiency of sound wave generation are improved, but the size of the vibration part increases making miniaturization difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedirectivityVSAvoidvibration part size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the ultrasonic wave generation into two separate components: a vibration element that generates ultrasonic waves and a reflection part that shapes the directivity. This segmentation allows the vibration element to be small while the reflection part (which can be lightweight and compact) provides the directivity control function, resolving the contradiction between directivity and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflection part acts as an intermediary between the vibration element and the sound output. Instead of using multiple vibrators to achieve directivity, the reflection part mediates the ultrasonic waves from a single vibration element, shaping their propagation direction. This intermediary approach enables directivity without requiring a large array of vibrators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a large number of ultrasonic vibrators are arranged in array, then the efficiency of sound wave generation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound wave generation efficiencyVSAvoidvibrator array configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the directivity control function from the vibration elements themselves and places it in the reflection part. This separation means that only a single simple vibration element is needed for ultrasonic wave generation, while the reflection part handles the complex directivity shaping, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using multiple vibrators to control sound direction (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a single vibrator with a reflection part that controls the direction. This inversion simplifies the vibration system while achieving the same or better efficiency through reflective control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration allows for miniaturization while maintaining directivity and efficiency in sound wave generation, utilizing both first and second ultrasonic waves to produce a focused sound output.

Implementation Method 1

The drive unit applies a driving signal to one or more vibration elements to form a striped vibration region on the panel. The driving signal is obtained by modulating a carrier wave of an ultrasonic band by a sound signal of an audible frequency band.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The reflection part reflects at least one of first and second ultrasonic waves, which are generated from the vibration region and advancing in respective different directions, so as to bring an advancing direction of the first ultrasonic wave and that of the second ultrasonic wave close to each other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10524043B2Speaker apparatus including a panel and vibration elements

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 DENSO TEN LTD

AI summary

A speaker apparatus according to an embodiment includes a panel, one or more vibration elements, a drive unit, and a reflection part. The one or more vibration elements vibrate the panel. The drive unit applies a driving signal to the one or more vibration elements to form a striped vibration region on the panel. The driving signal is obtained by modulating a carrier wave of an ultrasonic band by a sound signal of an audible frequency band. The reflection part reflects at least one of first and second ultrasonic waves, which are generated from the vibration region and advancing in respective different directions, so as to bring an advancing direction of the first ultrasonic wave and that of the second ultrasonic wave close to each other.