Mechanical-to-acoustical transformer and multi-media flat film speaker
First Claim
1. An acoustic transducer that converts a mechanical motion into acoustical energy, said acoustic transducer comprising:
- a diaphragm that is curved;
at least one support on at least one portion of said diaphragm; and
at least one actuator operatively coupled to said diaphragm and spaced from said support, said actuator configured to move such that movement of said actuator produces corresponding movement of said diaphragm, said diaphragm movement being amplified with respect to said actuator movement.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A mechanical-to-acoustical transducer has at least one actuator, preferably a piezo motor, that is coupled, generally perpendicularly, to one edge of a diaphragm formed from a thin, flexible sheet material. The diaphragm is fixed at a point spaced from the actuator in the direction of its motion so that excursion of the actuator is translated into a corresponding, mechanically-amplified, excursion of the diaphragm—typically amplified five to seven times. The diaphragm is curved, preferably parabolically, and to a small degree. The diaphragm, if optically clear, can be mounted on a frame over a video display screen to provide a screen speaker. Preferably, such a screen speaker is pinned or adhered at upper and lower edges at or near its vertical centerline and is supported by and driven at both lateral edges by one or more single layer piezo actuators. The actuators are secured at one end to the frame or other stationary member, and at a free, movable end, to an edge of the diaphragm, generally at right angles. A gasket seals the edges of the diaphragm to maintain an acoustic pressure gradient across the diaphragm.
119 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An acoustic transducer that converts a mechanical motion into acoustical energy, said acoustic transducer comprising:
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a diaphragm that is curved;
at least one support on at least one portion of said diaphragm; and
at least one actuator operatively coupled to said diaphragm and spaced from said support, said actuator configured to move such that movement of said actuator produces corresponding movement of said diaphragm, said diaphragm movement being amplified with respect to said actuator movement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A speaker for use over a display screen, said speaker comprising:
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an optically clear diaphragm;
at least one support on at least one portion of said optically clear diaphragm; and
at least one actuator operatively coupled to said optically clear diaphragm and spaced from said support such that movement of said actuator produces movement of said diaphragm, said diaphragm movement being amplified with respect to said actuator travel. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification