ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCERS WITH RELEASABLE DIAPHRAM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers having a releasable diaphragm.

BACKGROUND

A loudspeaker is a transducer that produces sound in response to an electrical audio signal input. The vast majority of loudspeakers in use today are electromagnetic transducers. Referred to as dynamic loudspeakers, that class has essentially remained unchanged since the 1920's. Typically, a linear motor, such as an electromagnetic or electrostatic motor, actuates a diaphragm, which causes sound waves to be emitted by the speaker.

More recently, a new class of mechanical-to-acoustical transducers has been developed. Those transducers may have an actuator that may be coupled to an edge of a speaker diaphragm or diaphragm that may then be anchored and spaced from the actuator. In such transducers, the actuator is typically a piezoelectric actuator. Mechanical motion of the actuator is translated into movement of the diaphragm, generally in a direction that is transverse to the direction of motion of the actuator. The diaphragm radiates acoustic energy. Mechanical-to-acoustical transducers are exemplified in each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,720,708 and 7,038,356.

A problem with this new class of mechanical-to-acoustical transducers is durability. For example, the piezoelectric actuator is coupled to the diaphragm, and that coupling point is under a lot of mechanical stress, which may lead to the actuator becoming separated from the diaphragm or the diaphragm getting damaged at or in close proximity to the coupling point. Additionally, unlike most dynamic loudspeakers, the diaphragm is not completely housed in an enclosure. Being exposed to the environment, means the diaphragm is vulnerable to normal wear and tear, such as bumping into and against other objects in a room. Excessive motion or bending of the exposed diaphragm can place additional stress on the actuator and diaphragm coupling point, leading to the problems discussed above.

SUMMARY

The invention provides more durable mechanical-to-acoustical transducers that are designed to better withstand the environment in which they will be used without breaking. Particularly, acoustic transducers of the invention include a diaphragm, a support, and an actuator that is releasably coupled to the diaphragm. The invention recognizes that the connection point between the actuator and the diaphragm is subjected to large localized separation forces when an external force is applied to the transducer, such as from dropping, normal contact or other events. The magnitude of the separation force is a result of the large change in bending stiffness between the diaphragm and the relatively infinite stiffness of the actuator acting nearly perpendicular to the diaphragm. Accordingly, the transducer of the invention includes a releasable and re-attachable coupling between the actuator and the diaphragm. The strength of the coupling is configured so that when stress on the diaphragm-actuator joint exceeds that experienced in normal operation of the transducer, the coupling will release before the diaphragm or actuator is damaged.

In certain embodiments, the transducer additionally includes a connector that couples the actuator to the diaphragm where the actuator-connector joint or the diaphragm-connector joint includes a releasable coupling. In other embodiments, the connector can be coupled on one end to the diaphragm and on the other end to the actuator with a releasable coupling mechanism integrated into the connector itself.

The releasable couplings of the invention can be by any mechanism known in the art, e.g., friction based clamp, snap-fit connector, interlocking structures, or by sacrificial part such as a shear pin. In an exemplary embodiment, the diaphragm is attached to the actuator by magnetic force. Magnetic coupling allows the diaphragm to separate from the actuator when separation forces exceed a safe threshold. Magnetic coupling further allows the diaphragm to re-attach to the actuator. In certain embodiments, the diaphragm and the actuator are located in such a proximity to each other when at rest that the magnetic coupling force is sufficient to reattach them. This coupling method permits repeated release and automatic re-attachment of the diaphragm-actuator coupling.

Transducers of the invention may use any type of diaphragm and actuator for moving the diaphragm. For example, the diaphragm can be prepared from any solid material, such as plastic, an optical-grade material, metal, carbon-fiber composite, fabric, foam, paper, or any combination of these. Actuators suitable for use with the invention include piezoelectric actuators and in certain embodiments, bending type piezoelectric actuators including unimorph, bimorph, trimorph, or other multimorph type benders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing a front view of an acoustic transducer of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing a side view of an acoustic transducer of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing a top-down view of an acoustic transducer of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic showing an exploded front perspective view of an acoustic transducer of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing an exploded top-down/front perspective view of an acoustic transducer of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing an exploded front view of an acoustic transducer of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing an exploded front perspective view of an acoustic transducer of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing front perspective view of a member that limits movement of an actuator.

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing top-down view of a member that limits movement of an actuator.

FIG. 10 is a schematic showing a side perspective view of a connector that couples an actuator to a diaphragm.

FIG. 11 is a schematic showing a top-down perspective view of a connector that couples an actuator to a diaphragm.

FIG. 12 is a schematic showing a top-down, cutaway view of a connector that couples an actuator to a diaphragm.

FIG. 13 is a schematic showing a top-down view of a connector that couples an actuator to a diaphragm.

FIG. 14 is a schematic showing a side view of a member that limits movement of a diaphragm.

FIG. 15 is a schematic showing a front view of a member that limits movement of a diaphragm.

FIG. 16 is a schematic showing a transducer of the invention in which the diaphragm is coupled to two auxiliary supports.

FIG. 17 is a schematic showing a front perspective view of a soundbar of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic showing a side view of a soundbar of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic showing a front perspective view of one embodiment of a soundbar of the invention

FIG. 20 is a schematic showing a front view of a soundbar of the invention with a center strut.

FIG. 21 is a schematic showing a front perspective view of a soundbar of the invention with a center strut.

FIG. 22 is a schematic showing a side perspective view of an integrated piezo strut of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic showing a magnified, cutaway, side view of an integrated piezo strut of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic showing a cutaway, side view of an integrated piezo strut of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic showing front perspective view of an integrated piezo strut of the invention with the strut removed.

FIG. 26 is a schematic showing a rear perspective view of a piezo strut of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic showing a top-down view of a piezo strut of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic showing a side view of a piezo strut of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic showing an actuator and curved diaphragm with actuator perpendicular to Plane P.

FIG. 30 is a schematic showing actuator and diaphragm with actuator at shallow angle A to Plane P.

FIG. 31 is a schematic showing a diaphragm in rest position and an actuator and diaphragm in positive shape.

FIG. 32 is a schematic showing a diaphragm in rest position and an actuator and diaphragm in negative shape.

FIG. 33 is a schematic showing a side perspective view of a releasable coupling between an actuator and a diaphragm.

FIG. 34 is a schematic showing chord-length and chord-depth of a curved diaphragm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain embodiments, the transducers of the invention have bending type piezoelectric actuators where the diaphragm is curved, the piezoelectric actuator is mechanically attached to the diaphragm and where the movement of the mid-point of the diaphragm between actuator and support or between two actuators moving against each other is mechanically amplified relative to the movement of the actuator by virtue of its mechanical construction. Such a transducer is subsequently called a mechanically amplified transducer. FIGS. 1-7 show an exemplary acoustic transducer of the invention. Transducers of the invention may include a support 100. The support may be a base as shown in FIGS. 1-7. Transducers of the invention may receive their audio signal or signals by wired or wireless connection to the signal source. Wireless transducers are described for example in Carlson (U.S. patent application number 2010/0322455), the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Transducers of the invention may include a diaphragm 101. The diaphragm 101 may be a thin, flexible sheet. The diaphragm may be flat or formed with curvature, for example a parabolic section. In certain embodiments, the diaphragm includes several curvatures. In certain embodiments, when in its resting position the diaphragm is curved in the section between the piezo actuator attachment point and a support (or a second actuator). The diaphragm may be any solid material including such plastics as Kapton (poly amide-imide), polycarbonate, PMMA, PET, PVDF, polypropylene, or related polymer blends; or optical quality materials such as tri-acetates, and tempered glass; or aluminum, titanium or other metals; or carbon fiber composite; or paper; or resin doped fabrics; or foams; or other composites. The diaphragm in certain embodiments is made of a material with no or with only negligible piezoelectricity. The diaphragm may be made to be opaque or optically clear. The diaphragm may include a light polarizing layer or a damping layer, or both. Polarizing and damping layers are described for example in Booth (U.S. patent application number 2012/0186903), the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The diaphragm may also be coated with a light diffusion texture or coating to facilitate the projection of images or light. The diaphragm may be composed of a flexible display component.

The diaphragm 101 couples to the support 100. When the diaphragm 101 is curved, the support 100 may include a curve that matches the curve of the diaphragm. The exemplary coupling in FIGS. 1-3 show a bottom portion of the diaphragm 101 coupling to the support 100. In a particular embodiment, the coupling is so that the diaphragm 101 is substantially perpendicular to the support 100. The coupling may be by any mechanism known in the art, e.g., adhesives, friction, clamp, fasteners, rivets, material connection such as those made by laser welding or ultrasonic welding, or magnetic connection. The diaphragm 101 is coupled to support 100 via at least one contact point. In some embodiments, more than one contact point will be used for the coupling, such as the actuator and a portion of a support. Those contact points are flanges on the front and back of the support 100. The diaphragm 101 fits between the flanges at the contact points and is coupled to the diaphragm. By using two contact points, the diaphragm is effectively split into two regions, thereby allowing the diaphragm to produce sound independently from a first portion of the diaphragm and a second portion of the diaphragm. That concept is further described in Athanas (U.S. Pat. No. 6,720,708), the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

It is important to note that the above description is exemplary and not limiting of the invention. Numerous other coupling configurations are possible and the invention is not limited to any specific coupling configuration. For example, transducers of the invention can be configured so that the coupling points are one actuator and one support, or one actuator and multiple supports, or two or more actuators (opposing each other) and no support at all, as well as two or more actuators and one or more supports.

Transducers of the invention include at least one actuator 104 that is coupled to the diaphragm. In certain embodiments, the actuator is a bending type piezoelectric actuators such as for example unimorph, bimorph, trimorph, or multimorph type benders. In certain embodiments, a single actuator designed transducer has the actuator coupled to a center line of the diaphragm. FIGS. 1-7 show an embodiment that uses two actuators 104. The actuators 104 are shown to be coupled along a bottom portion of the diaphragm on the lower left and lower right sides of the diaphragm 101. This location of the actuators is exemplary and other couplings are within the scope of the invention. In certain embodiments, the actuators 104 are also coupled to the support 100, although this is not required. The coupling is exemplified in FIGS. 8-11. Essentially, the actuator is seated in a hollowed-out section of the base and coupled to the base, by for example, thermal bonding, adhesive, or mechanical clamping. In certain embodiments, the actuator can also sit in a separate holder piece that in turn is attached to the base.

Any type of actuator known in the art may be used with methods of the invention, and an exemplary actuator is a piezoelectric actuator. A piezo bimorph is one type of suitable drive mechanism or actuator for this invention. An example of a Piezo Multimorph is a five layer device consisting of four plates of piezo material with a conductive coating on each side bonded to a central substrate. The substrate provides some spring force. It also can act as a dampener. The piezo plates are available for example from CTS Electronic Components, Inc. Piezoelectric Products 4800 Alameda Blvd NE Albuquerque, N. Mex. 87113. A type that may be used is 3195STD. The piezo plates expand or contract in the X- and Y-axis (a direction generally aligned with vertical axis and lying in the plate). In one configuration the plates are stacked up with alternating poling direction on each side and driven with a signal that is inverted relative from one side to the other. As a result, two plates expand, and the other two plates contract at the same times, which causes the actuator to bend in the z-direction. The final bending motion far exceeds the expansion of a single piezo wafer's movement.

The coupling of the actuators 104 to the diaphragm 101 is such that movement of the actuators causes the diaphragm to move in a direction transverse to the movement of the actuators. Further description of how the actuators cause movement of the diaphragm is described in Athanas (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,720,708; 7,038,356), Johnson (U.S. Pat. No. 7,884,529), Carlson, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 8,068,635), and Booth, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 8,189,851), the content of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The base 100 may hold the electronics of the acoustic transducer. Electronics for loudspeakers are described for example in Burlingame (U.S. patent application number 2011/0044476), the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The base may also optionally hold a speaker. FIGS. 1-7 show an exemplary base 100 holding a speaker 105. In such an embodiment, the speaker 105 emits acoustic energy at a first range of frequencies. In such an embodiment, the diaphragm 101 emits acoustic energy at a second range of frequencies. The first and second ranges may overlap or even be identical. However, in a preferred embodiment, the first and second ranges have little to no overlap once an electronics crossover is applied to the audio signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the speaker in the base is the primary emitter of acoustic energy at a frequency range of 250 Hz and below, while the diaphragm is the primary emitter of acoustic energy at a frequency range from 250 Hz to 20 kHz.

FIGS. 1-7 exemplify transducers in which the diaphragm 101 has at least one free edge. In FIGS. 1-3, the diaphragm 101 has more than one free edge, i.e., the left and right edges and the top edge are free in space. Only the bottom edge of the diaphragm 101 is restrained in that is coupled to the support 100. In another embodiment the diaphragm is connected to actuators at the bottom edge, to the support at the top edge leaving a free edge at the left and right edge. FIG. 17-21 show several examples of this embodiment. In other embodiments, the bottom edge of the diaphragm 101 is restrained in that is coupled to the support 100, auxiliary vertical supports are used on parts of the left and right edges, leaving only the top edge of the diaphragm free in space.

Furthermore, in FIG. 29-32 there is an attachment point between actuator and diaphragm D and between diaphragm and support S as well as a plane P between the points D and S. The piezoelectric bender moves towards points a or b depending if a positive or negative voltage is applied to the bender. There is a corresponding audio signal amplifier that has a maximum and minimum voltage output. If maximum or minimum voltage is applied at the piezo bender the bender has maximum positive or negative excursion indicated by points a and b. There is also a resting state O. The movement of the attachment point D as voltage is applied follows a curved route. The movement between resting point O and end point A or B can be described by two vectors X and Y with X being parallel to plane P and Y being perpendicular to plane P.

As the diaphragm is mechanically attached to the bender the diaphragm will see a component of its excursion F and G that are perpendicular to plane P. F and G are observed half way along the curvature of the diaphragm between the attachment point of the actuator D and the support S. Typically, the displacement of the diaphragm F is larger than the sum of displacements X and Y. If the piezo bender moves in the opposite direction correspondingly displacement G is larger than the sum of displacements X′ and Y′. This type of transducer is mechanically amplified.

By coupling the distal end of a piezo actuator to a curved diaphragm the lateral component of the motion of the distal end of the actuator is converted to a larger perpendicular motion of the diaphragm surface.

FIG. 29 shows attachment points between the actuator and diaphragm at point D and between the diaphragm and a fixed support at point S. It is noted that the support can be replaced by another actuator that is driven with a signal that makes it move opposite to the movement of actuator 104. Using a reference plane P between the points D and S the tip of the actuator moves point D towards or away from point S depending on whether a positive or negative voltage is applied to the actuator.

The arc-length is the length of the diaphragm segment between points D and S. The chord-length d is the straight line distance between points D and S. The chord-depth T is the maximum perpendicular distance between the diaphragm segment and plane P. This is illustrated in FIG. 34.

The geometry and material properties of the curved diaphragm are chosen such that when the actuator or actuators exert a lateral force on the segment of the diaphragm between D and S the diaphragm will react by flexing and increasing or decreasing its curvature. This can be seen in FIG. 31-32. A change of curvature while maintaining a fixed arc-length results in a changing chord-depth T.

The geometry of the diaphragm is relatively thin and relatively long and its modulus is selected from a group of materials such as plastics, metals, paper, carbon fiber, foam, composites of the before and similar materials.

If such a diaphragm is curved between the attachment point D of the actuator and the support S, it has a substantially fixed arc-length. The lateral motion of the distal end of the actuator results in a change of the chord-length d of the arc. Due to geometric principles when the chord-length d changes and arc-length remains fixed the corresponding chord-depth T will change. In the case that the chord-depth T is less than half of the chord-length d, any incremental changes in the chord-length d will result into a larger incremental change in the chord depth T as long as the diaphragm does not take up a flat shape. We call this effect mechanical amplification. We call the ratio of the incremental change of chord depth T to chord-length d the amplification ratio. As the ratio of chord-length d to chord depth T increases so does the amplification ratio.

The amplification ratio is observed at a frequency significantly below the first mechanical resonance of the transducer and within a range of frequencies between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz. In a preferred embodiment, the amplification ratio is, for example, at least 1.2, at least 1.5, at least 1.7, at least 2, at least 2.5, at least 3, at least 3.5, at least 4, at least 4.5, at least 5, at least 5.5, at least 6, at least 6.5, at least 7, at least 7.5, at least 8, at least 8.5, at least 9, at least 9.5, at least 10, at least 10.5, at least 11, at least 11.5, at least 12, at least 12.5, at least 13, at least 13.5, at least 14, at least 14.5, at least 15, at least 15.5, at least 16, at least 16.5, at least 17, at least 17.5, at least 18, at least 18.5, at least 19, at least 19.5, or at least 20. In other embodiments, the amplification ratio is any ratio between those recited above.

In the construction of a speaker transducer the angle A formed between the distal end of the actuator and the plane P can be varied from perpendicular to very shallow angles which result in different proportions of mechanical amplification and motion in different regions of the diaphragm. FIG. 29 shows an example of a transducer with angle A at 90 degrees. FIG. 30 shows an example of a transducer with A close to 0 degrees.

Mechanical amplification occurs for angles A larger than zero degrees and less than 180 degrees. It is noted that actuators can also be attached at the opposite side of the diaphragm at the same point D. Furthermore, mechanical amplification only occurs when the cord-depth T is less than two times the cord-length d.

It is noted that in addition to diaphragm motion due to mechanical amplification the diaphragm will also move with a superimposed displacement equal to the vertical component of the motion of the distal end of the actuator. There is no such superimposed displacement if the angle A is 90 degrees.

At rest position the diaphragm has a neutral shape determined by the relaxed shape of the diaphragm as well as the constraints imposed by the actuator attachment and support. The positive to negative oscillation of the signal voltage to the actuators results in a corresponding positive and negative displacement of the diaphragm relative to the neutral position. This displacement of the diaphragm creates an acoustic air pressure change and allows this design to act as an audio transducer.

FIG. 31 shows the diaphragm 101 in its rest position as well as the piezo actuator 104′ and the diaphragm 101′ in its positive shape.

FIG. 32 shows the diaphragm 101 in its rest position as well as the piezo actuator 104″ and the diaphragm 101″ in its negative shape.

Various combinations of the length of the actuator, baseline chord depth T and chord length d result in different speaker transducer performance in terms of maximum sound pressure level and frequency response.

It is noted that the piezoelectric bender can attach at a wide range of angles relative to the diaphragm. In certain embodiments, transducers of the invention are configured such that movement of the actuator has a component x that is larger than 0 and where the displacement of the diaphragm F is larger than the sum of displacements X and Y. If x were zero than there would be no mechanical amplification of the diaphragm displacement relative to the bender displacement. It is further noted, that the diaphragm can overhang the actuator by any amount. Other variants of the amplified transducer include: actuator or actuators on two opposing sides, no support S; and actuator on two opposing sides, with support S in-between.

In certain embodiments, the transducer is configured such that the piezoelectric effect is limited to the actuator. This means that a piezoelectric actuator, that is separate and distinct from a diaphragm composed of non-piezoelectric material, is used to excite the diaphragm. In case there is any piezoelectric effect in the diaphragm, this is not utilized to actuate the diaphragm. There is no electrical connection between the diaphragm and the audio amplifier.

Acoustic transducers of the invention may optionally include additional features so that the transducer of the invention can better withstand the environment in which they will be used without breaking. For example, piezo actuators are relatively brittle and will get damaged under high dynamic loads and sudden impacts. Additionally, thin diaphragms, as may be used with transducers of the invention, may be fragile due to their relative thinness. If a user drops a transducer onto a floor (for example from 120 cm height) than several reliability problems can occur. For example, the piezo actuator may be damaged or the diaphragm may be damaged.

Reliability problems of this type can often be so severe that the intended use of the transducer is no longer possible. The damage to the piezo actuator typically occurs due to an impact on the transducer in the direction of plane P for example dropping of the product on the floor. The weight of the diaphragm will force the piezo actuator to bend beyond its mechanical breaking limit. A typical example of damage is cracks being created inside the piezoelectric material that cause a dielectric breakdown when voltage is applied and thus preventing the actuator from moving as designed.

A typical damage to the diaphragm is a crack, a hole or a discoloration that typically occur in close proximity to the attachment points between the diaphragm and the actuator or the diaphragm and support. The extent of the damage to the actuator or diaphragm depends on the specific material and design chosen for both. In general the damage will be more severe or will occur more easily the heavier and larger the diaphragm is for a given design. The damage will also be more severe or will occur more easily if the transducer design is of a frameless type. It will also be more severe if the impact is increased for example by increasing the drop height, the weight of the product or the stiffness of the surface the transducer is dropped on.

Particularly for frameless transducers, there is an additional reliability problem as the diaphragm can be bent or torn due to the lack of a frame or speaker grille. As an example, if such a frameless transducer is dropped from 120 cm height onto a hard surface, such as concrete or wood, damage to the piezo actuator or the diaphragm or to both is observed. Moreover, if the transducer is dropped in a plane of the diaphragm on the top side of the diaphragm the diaphragm will bend and create a high stress at the attachment points that leads to cracking of the diaphragm near the attachment point.

Exemplary features that can protect transducers of the invention include: (a) mechanical stop or stops to limit the maximum bending of the actuator; (b) connector piece or pieces with tapered edges; (c) actuator substrate with tapered edges; (d) diaphragm with integrated connector piece with tapered edges; (e) removable and re-attachable diaphragm; (f) mechanical stop to limit bending of diaphragm; (g) member to prevent edge impact onto diaphragm, (h) a relatively soft connector piece between support and diaphragm; and (i) auxiliary supports on the left and right sides, coupled at the top left and right corner. The preferred implementation for each of these measures is described below. The measures can be used individually or in conjunction to improve the reliability of mechanically amplified acoustic transducers with piezoelectric actuators.

The figures show a transducer that includes the additional features a), b), f), g) and h), although transducers of the invention do not need to include all of the features or can include more features at the same time. For example, transducers of the invention can be provided with none of the additional features, with one of the additional features, or with all of the additional features. Stated another way, the additional features described herein are optional, and no embodiment of the invention should be interpreted to require any of the additional features. Also, any combination of the features may be used with transducers of the invention.

(a) Mechanical Stop or Stops

A first feature may be a member that limits bending of the actuator. That member can be seen as 106 in FIGS. 4-7. FIGS. 8-9 show a view of the member 106 fitted over the actuator 104. By limiting bending of the actuator, the ceramic within the actuator is protected from cracking or breaking. This is particularly useful in cases were the speaker is jostled or dropped. Typically, the member is configured so that it does not limit movement of the diaphragm coupled to the actuator when they are within the operating range as an acoustic transducer, as shown in FIGS. 8-9. In certain configures, a distal end of the actuator is coupled to the diaphragm and the member is positioned to interact with a distal portion of the actuator. In other embodiments, the member acts on a coupling piece that connects actuator and diaphragm. In other embodiments, the diaphragm is curved and the member is configured to limit bending of the actuator without interfering with the curved diaphragm when the actuator is used within the standard operating range as an acoustic transducer. The member may be integrally formed with the transducer or may be removably coupled to the transducer. The member exemplified in FIGS. 4-9 is removable from the actuator. In certain embodiments, the actuator includes first and second sides, and the member is configured to interact with only the first or second side. In other embodiments, the actuator includes first and second sides, and the member is configured to interact with both the first and second sides. The safe range depends on the specific construction of the actuator and the transducer and can range from a few hundreths of a mm to several mm on each side of the actuator. An example for a safe range that actuator bending is limited to by the member is 0.15 mm on each side of the actuator for the case of a multimorph constructed out of 4 piezo plates with 0.3 mm thickness each and one FR4 substrate with 1 mm thickness and with the actuator having a free height of 20 mm. Free height is the distance from the bending tip of the actuator to the point where the actuator is starting to be anchored in the support. The safe range is usually determined experimentally in repeated drop tests as well as bending tests of actuators. The safe range is usually larger than the maximum excursion of the actuator under intended use as a transducer. For the above actuator the internally driven operating deflection of the actuator is a small fraction of the breaking limit (approximately 0.05 mm in each direction).

The member that limits bending of the diaphragm 101 is shown as 108 in FIGS. 1-7 and also in FIGS. 14-15. In certain embodiments, the member 108 is configured so that it limits the diaphragm 101 from bending beyond a certain limit in a direction that is perpendicular to its plane at the point where it attaches to the actuator 103. In this manner, the diaphragm 101 is protected from external forces, such as from dropping, normal contact or other events.

The member may be any component that limits bending of the actuator. The member may be composed of any material, and exemplary materials include plastics, metals and rubbers. A specific exemplary configuration for the member is shown in FIGS. 4-9. That embodiment shows a member that has first and second vertical sides and a top portion that connects the first and second sides. The member may be sized to fit over the actuator. In certain embodiments, the transducer additionally includes a connector 107 that couples the actuator 104 to the diaphragm 101. In those embodiments, the member 106 may limit bending of the actuator through interaction with the connector 107, as shown in FIGS. 8-9.

The member may also be an integral feature of the “base/support” instead of a separate part. FIG. 12 shows an exemplary spacing between the connector 107 and an internal part of the base 100, showing that even with the connector 107, the actuator 103 is able to sufficiently move to cause movement of the diaphragm 101. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the diaphragm 101 is curved. In such an embodiment, the proximal end of the connector 107 is angled to accommodate the curve of the diaphragm 101 while still being able to couple the actuator 104 to the diaphragm 101.

(b) Tapered Connector

Prior art teaches the use of a substrate with a bent over top section against which the diaphragm is attached. The disadvantage of this construction is that a sharp transition corner all around the attachment point or attachment area is formed. This stiffness of the diaphragm changes dramatically at this corner and the corner acts as a stress concentrator. Any sudden impact on the transducer will create a localized very high force at the corner where the diaphragm attaches to the substrate. This high force then causes cracks or holes in the diaphragm or separation of the diaphragm from the substrate or damage to the substrate or a combination of these when dropped for example from a height of 120 cm onto a concrete or wood floor.

In order to overcome this problem a connector with tapered edges is introduced. The connector is shown as 107 in FIGS. 4-7. The connector is also shown in FIGS. 10-13. The connector has a planar proximal end that tapers to a distal end. The proximal end is coupled to the diaphragm 101 and the distal end is coupled to the actuator 104 such that the actuator 104 causes movement of the diaphragm 101. Due to the tapered design of the connector the stiffness of the diaphragm changes gradually when observing it from the unconstrained diaphragm towards the center of the attachment area. This causes the stress loads to be distributed over a larger area and the localized maximum force to be reduced significantly.

Connectors of the invention may have any type of taper. For example, in certain embodiments, the left and right sides of the connector taper from the planar proximal end to the distal end. In other embodiments, the top and bottom sides of the connector taper from the planar proximal end to the distal end. In particular embodiments, all sides of the connector taper from the planar proximal end to the distal end, as is shown in FIGS. 10-13.

Any connecting mechanism may be used to couple the connector to the diaphragm. For example, the connector may be coupled to the diaphragm by adhesives, friction, clamp, fasteners, rivets, material connection such as those made by laser welding or ultrasonic welding, or magnetic connection. The connector also needs to couple to the actuator. An exemplary way to make this connection it to configure the connector such that a portion of the actuator 104 fits within the distal end of the connector 107, as shown in FIGS. 10-13. The connection between connector and actuator can be made for example with an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the tapered edge or edges as described in (b) above that connect the diaphragm to the actuator are not a separate connector piece but are integrally formed with the substrate element of the actuator. A preferred implementation is a substrate of the actuator that is produced as an injection molded or cast part out of plastic or metallic material and that combines the tapered feature of the connection area with the desired geometry of the actuator substrate.

(d) Diaphragm with Integrated Connector Piece with Tapered Edges

In some embodiments, the connector as described in (b) above is integrally formed with the diaphragm. A distal end of the actuator attaches to the connector as described above, for example by a portion of the actuator fitting within the distal end of the connector. A preferred implementation is a diaphragm made by injection molding, casting or thermoforming that combines the general shape of the connector described above with the desired geometry of the diaphragm into one part.

(e) Removable and Re-Attachable Diaphragm

One aspect of a transducer having an exposed diaphragm is that the diaphragm can be subjected to external bending or impact forces. While the diaphragm can be constructed to be rugged enough to survive severe bending and spring back into its original shape, forces on the diaphragm place significant stress on the attachment area of the diaphragm and the actuator. This concentration of stress may lead to the actuator becoming separated from the diaphragm or the diaphragm getting damaged at or in close proximity to the coupling point when the diaphragm is impacted or subjected to severe bending. The magnitude of the separation force localized at the actuator-diaphragm joint is a result of the large change in bending stiffness between the diaphragm and the relatively infinite stiffness of the actuator acting nearly perpendicular to the diaphragm.

To overcome that problem, certain embodiments of transducers of the invention are designed such that the diaphragm is removably or releasably coupled to the actuator. The strength of the connection is designed such that the diaphragm will release from the actuator at a force that is less than an impact force that would damage the diaphragm but greater than encountered in normal operation of the transducer. In that manner, the diaphragm releases from the actuator before damage occurs to the diaphragm or the actuator. A releasable coupling of the invention is any coupling which will separate in a controlled manner when subjected to a set amount of force without causing damage to the parts which were coupled. The releasable coupling must be rigid enough to transmit the movement of the actuator to the diaphragm with minimum dampening or distortion. Any type of releasable connection may be used, e.g., friction based clamp, snap-fit connector, interlocking structures, or by sacrificial part such as a shear pin. In an exemplary embodiment, the diaphragm is attached to the actuator by magnetic force. Magnetic coupling allows the diaphragm to separate from the actuator when separation forces exceed a safe threshold. Magnetic coupling further allows the diaphragm to re-attach to the actuator. In certain embodiments, the diaphragm and the actuator are located in such a proximity to each other when at rest that the magnetic coupling force is sufficient to reattach them. This coupling method permits repeated release and automatic re-attachment of the diaphragm-actuator coupling.

In certain embodiments, the transducer additionally includes a connector that couples the actuator to the diaphragm. In those embodiments, the releasable coupling may be associated with the connector such that there is a releasable relationship between the connector and the diaphragm, the connector and the actuator, or both. A releasable coupling mechanism may also be integrated into the connector itself.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diaphragm is attached to the actuator by magnetics. The strength of the magnets is tuned such that the magnets come loose before a force impact would damage either the diaphragm or the actuator. Any magnet known in the art may be used for the coupling, including, but not limited to electromagnets or permanent magnets such as ferrite, alnico, or rare earth magnets. An exemplary configuration of the magnetic coupling of the invention using a permanent magnet is shown in FIG. 33. In this embodiment, one component of the coupling 113 is a ferrite magnet and is secured to the actuator and the other component of the coupling 114 is a ferromagnetic material such as iron and is secured to the diaphragm. The magnet and the ferromagnetic material can be any shape or configuration. The dimensions of the magnet and the ferromagnetic material will depend on numerous characteristics of the transducer including the size and shape of the actuator and the size, thickness and material of the diaphragm.

The above description is exemplary and not limiting of the invention. Other possible configurations of the magnetic coupling include the use of two attracting magnets or securing a magnet to the diaphragm and a ferromagnetic material to the actuator. The transducer is configured as in FIG. 33 so that the position of the diaphragm 101 and actuator 104 at rest allow the two components of the coupling mechanism to be in physical contact. An added benefit of this embodiment is that it allows for automatic re-attachment of the diaphragm to the actuator via the magnetic coupling. This coupling method permits repeated release and automatic re-attachment of the diaphragm-actuator coupling.

In certain embodiments, the magnet and the ferromagnetic material may be secured directly to the diaphragm or the actuator by adhesives, friction, clamp, fasteners, rivets, or material connection such as those made by laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

In another embodiment, the connector is made up of two parts one secured to the diaphragm and one secured to the actuator. Methods of securing the connector to the actuator or the diaphragm include adhesives, friction, clamp, fasteners, rivets, and material connection such as those made by laser welding or ultrasonic welding. The two parts of the connector may be releasably coupled at a point between the diaphragm-connector joint and the actuator-connector joint. The coupling may be comprised of an actuator-side component and a diaphragm-side component. These components can be two attracting magnets or a magnet and a ferromagnetic material. In certain embodiments, one or both of the magnetic coupling components may be enclosed or trapped in a plastic or other material.

The dimensions of the connector can be determined as necessary depending on numerous characteristics of the transducer including the size and shape of the actuator and the size and material of the diaphragm.

Magnetic coupling allows the diaphragm to separate from the actuator when separation forces exceed a safe threshold. The magnetic coupling force, that is the attractive force between the two coupling components, should be less than this threshold but greater than the separation forces experienced in normal operation of the transducer. This threshold force is determined by testing.

Any method known in the art can be used to produce the magnets in accordance with the invention, e.g. sintering, casting, or injection-molding. Suitable magnets are also available for example from Magnets Magnet Sales & Manufacturing Inc. 11248 Playa Court Culver City, Calif. 90230.

Any method known in the art can be used to produce connectors in accordance with the invention. Acceptable methods include, but are not limited to, molding, casting, and extrusion. In molding, a rigid frame or model is used to shape pliable raw material into the desired form. The mold is typically a hollowed-out block that is filled with a liquid like plastic, glass, metal, or ceramic raw materials. The liquid hardens or sets inside the mold, adopting its shape. A release agent is often used to facilitate the removing the hardened/set substance from the mold. Types of molding suitable for use in producing connectors of the invention include without limitation, blow molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, injection molding, and matrix molding. Unlike the extrusion processes described above, molds can be used to easily prepare contiguous, monolithic connectors with tapering sides. For example, a single mold can be used to produce the monolithic members while several different molds can be used to the various components in a multi-component unit.

In a further configuration, a sacrificial part is used to releasably couple an actuator and a diaphragm in a transducer of the invention. In such a configuration, a member is coupled to the actuator and a separate member is coupled to the diaphragm. The coupling may be by any mechanism known in the art, e.g., adhesives, friction, clamp, fasteners, rivets, material connection such as those made by laser welding or ultrasonic welding, or magnetic connection. The actuator member is configured so that it receives the diaphragm member so that voids in each member are aligned and a shear pin may be inserted which holds the two members together. The shear pin is designed so that it breaks when subjected to separation force greater than that experienced in normal operation of the transducer but less than a force which might damage the actuator or the diaphragm.

In another embodiment, interlocking structures or a snap fit connector may be used to releasably couple a diaphragm and an actuator. In certain embodiments, a member is coupled to the actuator and a separate member is coupled to the diaphragm. The coupling may be by any mechanism known in the art, e.g., adhesives, friction, clamp, fasteners, rivets, material connection such as those made by laser welding or ultrasonic welding, or magnetic connection. The members can be prepared from any solid material, such as plastic, metal, carbon-fiber composite, rubber or any combination of these. The actuator member is configured with a socket with a spring clip which receives a ball end of the diaphragm member so that the spring clip holds the socket of around the ball. The spring clip tension is configured so that the actuator member releases the diaphragm member when subjected to a separation force greater than that experienced in normal operation of the transducer but less than a force which might damage the actuator or the diaphragm. The tension holding the two members together can also be provided by the interlocking structure itself instead of by the spring clip.

The diaphragm may also be releasably coupled to the actuator via a friction clamp. The clamp may be configured so that the separation forces experienced at the coupling during normal operation would not overcome the static frictional forces of the clamp holding the diaphragm to the actuator. The clamp can be further configured so that the static frictional forces are less than the separation force that might damage the diaphragm or the actuator.

In certain embodiments the diaphragm may also be releasably coupled to the support by any of the mechanisms described above for a releasable diaphragm-actuator coupling. By incorporating a releasable coupling between the diaphragm and the support, those embodiments of the transducer may prevent diaphragm damage from occurring at the diaphragm-support junction during impacts and other stresses to the transducer.

(f) Mechanical Stop to Limit Bending of Diaphragm

One of the potential ways the diaphragm can get damaged during a drop from for example 120 cm onto a floor is by the transducer dropping onto the diaphragm itself and causing it to bend. This is a particular problem for a transducer with a frameless diaphragm as shown in FIGS. 1-7. If the transducer with a frameless diaphragm is dropped such that the first impact to the floor is made by the diaphragm the diaphragm can be made to bend. In some cases the diaphragm might be bend as much as 180 degrees forcing it momentarily into a U-shape. This bending will cause an extreme stress concentration at the edge of the attachment area between diaphragm and actuator or diaphragm and connector piece. The diaphragm can be constructed to be rugged enough to survive bending of 180 degrees and to spring back into its original shape, however in many implementations the stress concentrator at the attachment area will cause the diaphragm to discolor or to crack. Discoloration is often a precursor of cracking so after application of multiple stresses cracking can be observed. Depending on the design this can even be the case if a design with a tapered edge as described in b), c) and d) above is utilized. To overcome this problem a mechanical stop for the diaphragm is introduced. The mechanical stop is designed such that the diaphragm will be contact the stop before the critical bending radius that causes damage at the attachment point to the actuator or connector is reached. The effect of this stop is that the forces generated by the bending and by the impact are now distributed over two areas: the attachment area of diaphragm and actuator or connector and the contact area of diaphragm and mechanical stop.

The mechanical stop of the invention may have any type of orientation or distance relative to the diaphragm. For example, in certain embodiments, the mechanical stop has the form of a slot and forms a stop on both planar sides of the diaphragm. The position of the diaphragm within the slot may be symmetric or asymmetric relative to the two mechanical stops. In other embodiments, the mechanical stop only interacts with the front or the back side diaphragm in case of a drop with a diaphragm bending of 180 degrees. This can be achieved by having a mechanical stop only on one side of the diaphragm or by having two stops with the one on one side being too far removed to act as a stop.

In particular embodiments, a slot is protecting the diaphragm from bending in both sides at equal distance as is shown in FIG. 15. Any configuration of a member that limits bending of the diaphragm is contemplated by this invention. In certain embodiments, the member surrounds the diaphragm. In other embodiments, the member is located behind the diaphragm. FIGS. 1-7 and FIGS. 14-15 show an exemplary configuration of the member 108 as a housing having a slot. The housing is configured to fit over the diaphragm 101 while the diaphragm extends through the slot. The slot limits movement of the diaphragm. In certain embodiments, the diaphragm is curved and the slot includes a curve that corresponds to the curve of the diaphragm.

(g) Member to Prevent Edge Impact onto Diaphragm

Another durability problem can arise from a direct edge impact onto the diaphragm, in particular in a frameless design. This can create high shear forces onto the interface of diaphragm to actuator or connector that can create damage in the diaphragm or actuator or connector or interface layer. This is a particular problem on the edge or edges of the diaphragm that is attached to the actuator and that is moving as these cannot be protected through firm coupling with a frame. A solution is to introduce a member that physically prevents an edge impact onto one side of the diaphragm. A preferred implementation is shown in FIG. 18 (soundbar). In this implementation the member is part of the base/support and protrudes at least to the height of the diaphragm or beyond and thereby prevents a direct edge impact.

(h) Connector Piece Between Support and Diaphragm

Another area of the diaphragm that can get damaged when dropping the transducer is the connection of the diaphragm to the support. As discussed above a stress concentrator can cause damage to the diaphragm. A solution to this problem is a tapered design of the interconnection point between the diaphragm and the support to achieve a gradual stiffness change. This can be achieved with a tapered connector piece, with a tapered edge that is integral to the diaphragm or with a support that includes a tapered feature. Another solution is the use of a relatively soft and compressible connector piece between the diaphragm and the support. In a preferred implementation the connector piece has a lower modulus than the diaphragm and the support and it is made out of a rubber or silicone. Other materials can be used as well. The relative softness and compressibility of the connector material will allow for a bending of the diaphragm around a larger radius and a reduction of maximum stresses. A soft and compressible connector piece can be combined with a tapered design. A preferred implementation is shown in FIG. 4-7 where the relatively soft connector pieces are indicated with the numbers ?? 110 and 111.

(i) Auxiliary Supports

In certain embodiments, the transducers of the invention include auxiliary support. FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a transducer of the invention having auxiliary supports 109 attached to the left and right sides of the diaphragm. Auxiliary supports 109 are coupled to the support 100. The auxiliary supports provide extra strength to the diaphragm and extra protection if the transducer is bumped or dropped. Typically, the diaphragm will be coupled to only at the top left and top right corners of the auxiliary supports even though the supports run the length of the diaphragm. This embodiment is only exemplary and not limiting in any manner of the use of the auxiliary supports. Numerous other configurations regarding the location of the supports, the number of the supports, and the coupling of the supports to the diaphragm are within the scope of the invention.

In a three sided frameless transducer design such as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 the bending of the diaphragm upon impact with a hard object such as in drop on a surface from 120 cm causes high stresses at the connection points. One way to improve the reliability of such a design is to use auxiliary supports on the left and right sides, coupled at the top left and right corner. The function of these supports is to prevent bending of the diaphragm to occur while still permitting the sideways movement of the diaphragm that is required as part of its function as an transducer. This can be achieved by using a coupling piece between the auxiliary support and the diaphragm that allows for some movement in plane yet prevents significant bending out of plane.

Soundbar

The invention also encompasses soundbars, as shown in FIGS. 17-28. The soundbars of the invention operate in the same manner as the transducers described above. That is, a mechanical piezoelectric actuator is coupled to a diaphragm, and movement of the actuator causes movement of the diaphragm in a direction that is transverse to the movement of the actuator. The movement of the diaphragm is amplified relative to the movement of the actuator. As above, the diaphragm may be a curved diaphragm. As shown in FIGS. 17-21, diaphragm is coupled along its top portion to a support and along its bottom portion to two piezoelectric actuators. Those figures are exemplary and other configurations are within the scope of the invention. Additionally, the invention encompasses using more than two actuators.

FIGS. 17-21 show that the support is coupled to two struts. A bottom portion of each strut houses a piezo actuator. The relationship of the actuator to the strut and how the actuator fits within the struts is shown in FIGS. 22-28.

Similar to the transducers described above, soundbars of the invention may optionally include additional features so that the transducers of the invention can better withstand the environment in which they will be used without breaking. Exemplary features that can protect transducers of the invention include: (a) mechanical stop or stops to limit the maximum bending of the actuator; (b) connector piece or pieces with tapered edges; (c) actuator substrate with tapered edges; (d) diaphragm with integrated connector piece with tapered edges; (e) removable and re-attachable diaphragm; (f) mechanical stop to limit bending of diaphragm; (g) member to prevent edge impact onto diaphragm, (h) a connector piece between support and diaphragm; and (i) auxiliary supports on the left and right sides. The preferred implementation for each of these measures is described above. The measures can be used individually or in conjunction to improve the reliability of a mechanically amplified acoustic transducers with piezoelectric actuators.

Similar to above, the soundbars of the invention do not need to include all of the features. For example, soundbars of the invention can be provided with none of the additional features, with one of the additional features, or with all of the additional features. Stated another way, the additional features described herein are optional, and no embodiment of the invention should be interpreted to require any of the additional features. Also, any combination of the features may be used with soundbars of the invention.

EQUIVALENTS

Various modifications of the invention and many further embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the full contents of this document, including references to the scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its various embodiments and equivalents thereof.

ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCERS WITH RELEASABLE DIAPHRAM

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