Ultrasonic Audio Speaker Backing Plate Textural Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parametric audio reproduction systems face challenges in efficiently generating audible sound through non-linear transduction of ultrasonic signals in air, as they require precise frequency matching and are prone to energy wastage due to inefficient demodulation processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasonic audio speaker system comprising a backing plate with textural elements and a flexible layer, electrically coupled to signal lines, which launches pressure waves of audio-modulated ultrasonic carriers into the air, utilizing a driver circuit and bias voltage to achieve efficient self-demodulation and sound production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional parametric audio reproduction systems are used, then audible sound can be generated through non-linear transduction, but energy wastage occurs due to inefficient demodulation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/acoustic demodulation methods with an electronic detection system. A sensor detects the acoustic signal generated by non-linear transduction, and an electronic processor extracts the audio information, substituting the inefficient physical demodulation process with a more efficient electronic detection and processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the ultrasonic transduction process and the audio output. Instead of directly relying on the non-linear transduction to produce audible sound efficiently, the system uses a sensor to detect the generated acoustic signal and an electronic processor to extract the audio information, acting as an intermediary that improves overall system efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If non-linear transduction is used to generate audible sound from ultrasonic signals, then sound production is achieved, but precise frequency matching is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through the sensor detection system. The sensor detects the actual acoustic signal generated, and the electronic processor analyzes this feedback to extract audio information. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust and maintain proper frequency matching without requiring manual precision, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through the electronic detection and processing chain. The sensor automatically detects the acoustic signal at the correct frequencies, and the electronic processor autonomously extracts the audio information through digital signal processing, eliminating the need for manual frequency matching and reducing operational complexity.
3Loss of energy
If ultrasonic signals are introduced into air column for parametric transduction, then audible sound is produced, but the process is prone to energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inefficient mechanical/acoustic demodulation process with electronic detection. The sensor detects the acoustic signal produced by ultrasonic transduction, and the electronic processor extracts audio information electronically, substituting the energy-wasteful physical demodulation with a more efficient electronic system that recovers audio information with minimal energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using electronic detection and digital signal processing instead of relying solely on acoustic demodulation. This parameter change from acoustic to electronic domain allows for more efficient energy utilization, as electronic processing can selectively extract audio frequencies without the energy losses inherent in acoustic demodulation processes.
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 system effectively converts ultrasonic signals into audible sound with improved efficiency and reduced energy wastage, allowing for more stable and predictable performance across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible layer is configured to launch a pressure-wave representation of the audio modulated ultrasonic carrier signal into the air
Implementation Method 2
Non-linear transduction results from the introduction of sufficiently intense, audio-modulated ultrasonic signals into an air column. Self-demodulation, or down-conversion, occurs along the air column resulting in the production of an audible acoustic signal.
Implementation Method 3
Parametric audio reproduction systems produce sound through the heterodyning of two acoustic signals in a non-linear process that occurs in a medium such as air
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic audio speaker includes a backing plate comprising a first major surface and a conductive region, the backing plate further comprising a plurality of textural elements disposed on the first major surface. A flexible layer disposed adjacent the first major surface of the backing plate includes a conductive region and an insulative region, wherein the flexible layer is disposed adjacent the backing plate such that the insulative region is positioned between the backing plate and the conductive region of the flexible layer, and such that there is a volume of air between the flexible layer and surfaces of the textural elements.