Vibration Speaker Using Haptic Actuators for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-cost bone conduction audio products with high fidelity are not economically viable for applications requiring lower fidelity audio performance, which limits their accessibility for environments where enhanced safety through reduced ambient sound interference is desirable.
Innovation Solution
The development of vibration speakers using haptic drivers and relatively inexpensive haptic actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass, linear resonant actuator, and piezoelectric elements, to transmit audio as physical vibrations via the skull or outer ears, providing a cost-effective alternative to high-fidelity bone conduction speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high fidelity bone conduction speakers are used, then audio quality is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-fidelity bone conduction speakers with inexpensive haptic actuators (eccentric rotating mass, linear resonant actuators, or piezoelectric elements) that generate vibrations through simple mechanical or electromagnetic mechanisms. These lower-cost components achieve sufficient audio transmission for basic applications without the complex high-fidelity engineering of traditional bone conduction speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional acoustic bone conduction speaker mechanisms with haptic actuation systems. Instead of using complex acoustic transducers designed for high-fidelity bone conduction, the invention employs simpler haptic actuators that convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, which are then transmitted through the skull to the inner ear. This mechanical substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining functional adequacy for non-audiophile applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If haptic actuators are used instead of high-fidelity bone conduction speakers, then product cost is reduced, but audio fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using haptic actuators that provide sufficient vibration transmission for basic audio needs without achieving the full fidelity of high-end bone conduction speakers. For applications where ambient awareness is prioritized over audio quality (such as safety-oriented headsets during exercise or commuting), this partial performance level is actually optimal and cost-effective.
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
These vibration speakers offer enhanced safety and reduced cost, making them suitable for applications where lower fidelity audio is sufficient, thereby providing a more affordable solution for environments needing reduced ambient sound interference.
Implementation Method 1
haptic actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass, linear resonant actuator, and piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 2
haptic actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass, linear resonant actuator, and piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 3
haptic actuators, such as eccentric rotating mass, linear resonant actuator, and piezoelectric elements
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided audio headsets including one or more vibration speakers. Each vibration speaker includes a haptic driver and a haptic actuator for generating physical vibrations based on an audio input to the vibration speaker. In addition, each vibration speaker includes a rigid output surface designed to make physical contact with a user of the audio headset. The haptic actuator is designed to transfer the physical vibrations generated by the vibration speaker to the user via the rigid output surface.