WO2000057496A1 - Broadband elecro-acoustic transducer - Google Patents
Broadband elecro-acoustic transducer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000057496A1 WO2000057496A1 PCT/US2000/007663 US0007663W WO0057496A1 WO 2000057496 A1 WO2000057496 A1 WO 2000057496A1 US 0007663 W US0007663 W US 0007663W WO 0057496 A1 WO0057496 A1 WO 0057496A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- active element
- electro
- acoustic transducer
- substrate
- recited
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 239000002033 PVDF binder Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229920002981 polyvinylidene fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000026683 transduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010361 transduction Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a piezoelectric electro-acoustic transducer employing a diaphragm made of a piezoelectric film.
- PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride
- the recent art has arranged the film in a primitive shell configuration, such as a cylinder or a portion of a cylinder, to transform between (1) strain in the film along the uniaxial direction (which corresponds to the largest piezoelectric effect) and tangent to the film surface, and (2) the motion normal to the film surface necessary if direct electroacoustic transduction and the accompanying low mass/area ratio are to be achieved.
- a primitive shell configuration such as a cylinder or a portion of a cylinder
- an acoustic pressure difference between the surfaces of the piezoelectric film is supported by the arch of the cylindrical form and is transformed in part into stress and strain tangential to the film and in the uniaxial direction.
- the piezoelectric effect gives rise to a variation in the length (or area) of the piezoelectric film.
- This length variation is substantially linear with the applied voltage.
- the conversion of this length in a direction perpendicular (normal) to the surface of the piezoelectric film, appears to be non-linear, the resultant deformation being dependent on the geometry of the piezoelectric film surface and the amplitude of the length variation (or area variation) of the piezoelectric film.
- the geometry of the piezoelectric film is responsible for distortions occurring during conversion of electrical signals into acoustic signals and vice versa.
- the present invention provides an electro-acoustic transducer including a substrate and an active element placed on the substrate.
- the active element forms a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve to define a sealed chamber between the active element and the substrate.
- the active element includes a piezoelectric material, such as a polyvinylidene fluoride material.
- the substrate further comprises at least one cavity wherein the active element is placed over the at least one cavity to form the sealed chamber.
- the at least one cavity is, for example, of a substantially concave shape and the catenary curve is formed by the active element at each cavity.
- a diaphragm is for example bonded to the piezoelectric material.
- a diaphragm having a standoff ledge is used to provide the cavity and the active element is placed over the diaphragm.
- At least two active elements are placed on the substrate to provide for discrete multiple transducers.
- Each of the active elements form catenary curves or hyperbolic curves to define a sealed chamber between the first active element and the substrate and between the second active element and the first active element.
- Figure 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention.
- Figures 2A-2C are cross sectional views of Figure 1 taken along line A- A, wherein Figure 2B is an exploded cross sectional view;
- Figure 3 is a top view showing another embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of Figure 3 taken along line B-B;
- Figure 5 is a bottom view of still another embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of Figure 5 taken along line C-C;
- Figures 7A-7B are cross sectional views of an embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention wherein multiple discrete active elements are stacked.
- the electro-acoustic transducer of the present invention when excited with an electrical signal of any form or placed in a dynamic pressure field, correspondingly transmits acoustic energy or, conversely, when excited with a form of acoustic energy transfers the acoustic energy into electrical energy, accurately reproducing the waveform in domain.
- the electro-acoustic transducer 90 is illustrated including a substrate 100 having at least one active element 104 including a thin sheet or film of a pre-formed, flexible, bi-polar piezoelectric material 114, such as, preferably, a polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF").
- PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride
- the thickness of the PVDF material is preferably in the order of 28 microns, although other thicknesses may be used.
- the substrate 100 includes at least one cavity 106 of a desired shape and depth and is bounded by shoulders 108.
- the active element 104 forms a catenary curve across the at least one cavity 106 to define a sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104 and the surface 102 of the substrate 100.
- the substrate 100 is, for example, made of an aluminum material, a carbon fiber material, or other suitable stiff material.
- the substrate 100 can include any of a variety of shapes, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape ( Figures 1 and 2A-2C), or a flat shape ( Figures 3 and 4).
- a plurality of cavities 106 of a substantially concave shape and bounded by shoulders 108 are included on a surface 102 of the substrate 100.
- the active element 104 forms a catenary curve across the plurality of cavities 106 to define a plurality of sealed chambers 110 between the active element 104 and the surface 102 of the substrate 100.
- the cavities 106 are positioned relative to each other and the active element 104 is, for example, hermetically sealed at the shoulders 108 by a suitable means such as an adhesive or a clamp, placed around the entire periphery of each cavity 106 to form an enclosed or sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104 and the surface 102 of the substrate 100.
- the transducer 90 includes, for example, unpressurized air in the sealed chamber 110.
- the plurality of cavities 106 are formed on the surface 102 of the substrate 100.
- a compliant diaphragm 112 having a standoff ledge for forming the shoulders 108 also forms the plurality of cavities 106 and is bonded to the piezoelectric material 114.
- a protective layer over the piezoelectric material 114 can be used to protect the active element 104.
- the size of the active element 104 is sufficient to cover the entire surface 102 of the substrate 100.
- the active element 104 is placed on the substrate 100 over the cavities 106 and is hermetically sealed at the shoulders 108 by a suitable means, such as an adhesive or a clamp, placed around the entire periphery of the shoulders 108 to form the sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104 and the substrate 100.
- Electrical connectors 116 and 118 are coupled to the piezoelectric material 114 using, for example, a piezoelectric film tab 120.
- the electrical connectors 116 and 118 receive or transmit electrical signals from or to the piezoelectric material 114.
- the application of an electrical signal across the electrical connectors 116 and 118 results in a change in length in the piezoelectric material 114 or film as well as a change in the thickness of the piezoelectric material 114.
- the change in length of the piezoelectric material 114 when suspended across a fixed length results in a change in volume in the medium in which the transducer 90 operates.
- FIGS 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a transducer 130 according to the present invention wherein the active element 104, including the piezoelectric material 114, forms a hyperbolic curve to define the sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104 and the substrate 100.
- the substrate 100 has a substantially hyperbolic curved shape and the active element 104 is placed over an inner surface 126 of the substrate 100 to form the sealed chamber 110.
- the electrical connectors 116 and 118 are coupled to the piezoelectric material 114 using, for example, a piezoelectric film tab 120.
- the electrical connectors 116 and 118 receive or transmit electrical signals from or to the piezoelectric material 114.
- the medium in which the transducer 130 operates is allowed to flood both sides of the active element 104.
- the shape of the piezoelectric material 114 across the sealed chamber 110 is important in the performance of the transducer 90 of the present invention.
- the piezoelectric material 114 is shaped substantially in the form of a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve.
- the apex 124 of the catenary curve or hyperbolic curve of the piezoelectric material 114 provides for a focused direction for the change in length and thickness or strain of the piezoelectric material 114.
- the smaller the angle of the apex 124 of the catenary curve shape or the hyperbolic curve shape of the piezoelectric material 114 the more directionally focused the change of the piezoelectric material 114 becomes, providing for less distortions in converting acoustic signals into electrical signals and vise versa.
- the catenary curve and the hyperbolic curve shaped active elements of the present invention provide for greater signal reliability than the typical cylinder shaped active element transducer since, for a given surface area, the volume displaced by the catenary curve and the hyperbolic curve shaped active elements is greater than that of the cylinder shaped active element.
- the use of the active element formed into a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve can also be used to provide for multiple discrete transducers on a substrate as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B by stacking the active elements.
- a first active element 132 and a second active element 134 are placed on the substrate 100.
- Each of the first and second active elements 132 and 134 respectively, form a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve (not shown) to define a first sealed chamber 136 between the first active element 132 and the substrate 100, and a second sealed chamber 138 between the first active element 132 and the second active element 134.
- Electrical connectors are coupled to the first and second active elements 132 and 134, respectively, to provide for multi-channel data acquisition.
- the output response from the first active element 132 is combined with the output response from the second active element 134 to provide for a combined output response having a reduced distortion.
Abstract
An electro-acoustic transducer (90) including a substrate (100) and an active element (104) placed on the substrate (100). The active element forms a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve to define a sealed chamber between the active element (104) and the substrate (100). The active element (104) includes a piezoelectric material (114), such as a polyvinylidene fluoride material. In one embodiment, the substrate (100) further comprises at least one cavity (106) wherein the active element (104) is placed over the at least one cavity (106) to form the sealed chamber. The at least one cavity (106) is, for example, of a substantially concave shape and the catenary curve is formed by the active element (104) at each said cavity (106). A diaphragm having a standoff ledge is used to provide the cavity (106) and the active element (104) is placed over the diaphragm. In another embodiment, at least two active elements, including a first active element and a second active element, are placed on the substrate to provide for discrete multiple transducers. Each of the active elements form catenary curves or hyperbolic curves to define a sealed chamber between the first active element and the substrate and between the second active element and the first active element.
Description
APPLICATION FOR LETTERS PATENT
TITLE: BROADBAND ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a piezoelectric electro-acoustic transducer employing a diaphragm made of a piezoelectric film.
Background of the Art
The application of thin polymer piezoelectric films, such as polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF") to practical transducers has been hindered by the unusual mechanical characteristics of the films compared with conventional piezoelectric materials and the forms in which they have been available. That is, the thinness and the low elastic modulus of the films present new problems in transducer structure, while at the same time these same characteristics, combined with the low mass/area ratios of the films, offer the potential for greatly improved transducer performance in several areas of application.
In applying piezoelectric films to use in electromechanical or electroacoustic transducers, the recent art has arranged the film in a primitive shell configuration, such as a cylinder or a portion of a cylinder, to transform between (1) strain in the film along the uniaxial direction (which corresponds to the largest piezoelectric effect) and tangent to the film surface, and (2) the motion normal to the film surface necessary if direct electroacoustic transduction and the accompanying low mass/area ratio are to be achieved.
In a cylindrical shell, for example, an acoustic pressure difference between the surfaces of the piezoelectric film is supported by the arch of the cylindrical form and is transformed in part into stress and strain tangential to the film and in the uniaxial direction. Because of the electromechanical coupling coefficient k of the film, a signal voltage is generated between the electrodes on the film. Conversely, if an electrical signal is applied to the electrodes, strain is generated by the piezoelectric effect in the uniaxial direction, and the cylinder form of the film changes by deflections normal to its surface, resulting in the output of acoustical energy.
However if the film is very thin and its elastic modulus is low, elastic instability can set in at very low pressure differences, resulting in unacceptable harmonic distortion, failure of the frequency response to be approximately independent of signal level, and lack of reproducibility of performance characteristics in general. For example, an acoustic overload can damage or change the form of the film even to the point of reversing its curvature. For these reasons, the level of elastic stability attainable with this configuration is insufficient for practical use.
In addition, when a voltage is applied to two electrodes of a curved piezoelectric film, the piezoelectric effect gives rise to a variation in the length (or area) of the piezoelectric film. This length variation is substantially linear with the applied voltage. However, owing to the geometry of the piezoelectric film, the conversion of this length, in a direction perpendicular (normal) to the surface of the piezoelectric film, appears to be non-linear, the resultant deformation being dependent on the geometry of the piezoelectric film surface and the amplitude of the length variation (or area variation) of the piezoelectric film. Thus, the geometry of the piezoelectric film is responsible for distortions occurring during conversion of electrical signals into acoustic signals and vice versa.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an electro-acoustic transducer including a substrate and an active element placed on the substrate. The active element forms a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve to define a sealed chamber between the active element and the substrate. The active element includes a piezoelectric material, such as a polyvinylidene fluoride material. In one embodiment, the substrate further comprises at least one cavity wherein the active element is placed over the at least one cavity to form the sealed chamber. The at least one cavity is, for example, of a substantially concave shape and the catenary curve is formed by the active element at each cavity. A diaphragm is for example bonded to the piezoelectric material. Alternatively, a diaphragm having a standoff ledge is used to provide the cavity and the active element is placed over the diaphragm.
In another embodiment, at least two active elements, including a first active element and a second active element, are placed on the substrate to provide for discrete multiple transducers. Each of the active elements form catenary curves or hyperbolic curves to define a sealed chamber between the first active element and the substrate and between the second active element and the first active element.
Examples of the more important features of the invention have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the contributions to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For detailed understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals:
Figure 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention;
Figures 2A-2C are cross sectional views of Figure 1 taken along line A- A, wherein Figure 2B is an exploded cross sectional view;
Figure 3 is a top view showing another embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of Figure 3 taken along line B-B;
Figure 5 is a bottom view of still another embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention;
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of Figure 5 taken along line C-C; and
Figures 7A-7B are cross sectional views of an embodiment of the transducer according to the present invention wherein multiple discrete active elements are stacked.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The electro-acoustic transducer of the present invention, when excited with an electrical signal of any form or placed in a dynamic pressure field, correspondingly transmits acoustic energy or, conversely, when excited with a form of acoustic energy transfers the acoustic energy into electrical energy, accurately reproducing the waveform in domain.
Referring to Figures 1-4, the electro-acoustic transducer 90 according to the present invention is illustrated including a substrate 100 having at least one active element 104 including a thin sheet or film of a pre-formed, flexible, bi-polar piezoelectric material 114, such as, preferably, a polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF"). The thickness of the PVDF material is preferably in the order of 28 microns, although other thicknesses may be used. The substrate 100 includes at least one cavity 106 of a desired shape and depth and is bounded by shoulders 108. The active element 104 forms a catenary curve across the at least one cavity 106 to define a sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104 and the surface 102 of the substrate 100. The substrate 100 is, for example, made of an aluminum material, a carbon fiber material, or other suitable stiff material. The substrate 100 can include any of a variety of shapes, such as, for example, a cylindrical shape (Figures 1 and 2A-2C), or a flat shape (Figures 3 and 4).
A plurality of cavities 106 of a substantially concave shape and bounded by shoulders 108 are included on a surface 102 of the substrate 100. The active element 104 forms a catenary curve across the plurality of cavities 106 to define a plurality of sealed chambers 110 between the active element 104 and the surface 102 of the substrate 100. The cavities 106 are positioned relative to each other and the active element 104 is, for example, hermetically sealed at the shoulders 108 by a suitable means such as an adhesive or a clamp, placed around the entire periphery of each cavity 106 to form an enclosed or sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104
and the surface 102 of the substrate 100. The transducer 90 includes, for example, unpressurized air in the sealed chamber 110.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A, the plurality of cavities 106 are formed on the surface 102 of the substrate 100. In another embodiment, illustrated in Figure 2C, a compliant diaphragm 112, having a standoff ledge for forming the shoulders 108, also forms the plurality of cavities 106 and is bonded to the piezoelectric material 114. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2B, a compliant diaphragm 112, pre-formed in a catenary curve over each cavity 106, is bonded to the piezoelectric material 114. Additionally in each embodiment, a protective layer over the piezoelectric material 114 can be used to protect the active element 104.
Preferably, the size of the active element 104 is sufficient to cover the entire surface 102 of the substrate 100. The active element 104 is placed on the substrate 100 over the cavities 106 and is hermetically sealed at the shoulders 108 by a suitable means, such as an adhesive or a clamp, placed around the entire periphery of the shoulders 108 to form the sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104 and the substrate 100.
Electrical connectors 116 and 118 are coupled to the piezoelectric material 114 using, for example, a piezoelectric film tab 120. The electrical connectors 116 and 118 receive or transmit electrical signals from or to the piezoelectric material 114. The application of an electrical signal across the electrical connectors 116 and 118 results in a change in length in the piezoelectric material 114 or film as well as a change in the thickness of the piezoelectric material 114. The change in length of the piezoelectric material 114 when suspended across a fixed length results in a change in volume in the medium in which the transducer 90 operates. Conversely, a change in the pressure field in which the traducer 90 operates produces a change in the length of the piezoelectric material 114 or film, resulting in an electrical signal produced when the capacitance of the bi-polar piezoelectric material 114 is shorted across a known resistance.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a transducer 130 according to the present invention wherein the active element 104, including the piezoelectric material 114, forms a hyperbolic curve to define the sealed chamber 110 between the active element 104 and the substrate 100. In the embodiment illustrated, the substrate 100 has a substantially hyperbolic curved shape and the active element 104 is placed over an inner surface 126 of the substrate 100 to form the sealed chamber 110. The electrical connectors 116 and 118 are coupled to the piezoelectric material 114 using, for example, a piezoelectric film tab 120. The electrical connectors 116 and 118 receive or transmit electrical signals from or to the piezoelectric material 114. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the medium in which the transducer 130 operates is allowed to flood both sides of the active element 104.
The shape of the piezoelectric material 114 across the sealed chamber 110 is important in the performance of the transducer 90 of the present invention. The piezoelectric material 114 is shaped substantially in the form of a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve. The apex 124 of the catenary curve or hyperbolic curve of the piezoelectric material 114 provides for a focused direction for the change in length and thickness or strain of the piezoelectric material 114. The smaller the angle of the apex 124 of the catenary curve shape or the hyperbolic curve shape of the piezoelectric material 114, the more directionally focused the change of the piezoelectric material 114 becomes, providing for less distortions in converting acoustic signals into electrical signals and vise versa. The catenary curve and the hyperbolic curve shaped active elements of the present invention provide for greater signal reliability than the typical cylinder shaped active element transducer since, for a given surface area, the volume displaced by the catenary curve and the hyperbolic curve shaped active elements is greater than that of the cylinder shaped active element.
The use of the active element formed into a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve can also be used to provide for multiple discrete transducers on a substrate as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B by stacking the active elements. For example, at
least two active elements, a first active element 132 and a second active element 134, are placed on the substrate 100. Each of the first and second active elements 132 and 134, respectively, form a catenary curve or a hyperbolic curve (not shown) to define a first sealed chamber 136 between the first active element 132 and the substrate 100, and a second sealed chamber 138 between the first active element 132 and the second active element 134. Electrical connectors (not shown) are coupled to the first and second active elements 132 and 134, respectively, to provide for multi-channel data acquisition. Alternatively, the output response from the first active element 132 is combined with the output response from the second active element 134 to provide for a combined output response having a reduced distortion.
While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustrations and not limitations.
Claims
What is claimed is: 1. An electro-acoustic transducer comprising: a substrate; and an active element placed on the substrate and forming a catenary curve to define a sealed chamber between the active element and the substrate.
2. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 1, wherein the active element includes a piezoelectric material.
3. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 1 , wherein the substrate further comprises at least one cavity wherein the active element is placed over said at least one cavity to form the sealed chamber.
4. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 3 , wherein said at least one cavity is of a substantially concave shape and wherein said catenary curve is formed by the active element at each said cavity.
5. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a diaphragm between the active element and the at least one cavity.
6. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a diaphragm having a standoff ledge on a surface of the substrate wherein the active element is placed over the diaphragm.
7. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a connector coupled to the active element.
8. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 2, wherein the piezoelectric material is a sheet of a polyvinylidene fluoride material.
9. An electro-acoustic transducer comprising: a substrate; and an active element placed on the substrate and forming a hyperbolic curve to define a sealed chamber between the active element and the substrate.
10. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 9, wherein the substrate has a substantially hyperbolic curved shape and wherein the active element is placed over an inner surface of the substrate to form the sealed chamber.
11. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 10, further comprising: a diaphragm between the active element and said inner surface.
12. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 9, further comprising: a connector coupled to the active element.
13. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 9, wherein the active element includes a piezoelectric material.
14. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 13, wherein the piezoelectric material is a sheet of a polyvinylidene fluoride material.
15. An electro-acoustic transducer, comprising: a substrate; at least two active elements, including a first active element and a second active element, placed on the substrate, each of said at least two active elements forming a catenary curve to define a sealed chamber between said first active element and the substrate and between said second active element and said first active element.
16. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 15, wherein each of the at least two active elements includes a piezoelectric material.
17. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 15, wherein the substrate further comprises at least one cavity wherein the at least two active elements are placed over said at least one cavity to form the sealed chamber.
18. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 17, wherein said at least one cavity is of a substantially concave shape and wherein said catenary curves are formed by each of the at least two active elements at each said cavity.
19. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 17, further comprising: a diaphragm between each of the at least two active elements and the at least one cavity.
20. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 15, further comprising: a diaphragm having a standoff ledge on a surface of the substrate wherein the at least two active elements are placed over the diaphragm.
21. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 15, further comprising: a first connector coupled to the first active element and a second connector coupled to the second active element.
22. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 15, wherein the output response from the first active element is combined with the response from the second active element to provide for a combined output response having a reduced distortion.
23. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 16, wherein the piezoelectric material is a sheet of a polyvinylidene fluoride material.
24. An electro-acoustic transducer, comprising: a substrate; at least two active elements, including a first active element and a second active element, placed on the substrate, each of said at least two active elements forming a hyperbolic curve to define a sealed chamber between said first active element and the substrate and between said second active element and said first active element.
25. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 24, wherein the substrate has a substantially hyperbolic curved shape and wherein the at least two active elements are placed over an inner surface of the substrate to form the sealed chambers.
26. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 25, further comprising: a diaphragm between each of the at least two active elements and said surface.
27. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 24, further comprising: a first connector coupled to the first active element and a second connector coupled to the second active element.
28. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 24, wherein the output response from the first active element is combined with the response from the second active element to provide for a combined output response having a reduced distortion.
29. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 24, wherein each of the at least two active elements includes a piezoelectric material.
30. An electro-acoustic transducer, as recited in claim 29, wherein the piezoelectric material is a sheet of a polyvinylidene fluoride material.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU40214/00A AU4021400A (en) | 1999-03-22 | 2000-03-22 | Broadband elecro-acoustic transducer |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US27409099A | 1999-03-22 | 1999-03-22 | |
US09/274,090 | 1999-03-22 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2000057496A1 true WO2000057496A1 (en) | 2000-09-28 |
Family
ID=23046727
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/007663 WO2000057496A1 (en) | 1999-03-22 | 2000-03-22 | Broadband elecro-acoustic transducer |
Country Status (2)
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AU (1) | AU4021400A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000057496A1 (en) |
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US4641530A (en) * | 1984-09-12 | 1987-02-10 | Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique | Acoustic microscope for analyzing an object in depth having aspherical lenses |
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US5027659A (en) * | 1988-03-11 | 1991-07-02 | General Electric Cbr Sa | Ultrasonic imaging device in which electroacoustic transducers are disposed on a convex probe |
US5373483A (en) * | 1991-03-29 | 1994-12-13 | The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. | Curvilinear wideband, projected derivative-matched, continuous aperture acoustic transducer |
US5434830A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1995-07-18 | Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organization | Ultrasonic transducer |
US5437195A (en) * | 1991-12-17 | 1995-08-01 | Thomson-Csf | Mechanical sensor produced from a polymer film |
-
2000
- 2000-03-22 AU AU40214/00A patent/AU4021400A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-03-22 WO PCT/US2000/007663 patent/WO2000057496A1/en active Application Filing
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US3953828A (en) * | 1968-11-08 | 1976-04-27 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | High power-wide frequency band electroacoustic transducer |
US3924974A (en) * | 1973-05-21 | 1975-12-09 | Rca Corp | Fluid ejection or control device |
US3985201A (en) * | 1974-10-24 | 1976-10-12 | Kloster Glenn R | Infinite sound reproduction chamber |
US4284921A (en) * | 1977-11-17 | 1981-08-18 | Thomson-Csf | Polymeric piezoelectric transducer with thermoformed protuberances |
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US4437033A (en) * | 1980-06-06 | 1984-03-13 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Ultrasonic transducer matrix having filler material with different acoustical impedance |
US4564980A (en) * | 1980-06-06 | 1986-01-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Ultrasonic transducer system and manufacturing method |
US4445380A (en) * | 1982-07-21 | 1984-05-01 | Technicare Corporation | Selectable focus sphericone transducer and imaging apparatus |
US4641530A (en) * | 1984-09-12 | 1987-02-10 | Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique | Acoustic microscope for analyzing an object in depth having aspherical lenses |
US5027659A (en) * | 1988-03-11 | 1991-07-02 | General Electric Cbr Sa | Ultrasonic imaging device in which electroacoustic transducers are disposed on a convex probe |
US4996713A (en) * | 1989-09-25 | 1991-02-26 | S. Eletro-Acustica S.A. | Electroacoustic piezoelectric transducer having a broad operating range |
US5434830A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1995-07-18 | Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organization | Ultrasonic transducer |
US5373483A (en) * | 1991-03-29 | 1994-12-13 | The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. | Curvilinear wideband, projected derivative-matched, continuous aperture acoustic transducer |
US5437195A (en) * | 1991-12-17 | 1995-08-01 | Thomson-Csf | Mechanical sensor produced from a polymer film |
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