Voice Coil Motor Controller Asymmetry Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loudspeaker and voice coil motor control systems face challenges in accurately managing diaphragm displacement under large-amplitude signal conditions due to nonlinear behavior, leading to asymmetry and reduced performance, which is not effectively addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

A voice coil motor controller that determines impedance variations over time to identify asymmetry in displacement, using a module to calculate an asymmetry value and provide feedback for control, potentially applying DC bias or asymmetrical clipping to compensate for asymmetry, thereby improving displacement accuracy and loudspeaker performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a linear transfer function is used to control voice coil motor displacement, then control is simple and accurate for small signals, but displacement accuracy deteriorates under large-amplitude signal conditions due to nonlinear behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoiddisplacement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring impedance variations and using them to adjust the control signal. The controller determines impedance from voltage and current measurements, identifies asymmetry in impedance variations, and uses this information to modify the input signal through DC bias or asymmetrical clipping, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for nonlinearities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control approach by transitioning from a fixed linear transfer function to a dynamic control strategy that adjusts parameters based on operating conditions. The controller modifies the input signal parameters (applying DC bias or asymmetrical clipping) based on real-time impedance measurements, adapting the control characteristics to match the actual nonlinear behavior of the voice coil motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If DC bias or asymmetrical clipping is applied to compensate for displacement asymmetry, then displacement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement accuracyVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by using its own impedance measurements to identify asymmetry and automatically adjusting the control signal accordingly. The controller monitors its own operating conditions through impedance sensing and autonomously applies compensation without external intervention, making the system self-regulating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller performs multiple functions using the same hardware components: it measures impedance to detect asymmetry, processes the asymmetry information, and applies compensation through DC bias or asymmetrical clipping. The single controller handles both measurement and control tasks, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If impedance monitoring is implemented to detect displacement asymmetry, then displacement control accuracy improves, but measurement and detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement control accuracyVSAvoidasymmetry detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure displacement asymmetry. Instead of directly measuring mechanical displacement or asymmetry, the system measures electrical impedance (which is easier to measure accurately) and uses the relationship between impedance and displacement to infer asymmetry. The impedance serves as a mediator that translates mechanical state into an easily measurable electrical quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of displacement asymmetry with electrical measurement of impedance. Instead of using mechanical sensors or direct position detection, the system uses electrical impedance monitoring to infer mechanical state, substituting a mechanical measurement approach with an electrical one that is more precise and easier to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 controller effectively reduces asymmetry in voice coil motor displacement, enhancing loudspeaker operation by compensating for nonlinearities and extending its operational lifetime by maintaining displacement within safe limits.

Implementation Method 1

A loudspeaker is a device having a voice coil motor that moves a diaphragm and converts an electrical signal into an acoustic one

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2988528B1Voice coil motor and loudspeaker controller
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 NXP BV
  • EP2988528B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2988528B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2988528B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A voice coil motor controller configured to determine a voltage across and a current through a voice coil motor having an input signal supplied thereto and determine its impedance therefrom, the controller further configured to identify asymmetry in variations of said impedance over time to determine an asymmetry value, the controller further configured to provide for control of said voice coil motor using said asymmetry value.