Triangular Transducer Membrane Condenser Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condenser microphones are costly and lack efficient alternatives, particularly due to expensive manufacturing methods and non-circular transducer membranes that do not provide optimal sound wave transformation.
Innovation Solution
A condenser microphone element with a triangular, electrically conducting transducer membrane arranged parallel to a non-conductive back plate with a conductive layer, where the conductive layer is delimited by a gap, and a method of producing the microphone using a printed circuit board-like process, reducing costs and improving sound reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-conductive back plate with a conductive layer is used instead of a solid machined copper plate, then manufacturing cost is reduced and production simplicity is improved, but electrical conductivity and sound wave transformation efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate is segmented into a non-conductive base structure and a separate conductive layer applied only to the active area. This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive non-conductive materials for the bulk structure while maintaining electrical conductivity only where needed for the capacitor function, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and electrical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer is applied locally only to the active area of the back plate that faces the diaphragm, rather than covering the entire plate. This local quality approach ensures that electrical conductivity is provided exactly where needed for sound wave transformation while minimizing material costs and simplifying manufacturing of the non-conductive base.
2Reliability
If a triangular transducer membrane is used instead of a circular membrane, then sound reproduction characteristics are improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly alignment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts an asymmetric triangular shape for the transducer membrane and corresponding back plate active area, departing from the traditional circular symmetry. This asymmetric design provides improved sound reproduction characteristics as stated in the patent, while the precision requirements are managed through the manufacturing process described in the patent documentation.
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 a cost-effective and high-quality sound reproduction, with improved characteristics compared to existing products, achieved through the use of a triangular transducer membrane and a non-conductive back plate with a conductive layer, enhancing the microphone's sensitivity and production simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conducting transducer membrane having an acoustically active area that is arranged to receive sound waves and to vibrate in response to said sound waves
Implementation Method 2
a polarizing voltage is applied over the two plates, and the capacitance change provides the output from the device
Data Source
AI summary
A condenser microphone element is disclosed with an electrically conducting transducer membrane having an acoustically active area arranged to receive sound waves and to vibrate in response to the sound waves. The membrane is arranged in parallel with and at a distance from a back plate, which is formed from a non-conductive base. The base is provided with a conductive layer. The conductive layer has an active area that is arranged opposite the acoustically active area of the membrane and has a shape that faces the acoustically active area, and is delimited by an area where no conductive layer is provided. A microphone including the condenser element and a method of producing the microphone element are also provided.