TW201443872A - Audio devices with electroactive polymer actuators noise cancellation - Google Patents

Abstract

A noise canceling system and method for an over-the-ear headphone is provided. The system and method provide a microphone configured to detect a first acoustic signal generated by a source external to the headphone and to produce a first electrical signal corresponding to the first acoustic signal, the first electrical signal having an amplitude, frequency, and phase representative of the first acoustic signal. An electroactive polymer actuator is electrically coupled to the microphone and configured to receive a second electrical signal having an amplitude and frequency substantially equal to the amplitude and frequency of the first electrical signal and a phase that is 180 degrees out-of-phase with the first electrical signal. The electroactive polymer actuator is configured to move in response to the second electrical signal and produce a second acoustic signal having an amplitude and frequency substantially equal to the first acoustic signal and a phase that is about 180 degrees out-of-phase with the first acoustic signal.

Description

Acoustic device with electroactive polymer actuator for eliminating noise [Reciprocal Reference Materials for Related Applications]

The US correspondence of this application is under 35 USC § 119(e), and the US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/740,614 is a priority case. The application date of the application is December 21, 2012, and the name is The "EAP LOW FREQUENCY NOISE CANCELLATION SYSTEM", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure is generally directed to an electromechanical system for eliminating noise in an acoustic system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an acoustic device having an electroactive polymer actuator or transducer to eliminate noise in the acoustic system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a headset provided with an electroactive polymer actuator designed to eliminate noise by destructive interference.

A conventional audible headset includes a pair of ear cups coupled to each other by a headband. These ear cups contain a speaker mounted in the housing portion of the ear cup and held in a position adjacent to a user's ear. The headset contains wires to connect the speakers to an audio source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD player, portable media player, computer, tablet, mobile device or game console. Some types of conventional headphones also include electronic circuitry for signal conditioning and processing of audible signals received by the audio source. These types of audio headsets do not include a headband and are specifically designed for direct placement In the user's ear, the audio headset is also known as an earphone or earbud called an earbud.

Conventional audio signals contain sound frequency components in the range of approximately 20 Hz to approximately 20 kHz. Most audio reproduction systems (home audio, headsets, earphones, phones, speakers) do not effectively cover the entire audio frequency range and generally perform poorly at low frequencies (below about 200 Hz).

For music lovers, unfortunately ambient sounds interfere with them through the sound of their headphones. This is most often seen when listening to music on an airplane. The booming engine on the plane makes it difficult for music lovers to hear sound through speakers located in or above the ear. The noise canceling headset uses a microphone to pick up the sound from the outside environment, and then uses signal processing techniques to establish feedback to the inverse waves of the headset. These counter waves offset the ambient sound and are therefore called noise cancellation.

Of course, the conventional noise cancellation system is not quite perfect. Together with noise reduction and low-pitched sounds (like car engines, aircraft engines, air-conditioning devices, etc.) get the best results. Noise-cancelling headphones are most common in active or passive versions.

The best passive noise canceling headset is an over-the-ear (circum-aural) version that is specifically constructed to maximize noise filtering characteristics.

Active Noise Cancelling Headphones additionally increase the level of noise reduction by actively erasing lower frequency sound waves. In addition to the different phases of the sound waves of the headphones and the external ambient noise sound waves, the noise canceling headphones achieve this by creating their own sound waves to mimic the sound waves of the external environmental noise.

A conventional noise canceling headset is one way of achieving this by ensuring that the sound waves originating from the noise canceling headphones and the sound waves associated with the ambient noise have the same amplitude and frequency, but differ by 180 degrees. Different phases. In other words, expectation and not expecting The peaks and troughs (compressed and thin) of the arriving sound waves are arranged such that the peaks (compression) of one wave are aligned with the troughs (thin) of the other wave, and vice versa. Therefore, the two waves cancel each other, the so-called destructive interference phenomenon.

Several components are needed to achieve noise cancellation. A microphone is placed in the ear cup to receive an external sound that cannot be passively blocked. A noise cancellation electronic circuit is placed in the ear cup to sense the input signal from the microphone and generate an electronic impression of the noise to mark the frequency and amplitude of the external wave. Next, the electronic circuit creates a new wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the noise-related waves. A conventional diaphragm speaker establishes a silencing effect produced by a noise canceling circuit that is fed into the speaker of the headset along with the audio. The muffling effect erases noise by destructive interference, but does not affect the desired sound waves in normal audio. The battery adds energy to the system to create a noise canceling effect.

While conventional noise canceling headphones do quite a bit of work in distinguishing between desired and undesired audio, they compromise on sound quality due to silencing. Moreover, conventional noise reduction systems that are sized to fit an over-the-ear headset often fail to produce an appropriate frequency response that is sufficient to offset undesired low frequency audio. The low audio frequency range required by the signal (eg 10Hz-250Hz).

In one embodiment, the present disclosure is applied to a noise canceling sound system. In one embodiment, a noise cancellation system for an over-the-ear headphones is provided. The system includes a microphone configured to detect a first audible signal generated by an external source of a headset and to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to the first audible signal, the first electrical signal There is a representation of the amplitude, frequency and phase of the first auditory signal. An electroactive polymer actuator is electrically coupled to the microphone and is configured to receive a second electrical signal having an amplitude and a frequency and a phase, the amplitude and frequency of the second electrical signal being substantially equal to the first The amplitude and frequency of the electrical signal, The phase of the second electrical signal is a different phase that is 180 degrees out of phase with the first electrical signal. An electroactive polymer actuator is designed to move to respond to a second electrical signal and to generate a second auditory signal having a amplitude and frequency substantially equal to the first auditory signal, and an approximately An auditory signal has different phases that differ by 180 degrees.

In another embodiment, a noise reduction system includes a plurality of electroactive polymer converters that are driven and arranged in the manner described above to provide a noise reduction effect in a volume of space in which ambient background noise is present. Individual converters can be individually controlled in multiple groups or as a single group. The noise reduction system can also include a plurality of microphones for better space and optimal conditions.

+A, -A‧‧‧ signals

H‧‧‧ horizontal direction

V‧‧‧ vertical direction

V _Batt ‧‧‧DC voltage

V _in ‧‧‧DC voltage / input voltage

10/10 ' ‧‧‧Electroactive polymer layer/layer

56‧‧‧film

58‧‧‧Matrix/Grid

62, 64‧‧‧ Elastomeric padding

66‧‧‧ panel

68‧‧‧Inflatable cavity plate

70‧‧‧ inflatable chamber

72‧‧‧film

74‧‧‧Support structure

76‧‧‧ pores

78‧‧‧Inflatable chamber plate

80‧‧‧ inflatable chamber

82‧‧‧ bubbles

84‧‧‧ Conductive layer

85‧‧‧section

86‧‧‧Dielectric layer

88‧‧‧Soft foam

90‧‧‧ Film bubbles

92‧‧‧ bottom

94‧‧‧ polymer film

96‧‧‧Support plate/sheet

98‧‧‧ Rivets

100‧‧‧ headphone

102‧‧‧ right ear cup

104‧‧‧ Left ear cup

106‧‧‧ headband

108‧‧‧ ear cushion

110‧‧‧ ear cushion

112‧‧‧Speaker grille

114‧‧‧ Housing Department

116‧‧‧Polarized speaker grille

118‧‧‧ Housing Department

120‧‧‧Speakers

122‧‧‧Actuator

124‧‧‧ openings

126‧‧‧Tray

128‧‧‧Electroactive Polymer Actuator Array

130‧‧‧Quality

132‧‧‧ inner wall

200‧‧‧Electroactive polymer modules/devices

202‧‧‧Outer/top/output board

204‧‧‧Fixed/Bottom Plate

206‧‧‧ Directions/Arrows

207‧‧‧ arrow

208‧‧‧electrode

210‧‧‧ separator

212‧‧‧ rod body

Section 214‧‧‧

216‧‧‧Soft cable

218A‧‧‧First Conductive Element

218B‧‧‧Second conductive element

222‧‧‧Electroactive Polymer Actuator

300‧‧‧Electroactive Polymer System

302‧‧‧Battery

302‧‧‧Power supply

304‧‧‧Electroactive polymer module

306‧‧‧ Elastomer dielectric components

308A, 308B‧‧‧ conductive electrode

310‧‧‧Actuator circuit

312‧‧‧ switch

316‧‧‧Frame

365‧‧‧Speakers

367‧‧‧Densor Converter

368‧‧‧Substrate

369‧‧‧ Grid board

387‧‧‧ lower chamber

397‧‧‧ bias material / open cell foam

400‧‧‧Users

401‧‧‧Electroactive Polymer Actuator / Noise Cancellation Actuator

402‧‧‧ headphone

404‧‧‧ headband

406‧‧‧ ear cup

407‧‧‧ ear cup

408‧‧‧ microphone

410‧‧‧ Noise Elimination System / Circuit

411‧‧‧ Circuitry

412‧‧‧Rigid frame/frame

413‧‧‧Rigid frame

413‧‧‧ Circuitry

415‧‧‧ Sound insulation wall

416‧‧‧External noise/external noise waveform/sound pressure wave

418‧‧‧Anti-noise waveform/sound/sound pressure wave

420‧‧‧Synthetic noise waveform

430, 432, 434, 436‧‧‧ terminals

438‧‧‧First electroactive polymer film

439‧‧‧Second electroactive polymer film

440‧‧‧Card fasteners

441‧‧‧First diaphragm/cover/top cover

443‧‧‧Second diaphragm/cover

501‧‧‧Electroactive Polymer Actuator/Electroactive Polymer Noise Cancellation Actuator

502‧‧‧External source/external noise source

506‧‧‧ Soundproof room

510‧‧‧First electroactive polymer driver circuit / first driver circuit / drive electronics

512‧‧‧Inverter Circuit / Drive Electronics

514‧‧‧Second driver circuit/drive electronics

520‧‧‧Audio source

522‧‧‧Audio Amplifier

524‧‧‧ headphone speaker/headphone speaker component

526‧‧‧ diaphragm

622‧‧‧Drum/tube section/tube layer

624‧‧‧Intermediate frame member/body frame member/frame segment/frame member

624’‧‧‧Frame partition

627‧‧‧Interface section

642‧‧‧Cover/membrane/cover body components

660‧‧‧Fracture shape

662‧‧‧ triangle top

664‧‧‧solid line

666‧‧‧ structure

Around 668‧‧

670‧‧‧Double frustum architecture

674‧‧‧active side/bias side/film side

676‧‧‧ active side

680‧‧‧Double arrow

682‧‧‧Neutral position

690‧‧‧Electroactive polymer cylinder

692, 694, 696‧‧‧ independent addressable intervals or phases

1130‧‧‧ Diaphragm device

1131‧‧‧Polymer/polymer film

1131A, 1131B‧‧‧ polymer part

1132‧‧‧Frame

1133A, 1133B‧‧‧ pores

1134, 1136‧‧‧ electrodes

1134A, 1134B‧‧‧ electrodes

1136A, 1136B‧‧‧ electrodes

1143‧‧‧Arrow

6100‧‧‧Frustum body converter / double frustum device

6110‧‧‧Frustum type converter

6112‧‧‧Threaded protrusion

6120‧‧‧ converter

6122‧‧‧ concave/frustum section

6124‧‧‧Baffle

6130‧‧‧ frustum converter

6132‧‧‧Helical spring

6134‧‧‧ partition wall

For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the invention will now be described in connection with the drawings, in which:

1 is a perspective view of a sensory-enhanced headset according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the left ear cup shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a The left ear cup shown in FIG. 1 is a front view; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the right ear cup shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a view of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. The right ear cup is shown in a rear view; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the right ear cup along the section line 6-6 shown in FIG. 4 according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is along an embodiment according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the right ear cup illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 8; FIG. 8 is a front view of the ear cup shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 according to an embodiment; Figure 9 is a cutaway view of an electroactive polymer system for illustrating the principle of operation; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electroactive polymer system for illustrating the principle of operation; Figures 11A-11C schematically show The geometry and operation of a frustum-shaped actuator according to an embodiment; FIG. 12 is a plan view of a multi-phase frustum-shaped actuator according to an embodiment; FIG. 13A is another frustum FIG. 13B is a side view of the same basic actuator having an alternative frame configuration according to an embodiment; FIG. 14 is a view of an embodiment according to an embodiment; A sectional perspective view of a parallel stacked type frustum converter; FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing an alternative output shaft configuration having a frustum type converter according to an embodiment; 16 is a side cross-sectional view of an inverted frustum converter configuration in accordance with an embodiment; FIG. 17 is a single frustum of a coil spring biased according to an embodiment. Sectional perspective view of the body converter; Figure 18 The illustration of a user wearing a headset having an electroactive polymer type noise canceling system according to an embodiment, wherein the left ear cup is displayed in a partial cut-away view to display the internal components thereof. FIG. 19 is a diagram of a headset having an electroactive polymer type noise canceling device shown in FIG. 18 according to an embodiment, wherein the left ear is partially cut away. The cup is a more detailed view of one of its internal components; FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an electroactive polymer noise canceling actuator of a multi-diaphragm frustum type according to an embodiment. Figure 21 is a block diagram of a circuit designed for destructive interference of an electroactive polymer actuator utilizing a multi-diaphragm frustum type, in accordance with an embodiment. To eliminate the noise generated by an external source; FIG. 22 is an exemplary representation of the concept of destructive interference according to an embodiment; FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a circuit according to an embodiment. The circuit is designed to eliminate noise generated by an external source by destructive interference using a diaphragm type electroactive polymer actuator; FIG. 24 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment a block diagram of a circuit designed to eliminate noise generated by an external source by utilizing a single diaphragm frustum type electroactive polymer noise canceling actuator; 25 is a circuit according to an embodiment. Block diagram, the circuit is designed for the noise generated by an external source by means of a single integral diaphragm frustum type of electroactive polymer actuators to eliminate.

Figure 26 shows a device including a monolithic converter for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27A is an exploded view of one embodiment of a single "tile" of the present invention.

Figure 27B is the tile of Figure 27A in assembled form.

28-28A depict cross-sectional views of an alternate embodiment of a converter suitable for fabrication by microfabrication techniques.

Figure 29 shows the use of a flexible foam urging member for an alternative embodiment of one of the auditory actuators of the present invention.

Figure 30 shows an embodiment of an electroactive polymer flat membrane acoustic element.

Before the embodiments of the inventive noise canceling acoustic device are described in detail, it should be noted that the disclosed embodiments are not limited by the application or the details of the construction and configuration of the components shown in the drawings and the description. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations, and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the terms and phrases used herein are for the purpose of illustration and description of the invention, and are not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. In the example. In addition, without limitation, we should understand any one or more disclosed embodiments, and the representations and examples of the embodiments may be combined with any one or more of the disclosed embodiments, representations and examples of the embodiments. . Therefore, a combination of the elements disclosed in one embodiment and the elements disclosed in another embodiment are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure and the scope of the following claims.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a low frequency noise canceling sound system comprising an electroactive polymer actuator and a circuit electrically coupled to the actuator system, wherein the circuit is for generating a drive signal Causes the actuator system to move in accordance with the drive signal. The drive signal is at a different phase than the ambient sound wave by 180 degrees, which can interfere with the sound waves generated by the speaker elements of the headset.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an electroactive polymer actuator sized to fit an over-the-ear headset that can be combined with drive electronics to produce a low audio frequency range (eg, 10 Hz) The frequency in -250 Hz) responds to and offsets the signals required for the undesired low frequency audio signal.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides noise cancellation efficacy across the full range of audio spectra (e.g., 10 Hz to about 20 kHz).

In one embodiment, the electroactive polymer has the potential to produce a very low frequency response in the actuator, the actuator typically requires a similar low frequency response to the form factor. It’s a lot smaller. A suitably designed electroactive polymer actuator can be used directly across the full range of the audio spectrum (10 Hz to about 20 kHz) or can be used specifically for low frequency response (10 Hz to about 250 Hz).

Advantages of the present invention include providing a noise cancellation means in a low frequency audio range or across a full audio spectrum using a small package size suitable for a headset application, the pair having a relatively low frequency component (which may be difficult to passively attenuate) People in high noise areas are very much needed.

Before explaining various noise reduction techniques, the present disclosure is directed to FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of a noise canceling headset 100 in accordance with an embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the headset 100 includes a right ear cup 102 and a left ear cup 104 coupled to each other by a headband 106. The headband 106 can be any suitable conventional headband. Each of the right and left ear cups 102, 104 includes a corresponding illustrated right and left circumaural cushions 108, 110. While such cushions have traditionally been circular or ellipsoidal to enclose the ear, it will be appreciated that the ear cushions 108, 110 can have any shape. For example, because the ear cushions 108, 110 completely surround the ear, these headphones 100 can be designed to rest completely against the head to attenuate any intrusive external noise. The material of the cushions 108, 110 can be selected to adjust the degree of coupling between the headset and the user. Each of the right and left ear cups 102, 104 preferably includes a ear cushion 102, 110, a perforated speaker grill 112 (only the right side is shown) and a receiving portion 114 (only the left side is shown). The housing portion 114 includes a speaker, an electroactive polymer actuator, a circuit board including circuitry for driving the actuator, and in some embodiments, mechanical and/or electronic Audible noise reduction component. Embodiments of these elements are described below. Regardless of the best effect in passive noise cancellation techniques, it is not possible to completely eliminate external noise coupled via ear cups 102,104. Thus, as explained below, in one embodiment, the present invention provides an active noise cancellation technique. More particularly, in one embodiment, the present invention utilizes an electroactive polymer actuator to provide an open loop active noise cancellation technique with an electroactive polymer actuator along each of the ear cups 102, 104 in a headphone speaker The axis moves.

2 is a perspective view of the left ear cup 104, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the left ear cup 104. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left ear cup 104 includes a ear protection cushion 110 and a perforated speaker grill 116.

4 is a perspective view of the right ear cup 102, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the right ear cup 102. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the right ear cup 102 includes a receiving portion 118.

Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the right ear cup 102 along section line 6-6 as shown in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the ear cup 102 shown in Figures 6 and 7. Because the left ear cup 104 is substantially similar to the right ear cup 102, the remainder of the description focuses on the structure and function of the right ear cup 102 for the sake of brevity and clarity, as this property can equally belong to the left. Ear cup 104.

Referring now in particular to Figures 6-8, in one embodiment, the right ear cup 102 includes a receiving portion 118 defining an opening 124 adapted to receive a speaker 120 and an electroactive polymer actuator 122 therein. In the present embodiment illustrated in Figures 6-8, the actuator 122 includes a plurality of accessory components, and thus may occasionally be referred to as an electroactive polymer module. In a particular embodiment where the actuator 122 comprises a 3-bar, for example, the actuator 122 may be referred to as a 3-bar electroactive polymer mold, without limitation. group. Referring now to Figures 6-8, the speaker 120 as shown can be mounted directly behind the apertured speaker grille 112. However, in other embodiments, the position of the speaker 120 can be changed and can be installed in the opening portion 124 of the receiving portion 118. Any suitable location. In one embodiment, for example, the electroactive polymer actuator 122 can be mounted to a portion of the inner wall 132 of a receptacle 118. In one embodiment, the actuator 122 can include a tray 126, an array of electroactive polymer actuators 128, and a mass 130. An electroactive polymer actuator array 128, such as an actuator, may also be referred to herein as an "n-bar barrel", where "n" represents the number of actuator rods in the array. Thus, a 3-bar independent cartridge represents an array of electroactive polymer actuators comprising three actuator stems mounted in a tray having flexing elements. Without limitation, we will appreciate that any of the disclosed headset embodiments including a single actuator tray (e.g., tray 126) can be designed for vibration parallel to speaker 120. Move in the direction. Thus, if the electroactive polymer actuator 122 coupled to the ear cup 102 is designed to be 180 degrees out of phase with the external noise wave (180 degrees out of phase with the external noise wave), these vibrations will be offset. Vibration caused by an external source of noise.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, in one embodiment, a noise canceling headset 100 incorporating an electroactive polymer actuator 122 in accordance with the present disclosure can be produced in an audio frequency band (eg, from about 10 Hz to about 20 kHz). The mechanical vibrations are used to counteract the audio sensation produced by the external noise source coupled to the ear cup 102 without being completely eliminated by passive techniques. Thus, the sound pressure generated by the electroactive polymer actuator 122 counteracts the acoustic pressure from an external source of noise coupled to the ear cup 102 to eliminate external noise from the user's ear. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elimination accuracy depends on a number of factors, such as the ability to include the internal circuitry coupled to the interior of the ear cup 102 to reproduce the amplitude of the external noise, and to enable the waveform prior to driving the electroactive polymer actuator 122. The 180 degree inversion is reversed to produce the ability to have a relative audio pressure inside the ear cup 102.

In one embodiment, a microphone that is suitably isolated in the cup can be used to detect unwanted noise signals coupled in the ear cup 102. In an embodiment, Each of the ear cups 102, 104 includes an electroactive polymer actuator 122. Each actuator 122 can include a small mass 130 (preferably from 1 to 50 g, more preferably 25 g) that is mounted to the electroactive polymer actuator array 128 to form a simple mass/spring/ Damper resonance system. The portion of the foreign audio is transmitted to an audio amplifier connected to the actuator 122. The electroactive polymer actuator 122 shakes (vibrates) the ear cups 102, 104 which track the inverse of the input audio signal, thereby giving a feeling of noise cancellation. The electroactive polymer actuator 122 disclosed herein enhances the "listening" feel of conventional audio headphones. Eliminating low frequency (10 Hz-250 Hz) vibrations from external noise sources also enhances the perception of the user of the noise canceling headset 100. Eliminating noise in the full audio spectrum (10Hz-20kHz) also enhances the user's experience.

However, the vibration generated by the electroactive polymer actuator 122 is inherently non-linear. In addition, the electroactive polymer actuator 122 can also produce acoustic vibrations that may or may not be desired. In the event that acoustic vibration is not desired, mechanical and electronic techniques can be employed to reduce undesired acoustics to an acceptable level. Sometimes, the vibrations may be out-of-plane with the speaker 120. If desired, the sensory vibrations enhanced by the noise canceling headset 100 can be increased by using a voice coil to drive the mass of the suspension. However, these embodiments may result in high Q systems with low damping such that they move a greater distance on the same axis as the sound diffuser, thereby introducing unwanted artifacts. However, in various embodiments, the electroactive polymer actuator 122 disclosed herein can be oriented in such a manner that the plane of vibration is perpendicular to the acoustic radiator axis, thereby substantially reducing unnecessary The pseudo sound. These and other technologies are described in PCT International Application No. PCT/US12/26421, entitled "AUDIO DEVICES HAVING ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER ACTUATORS", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Before beginning to further illustrate various embodiments of the electroactive polymer actuator 122 as shown in connection with Figures 6-8, for example, this description briefly proceeds to Figures 9-11 to illustrate the inclusion of suitable for use in, for example, noise. Various integrated devices for the electroactive polymer module in the acoustic device of the headset 100 are eliminated. 9 is a partial cutaway view of an electroactive polymer system that can be integrally formed into the actuator 122 to provide the desired vibration to the headset 100. Thus, in one embodiment, the system includes an electroactive polymer module 200. An electroactive polymer actuator 222 is designed to slide an output plate 202 (e.g., a sliding surface) relative to a stationary plate 204 (e.g., a fixed surface) when energized at a voltage "V". The plates 202, 204 are separated by steel balls or bearings and have the characteristics of forced movement to the desired direction of travel, limited travel, and the ability to withstand drop tests. These plates can additionally be suspended by the use of flexures.

For integration into a headset device, the top plate 202 can be mounted to an inertial mass, such as the mass 130 shown in Figures 6-8. In FIG. 9, top plate 202 of electroactive polymer module 200 includes a sliding surface that is designed to be mounted to an inertial mass or a backside surface that is movable in both directions as indicated by arrow 206. In order for the electroactive polymer module 200 to be adapted and configured for use in a noise canceling application, the direction of vibration indicated by arrow 206 must be shifted such that the direction of vibration is toward the Z direction as indicated by arrow 207 and perpendicular to direction 206 to The sound pressure waves generated by the moving electroactive polymer actuator 222 are eliminated before the coupled noise sound pressure waves reach the user's ear.

A technique for vibrating the electroactive polymer module 200 in the Z direction in such a manner is used to force the mounting plate 204 and the outer plate 202 to cause the electroactive polymer actuator 222 to be driven by an alternating signal. When moving like a diaphragm in the Z direction. Between the output board 202 and the fixed board 204, the electroactive polymer module 200 includes at least one electrode 208, optionally at least one divider 210, and at least one output mounted to the sliding surface (eg, top plate 202) Rod 212. The frame and divider section 214 is attached to a fixed face (e.g., bottom plate 204). Module 200 Any number of rods 212 designed as an array may be included to amplify the movement of the sliding surface. The electroactive polymer module 200 can be coupled to the drive electronics of the actuator controller circuit via a flex cable 216. A voltage "V" potential difference of about 1 kV (preferably anywhere up to 5 kV, more preferably between 100 V and 5 kV, more preferably between 300 V and 5 kV) can be applied to the flexible cable First and second conductive elements 218A, 218B.

The division of the electroactive polymer actuator 222 within a given footprint into (n) segments is a suitable method for setting the passive stiffness and stopping force of the electroactive polymer system. A pre-extended dielectric material is held in place by a rigid material that defines an outer frame, such as a fixed plate 204, and one or more apertures within the frame. The inside of each aperture is an output rod 212 of the same rigid frame material, and one or both sides of the output rod 212 are electrodes 208. Alternatively, an adhesive can be substituted for the rigid frame material, as disclosed in the commonly assigned International PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/021511, filed on Jan. 17, 2012, the name of the frameless actuator device, system and The method (FRAMELESS ACTUATOR APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD); the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Applying a potential difference (V) across the dielectric material on one side of the output rod 212 causes electrostatic stress in the elastomer which causes the electrode region to expand and exert a force on the output rod 212. This force is scaled proportionally with the effective cross-section of the electroactive polymer actuator 222, so that as the number of segments increases linearly, each segment is added to the effective width of the actuator. The passive spring rate is scaled by n ² because each additional section effectively stiffens the device twice, first by shortening it in the extension direction (X) and second by adding resistance to displacement Width (Y). Both spring stiffness and stopping force are linearly scaled with the number (m) of dielectric layers.

Advantages of the electroactive polymer module 200 include the ability to create low frequency vibrations that are substantially immediately sensible to the user within the ear cup containment. In addition, the electroactive polymer module 200 consumes low power and is well suited for custom design and performance options. Electroactive polymer module Group 200 is represented by electroactive polymer modules developed by Artificial Muscle Corporation of Sunnyvale, California.

Still referring to FIG. 9, many design variables (eg, thickness, footprint) of the electroactive polymer module 200 can be fixed by the needs of the module integrator while other variables (eg, number of dielectric layers, operating voltage) ) may be limited by cost. Because the actuator geometry - the configuration of the rigid support structure to the footprint of the active dielectric material - does not affect the cost too much, it can be a method of adjusting the performance of the electroactive polymer module 200 into a module 200 and a head A reasonable way to use the integrated device of the headset device is shown in Figure 6-8.

Computer modeling techniques can be employed to evaluate the advantages of different actuator geometries, such as: (1) the mechanics of the headset/user system; (2) actuator performance; and (3) user perception. Together, these three conditions provide a computer implementation process to evaluate the candidate design capabilities and use the estimated capability data to select an electroactive polymer design suitable for mass production. This model predicts the ability to have two effects: long-term effects (games and music), and short-term effects (click to select). "Capacity" is defined here as the maximum feeling that a module can produce in operation. This computer implementation process for assessing the capabilities of candidate designs is described in more detail in co-delivered International PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/000289, filed on February 15, 2011, entitled "Electricity" The active polymer device and the technique for quantifying its capabilities (ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUES FOR QUANTIFYING CAPABILITY THEREOF), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of an electroactive polymer system 300 designed to illustrate the principles of operation of an electroactive polymer module. Electroactive polymer system 300 includes a power source 302 electrically coupled to an electroactive polymer module 304, shown for purposes of illustration as a low voltage direct current (DC) battery. In accordance with the present disclosure, for example, a power supply (V _Batt ) represents an output of an audio signal source designed to produce a low frequency audio signal below about 200 Hz, and in one embodiment, at about 2 Hz to about 200 Hz. Between the terms "about" means ±10%. The electroactive polymer module 304 includes a thin elastomeric dielectric component 306 disposed (e.g., interposed) between two conductive electrodes 308A, 308B. Conductive electrodes 308A, 308B are extensible (e.g., compliant) and can be printed on the top and bottom portions of elastomeric dielectric element 306 using any suitable technique, such as screen printing. The electroactive polymer module 304 is activated by deactivating a switch 312 to couple a battery 302 (e.g., a signal source) to the actuator circuit 310. The actuator circuit 310 converts the low voltage DC into a suitable signal V _Batt electroactive polymer driver module 304 of the higher DC voltage V _in signals. In accordance with the present disclosure, an additional circuit can be disposed within the opening 124 defined by the receiving portion 118, the circuit being designed to convert the low voltage low frequency audio signal from the audio signal source to a suitable drive power. The higher voltage signal of the active polymer actuator 122 (Figs. 6-8). Returning to Figure 10, when the voltage V _in is applied to the conducting electrodes 308A, 308B when, the elastomeric dielectric element 306 in the vertical direction shrinkage (V) under static pressure, and the expansion in the horizontal direction (H) on. The contraction and expansion of the elastomeric dielectric element 306 can be utilized while in motion. Number of the motion or displacement of the lines V _in proportion to the input voltage. Movement or displacement can be amplified by a suitable configuration of an electroactive polymer actuator.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the description of the electroactive polymer actuators of Figures 9 and 10 is primarily for the general context of operation of an electroactive polymer actuator. Although the apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 9 can be adapted and designed to provide the necessary motion in a direction parallel to the speaker 120 to eliminate unwanted acoustic disturbances, a better candidate for performing such functionality. It is a diaphragm type electroactive polymer actuator. The diaphragm type electroactive polymer actuator can be designed to have a single or multiple diaphragms, as discussed in more detail below. The actuator can have one or more active regions defined by the electrode pattern. For a more general discussion of such a diaphragm-type electroactive polymer actuator, reference is made to commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 8,183,739, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figures 11A-11C schematically illustrate the geometry and operation of a frustum-shaped actuator in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, Figures 11A-11C schematically illustrate the manner in which these concave/convex or frustum-shaped actuators function in a simplified two-dimensional model. Figure 11A shows a derivative of the shape of the transducer frustum. Whether it is conical, square, elliptical, etc. when viewed from above, from the side, a truncated shape 660 is provided by modifying the existing diaphragm actuator configuration by covering the top (or bottom) of the structure. When under tension, the cover 642 changes the shape that the electroactive polymer layer/layer 10/10 ' will assume. In the case of a one-load stretch film, the film will take a conical shape (as indicated by the dashed line defining a triangular tip 662). However, when covered or altered to form a more rigid tip structure, the shape is truncated, as indicated by solid line 664 in Figure 11A.

Modifying this structure has fundamentally changed its performance. As an example, it distributes stress, which will otherwise concentrate on the center of structure 666 rather than around perimeter 668 of a body. In order to influence this force distribution, the cover is fixed to the electroactive polymer layer. It can be joined by an adhesive. Alternatively, the constituent spacers may be joined by any feasible technique such as thermal bonding, frictional engagement, ultrasonic bonding, or the constituent spacers may be mechanically locked or clamped together. Furthermore, the cover structure can comprise a portion of the film that is substantially more rigidly formed via certain types of thermal, mechanical or chemical techniques (e.g., hardening).

In general, the cap section will be sized to produce a perimeter of sufficient length to properly distribute the stress applied to the material. The ratio of the size of the cover to the diameter of the frame holding the electroactive polymer layer may vary. Obviously, the size of the disc, square, etc. used for the cover will be greater under higher stress/force application. With respect to a predetermined amount pre-extended to the electroactive polymer layer, the relative truncation of the structure (compared to point-loaded cones, pressure bias domes, etc.) has A further importance is to reduce the volume or space that the converter occupies in use. Furthermore, In a frustum type diaphragm actuator, the cover or diaphragm 642 element can be used as an active component (e.g., a valve seat in a given system, etc.).

With a more rigid or substantially cover section formed or set at a position, the electroactive polymer material stored by a frame, when extended in a direction perpendicular to the cover, produces a truncated shape. Otherwise, the electroactive polymer film remains substantially flat or planar.

Still referring to Figure 11A, with the cover 642 defining a stable top/bottom surface, the 10/10 ' side of the attached electroactive polymer of this structure is assumed to be an angle. When not activated, the angle of one of the electroactive polymers can be set to be between 15 and about 85 degrees. More preferably, it will range from about 30 to about 60 degrees. When a voltage 俾 is applied to cause the electroactive polymer material to be compressed and grow toward its planar size, it exhibits a second angle β between approximately the same range plus between about 5 and 15 degrees. The optimal angle can be determined based on the application specifications.

A single-sided frustum converter is the same as the double-sided structure within the scope of the present invention. With regard to preload, the single-sided device uses a spring with a cover (for example, a coil, a force or a rolled spring, a leaf spring, etc.) as an interface, air or fluid pressure, magnetic attraction, and a weight (俾Either gravity can be preloaded to the system) or any of these or a combination of these.

In a double-sided frustum converter, one side provides a preload to the other side. Again, such a device may include additional biasing features/members. FIG. 11B shows a basic "double frustum" architecture 670. Here, the opposite layer of the electroactive polymer material, or one side of the electroactive polymer film and one side of the substantially elastic polymer, are fixed together under tension along an interface section 627. The interface section often includes one or more rigid or semi-rigid cover elements 642. However, by virtue of their interface bonding the two layers of polymer together, the combined regions of materials utilize a most basic way to separately provide a relatively hard or less flexible cover region to provide a converter. The stable interface part.

Regardless of how it is constructed, the dual frustum converter operates as shown in Figure 11B. When a film side 674 is energized, it relaxes and pulls with less force, thereby releasing the stored elastic energy in the bias side 674 and completing the work via force and stroke. This effect is indicated by the dashed line in Figure 11C. If both membrane elements comprise an electroactive polymer film, the actuator can be moved in/out or up/down relative to a neutral position (shown in solid lines in each of Figures 11A and 11B), such as Double arrow 680 indicates.

If only one active side 674/676 is provided, the forced motion is limited to one side of the neutral position 682. In such cases, the inactive side of the device may only comprise an elastomeric polymer to provide preload/bias (as described above) or comprise an electroactive polymer material that is electrically connected to sense only changes in capacitance, Or as a generator to resume motion or vibration: a regenerative capability is utilized in this device.

A further alternative variant of the converter according to the invention comprises a setting for multi-angle/multi-axis sensing or actuation. Figure 12 is a top plan view of a multi-phase frustum-shaped actuator in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 12 shows a circular electroactive polymer cartridge 690 configured with three independently addressable intervals or phases (692, 694, 696). When specifically formed as an actuator, the segments will expand to varying degrees by applying a voltage difference, thereby causing the cover 642 to be tilted by an angle. Depending on the way it is controlled, this multi-phase device provides multi-directional tilt and translation. When designed for sensing, an input from a rod or other snap or joint to the cover results in an angular deviation that can be measured via a change in material capacitance.

The electroactive polymer shown in Figure 12 has a circular cross section. Figure 13A is a combination view of another frustum-shaped actuator, and Figure 13B is a side view of the same basic actuator having an alternative frame configuration, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13A provides a combined view of a circular frustum converter 6100. The body frame member 624 employed is solid, as used in combination or convertible actuators herein. However, the device shown in Figure 13A is dedicated. A diaphragm type actuator (although it can adopt a multi-phase structure as shown in Fig. 12). An alternative construction of such an actuator is shown in Figure 13B. Here, the single piece frame member 624 is replaced by a simple frame spacer 624'.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a frustum converter of a parallel stacked version in accordance with an embodiment. Another architectural variation is shown in Figure 14, wherein the transducer includes multiple layers of cymbal layers 622 on each side of a dual frustum device 6100. Individual covers 642 are grouped together or stacked together. To accommodate the increased thickness, the multiple frame sections 624 can likewise be stacked on top of one another.

Recall that each of the cartridges 622 can employ a compound electroactive polymer layer 10 ' . It is not a method that both methods can be used together to increase the output potential of the subject device. Alternatively, at least one of the stack members (on one side or both sides of the device) can be set to sense relative to actuation to aid in active actuator control or operational confirmation. With regard to such control, any type of feedback method, such as a PI or PID controller, can be employed in such a system for controlling actuator position with very high precision and/or accuracy.

15 is a side cross-sectional view showing an alternative output shaft configuration having a frustum-type converter in accordance with an embodiment. Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing an alternative output shaft configuration having a frustum-type converter 6110. A threaded projection 6112 on either side of the cover septum provides a mechanism for attachment for mechanical output. The protruding portion may be a separate member that is attached to the cover or may be integrally formed therewith. Even though an internal thread configuration is shown, an external threaded shaft can still be used. This configuration may include a single shaft that runs through the cover and is configured in a typical jam-nut with a nut that is secured to either side. Other snaps or connection options are equally possible.

16 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate inverted frustum converter configuration in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 16 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative converter 6120 configuration, which instead takes With two concave structures facing away from each other, the two concave/frustum segments 6122 face each other. The preload or bias on the electroactive polymer layer to force the film formation is maintained by a shim or partition 6124 between the covers 642. As shown, this space contains an annular body. These covers may also include all of the openings and other aspects of this variation of the invention. It has also been noted that the inward facing variation of the present invention in Figure 16 does not require an intermediate frame member 624 between the individual barrel sections 622. Indeed, the layers of electroactive polymer on each side of the device can be in contact with each other. Thus, such variations of the present invention may provide benefits in situations where installation space is limited. Further use of such device configurations is also discussed below. However, the other biasing methods of the frustum type actuator are first explained.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a single frustum converter biased by a coil spring in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, Figure 17 provides a sectional perspective view of a coiled spring biased single frustum converter 6130. Here, a coil spring 6132 interposed between the cover 642 and a partition wall 6134 associated with the frame (or a portion of the frame itself) biases the electroactive polymer structure.

18 is a schematic diagram of a user 400 wearing a headset 402 having an ear cup 406 (only the left ear cup 406 is shown) coupled to each other by a headband 404. The headset 402 includes an electroactive polymer type noise cancellation system 410. According to an embodiment, the left ear cup 406 is shown in a partial cutaway view to show the internal components of the system. The noise cancellation system 410 includes a microphone 408 disposed within a cavity defined by the ear cup 406 and is preferably acoustically isolated from the speaker elements. The system 410 further includes a circuit 413 and an electroactive polymer actuator 401.

The microphone 408 detects an external noise waveform 416 such as a low chirped sound (such as a car engine, aircraft engine, air conditioning device, etc.) and feeds the signal to the circuit 413. Circuit 413 reverses the phase of the microphone 408 signal by 180 degrees. The inverted signal is used to drive an electroactive polymer actuator 401 that produces acoustic waves 418 that are equal in size and external to the noise wave Shape 416 is inverted (180 degrees out of phase). Thus, the acoustic pressure wave 418 generated by the electroactive polymer actuator 401 substantially eliminates the acoustic pressure wave 416 detected by the microphone 408 by destructive interference as represented by the resultant noise waveform 420. . In one embodiment, the microphone 408 is disposed within the cavity defined by the ear cup 406 and is acoustically isolated from both of the headset speaker elements as the electroactive polymer actuator 401. Positioning the microphone 408 within the cavity defined by the ear cup 406 utilizes any passive cancellation noise provided by the configuration of the ear cup 406, but would require thorough actuation with the headset 402 speaker and electroactive polymer. The device 401 is sound isolated. In one embodiment, the microphone 408 can be disposed external to the ear cup 406, having the advantage of being acoustically isolated from the headset 402 speaker and the electroactive polymer actuator 401.

19 is a schematic diagram of the headset 402 of FIG. 18 having an electroactive polymer type noise cancellation system 410, wherein the left ear cup 406 is shown in a partially cutaway view to provide its internal components in accordance with an embodiment. A more detailed view of one. The ear cups 406, 407 are coupled to each other by a headband 404. As shown in FIG. 19, microphone 408 is disposed within the cavity defined by ear cup 406, and circuitry 413 is disposed beneath electroactive polymer actuator 401. While only the details of the left ear cup 406 are shown, it will be understood that each ear cup 406, 407 includes the same noise cancellation system 410.

In the present embodiment illustrated in Figure 19, the electroactive polymer actuator 401 is a multi-phase frustum-shaped diaphragm type actuator similar to those illustrated in connection with Figures 11-17. . Returning now to Figure 19, the electroactive polymer actuator 401 thus includes a rigid frame 412 for supporting a first electroactive polymer film 438 and a membrane or cover 441. A second electroactive polymer film 439 and cover 443 (shown in Figure 20) are disposed on the other side of the frame 412 to form a frustum shape, as previously discussed in Figures 11-17. Returning now to Figure 19, the first electroactive polymer film 438 is coupled to the second electroactive polymer film by a top cover 441, a bottom cover, and a snap member 440 disposed therethrough. First electroactive polymer film 438 and second electricity The active polymer film is electrically coupled to the driver electronics via terminals 430, 432, 434, 436. In order to achieve proper action, the first electroactive polymer film 438 and the second electroactive polymer film are driven by a 180 degree inverted drive signal to move the film in the opposite direction. As shown, the first electroactive polymer film 438 is electrically coupled to terminals 432 (-A) and 436 (GND). The second electroactive polymer film is electrically coupled to terminals 430 (+A) and 434 (GND). Therefore, each film is driven by signals +A and -A which are opposite to each other.

20 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a multi-membrane frustum-type electroactive polymer noise canceling actuator 401 in accordance with an embodiment. The multi-film frustum type electroactive polymer noise canceling actuator 401 includes a rigid frame 412, 413 for supporting the first electroactive polymer film 438 and the second electroactive polymer film 439. Films 438, 439 are electrically coupled to terminals 432, 434 (other terminals 430, 436 shown in Figure 19). The first and second diaphragms or covers 441, 443 couple the two membranes in the center and are secured by a snap 440. Therefore, when the inverting drive AC signal is applied to the films 438, 439, the diaphragms 441, 443 vibrate depending on the amplitude and frequency of the drive signal. If properly adjusted, the amplitudes of the vibrations of the diaphragms 441, 443 are the same, but the phase is opposite with respect to the environmental noise that is undesired by the microphone 408 (Figs. 18, 19).

21 is a block diagram of a circuit 410 that is designed to eliminate the use of a multi-diaphragm frustum type electroactive polymer actuator 401 by destructive interference, in accordance with an embodiment. The noise generated by an external source 502. Undesirable background noise from an external noise source 502 (eg, an automobile engine, aircraft engine, air conditioning unit, etc.) (in the low frequency range 10 Hz to 250 Hz or the full audio spectrum 10 Hz to 20 kHz) is coupled in a defined Inside the cavity in the ear cups 406, 407. The microphone 408 is acoustically isolated from the electroactive polymer actuator 401 and the headphone speaker 524 by a sound insulating wall 415 disposed within the ear cups 406, 407.

Within the sound insulation chamber 506, a signal generated by the microphone 408, which is indicative of undesirable background noise, is coupled to a first electroactive polymer driver circuit 510. The electroactive polymer actuator 401 is driven by first and second driver circuits 510, 514 that are 180 degrees out of phase. An inverter circuit 512 coupled between the output of the first driver circuit 510 and the input of the second driver circuit 514 provides the required phase reversal to properly drive the electroactive polymer actuator 401. Thus, the electroactive polymer actuator 401 counteracts the effects of background noise by destructive interference. Thus, the electroactive polymer actuator 401 is sized to fit snugly into the ear cups 406, 407 of an over-the-ear headset and can produce low audio in combination with the drive electronics 510, 512, 514 The frequency response in the frequency range (eg 10 Hz - 250 Hz) and the signal required to offset the undesired low frequency audio signal by destructive interference.

Figure 22 is a diagram showing the concept of destructive interference in an illustrative manner in accordance with an embodiment. When the sound pressure generated as a noise waveform 416 from a noise source is combined with the sound pressure generated by an electroactive polymer actuator as the anti-noise waveform 418, destructive interference occurs. Where anti-noise waveform 418 has the same amplitude as noise waveform 416 and is 180 degrees out of phase with it. Ideally, the destructive interference will completely eliminate the noise, however, due to the real world limiting the frequency response of the various components of the noise reduction/removal system, the synthetic noise waveform 420 is substantially reduced, but never completely attenuated.

23 is a block diagram of a circuit 410 designed to eliminate the generation of an external source by a destructive interference using a diaphragm type electroactive polymer actuator 401 in accordance with an embodiment. The noise. The diagram shown in Figure 23 further shows the audio source 520 input into the ear cups 406, 407. The audio source 520 is coupled to an audio amplifier 522 that drives the headset speaker component 524. The external noise 416 coupled to the ear cups 406, 407 is destructively hindered in response to the anti-noise vibration generated by the electroactive polymer actuator 401 against the anti-noise waveform 418.

Figure 24 is a block diagram of a circuit 411, circuit 411, in accordance with an embodiment. It is designed to eliminate the noise generated by an external source using a single diaphragm frustum type electroactive polymer noise canceling actuator 501. Undesirable background noise from an external noise source 502 (e.g., an automobile engine, aircraft engine, air conditioning unit, etc.) is coupled to a cavity defined within the ear cups 406, 407. The microphone 408 is acoustically isolated from the electroactive polymer actuator 501 and the headphone speaker 524 by a sound insulating wall 415 disposed within the ear cups 406, 407. Within the sound insulation chamber 506, the signal generated by the microphone 408, which represents an undesired low frequency background noise, is first coupled to an inverter circuit 512 to obtain the desired signal inversion, and is inverted. The signal system is coupled to the driver circuit 510. Electroactive polymer actuator 501 has a single film or stack of films that are driven by a single drive source. Thus, the electroactive polymer actuator 401 counteracts the effects of background noise by destructive interference. Thus, the electroactive polymer actuator 401 is sized to fit snugly into the ear cups 406, 407 of an over-the-ear headset and can produce low audio in combination with the drive electronics 510, 512, 514 The frequency response in the frequency range (eg 10 Hz - 250 Hz) and the signal required to offset the undesired low frequency audio signal by destructive interference.

Figure 25 is a block diagram of a circuit in accordance with an embodiment designed to eliminate noise generated by an external source using a single diaphragm 526 frustum type electroactive polymer actuator 501. The diagram shown in Figure 25 further shows the audio source 520 input into the ear cups 406, 407. The audio source 520 is coupled to an audio amplifier 522 that drives the headset speaker component 524. The external noise 416 coupled to the ear cups 406, 407 is destructively hindered by the anti-noise vibration generated by the single diaphragm 526 electroactive polymer actuator 501 in the anti-noise waveform 418.

It is understood that the embodiments illustrated herein are illustrative of the embodiments of the embodiments, and that functional elements, logic blocks, program modules, and circuit elements can be implemented in various other ways consistent with the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, a given embodiment can be combined and/or separated by this Functional elements, logic blocks, program modules, and circuit elements perform operations, and these operations can be performed by a greater or lesser number of components or program modules. Each of the individual embodiments illustrated and described herein has separate components and features, which may be practiced without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is easily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other embodiments. Any of the enumerated methods can be implemented in the order of the recited events, or in any other order that is logically possible.

Although some of the modules and/or blocks may be illustrated by way of example, it will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of modules and/or blocks may be utilized and still fall within the scope of the embodiments. Also, although various embodiments may be described in terms of modules and/or blocks to facilitate the description, such modules and/or blocks may be implemented by one or more hardware components (eg, processor, digital Signal processors, programmable logic elements, application-specific integrated circuits, circuits, registers, software components (eg, programs, subroutines, logic), and/or combinations thereof are implemented.

While the above examples have been referred to the use of the present invention in a headset, other audio applications may also benefit from the use of electroactive polymer actuators to eliminate noise. The present invention is particularly advantageous for large area audio applications such as office cubicles, automotive interiors, and aircraft cabins that suffer from significant environmental or background noise. In the case of the like, a plurality of electroactive polymer converters can be configured to traverse a surface or in multiple locations for providing access throughout a larger space (eg, an office compartment), or at a particular location (eg, The noise around the head of the driver of a car is reduced. The converter can be operated as a group, as a multi-group, or individually. We expect to use multiple microphones in the next two cases. Signals from microphones in different locations can be combined to optimize the noise cancellation response.

An embodiment of a converter design that can be used in a large area application is shown in Figure 26, which shows a monolithic membrane device comprising a single piece of polymer 1131 prior to deflection, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Side view of the section 1130. Polymer 1131 is installed to one Frame 1132. The frame 1132 includes apertures 1133A and 1133B that allow the polymer portions 1131A and 1131B to be deflected perpendicular to the regions of the apertures 1133A and 1133B, respectively. The diaphragm assembly 1130 includes electrodes 1134A and 1134B mounted on either side of the portion 1131A to provide a voltage differential across the portion 1131A. Electrodes 1136A and 1136B are deposited on either side of portion 1131B to provide a voltage differential across portion 1131B. Electrodes 1134 and 1136 are compliant and change shape as polymer 1131 deflects. In a voltage-off configuration, polymer 1131 is stretched with tension and secured to frame 1132 to achieve pre-strain.

By using the electrodes 1134 and 1136, the portions 1131A and 1131B can be independently deflected. For example, portion 1131A expands away from the plane of frame 1132 when a suitable voltage is applied between electrodes 1134A and 1134B. Each of the portions 1131A and 1131B is expandable in two vertical directions away from the plane. In one embodiment, one side of the polymer 1131 includes a biasing pressure that affects the expansion of the polymer film 1131 to continuously actuate upwardly in the direction of arrow 1143.

The converter shown in Fig. 26 can be arranged in an array suitable for large area applications, as shown in an exploded perspective view in Fig. 27A and a combined perspective view in Fig. 27B. A single film 56 of uniform thickness decidone rubber is placed in a matrix or grid 58 of circular openings. Alternatively, the openings may be of other shapes, such as long holes or squares. The size and shape of the openings are determined by the field of application, but their size generally ranges from 1 to 5 mm. The rubber film is coated to conform to the electrode. Other elastomeric dielectric polymers, such as fluorosilicone, polyurethane fluoroelastomer, natural rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, and Isoprene, polyurethane, and ethylene propylene diene can be used in place of anthrone.

The open cell is made up of a lightweight material, such as a plastic, which is much harder than the fluorenone rubber. Alternatively, it may itself be an elastomer as long as it is sufficiently rigid to support the micro-deflected polymer film actuator during actuation.

The vacuum plenum allows for the imposition of a biasing pressure while acting as a resonant cavity. Elastomeric liners 62 and 64 seal the film and grid points 58 to panel 66 and plenum plate 68, respectively. When combined, the plenum 70 defined by the plenum plate 68 and the membrane can be vented by a vacuum or negative pressure source to provide a biasing pressure. There is only a slight decrease in the internal pressure of the plenum, which is usually required relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

Multiple small parts of the type of Figure 27B can be side by side to cover a larger area. The assembly of Figure 27 can be shaped or conformed so that it can be configured in a non-planar configuration.

Figure 28 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this case, the desired bias pressure is positive rather than negative relative to ambient atmospheric pressure and can be provided, for example, by using a positive pressure source rather than a vacuum source. More particularly, the film 72 is attached to a support structure 74 having a plurality of apertures 76. The support structure 74 is attached to an inflation chamber plate 78 to form an inflation chamber 80 behind the air bubble 82.

While thinner films will allow for lower operating voltages, their brittleness becomes one of the keys to an actual converter. However, by using multiple layers of a thin film stack separated by electrodes, a low voltage operation of a thin film can be combined, as well as durability and a large energy output of a thicker film. Figure 28A is an enlarged view of a section 85 (Figure 28) showing such a "sandwich" structure of alternating conductive layer 84 and dielectric layer 86.

In one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 29, an alternative to a pressurized air plenum is to apply a biasing pressure to the polymeric film by using a flexible foam 88. The foaming system is a closed-cell having a cell size that is much smaller than the diameter of the film bubble 90. The foaming system is pressed against the bottom surface 92 of the polymer film 94. a support plate or sheet 96 It is placed under the foam. Bolts, rivets 98, stitching or adhesive attach the support plate 96 to the grid points whereby the foam is pressed against the polymeric film. An opening 100 for the polymer film through which the rivets 98 are passed through the sheet 96 can be seen in FIG. These openings are provided to prevent the rivet from establishing an electrical short in the film 94. Rivets are placed on the foam at a distance sufficient to provide a uniform pressure and disposed between the active bubbles. The amount of bias pressure applied by the foam is selected to provide the desired initial bubble shape and can be selected based on the stiffness of the foam and the amount of foam compression. A relatively soft low creep foam, for example made of anthrone or natural rubber, is preferred because it is ideally that the shape of the bubble does not change significantly over time.

The auditory transducer of the present invention can be fabricated as a single block, tile or panel. Most of these tiles can be combined into a thin sheet and applied to a surface to form a conformal covering. The dimensions of these tiles are determined by manufacturing considerations and can be quite small (e.g., 1 cm ² ) or relatively large (e.g., 100 cm ² ). Thus, one watt contains some of the auditory elements (eg, "bubbles") in an associated physical structure. Individual tiles may be electronically coupled to adjacent tiles or may be electronically isolated from adjacent tiles.

If the plenum is relatively flexible, such as sheet metal or sheet plastic, and the grid is correspondingly composed of a flexible material, a single larger tile can be used to conformally cover a simple curved surface, such as cylinder. Also, if both the grid points and the plenum chamber can be stretched (e.g., they are elastomeric materials), a conformal coverage of a substantial area can be made on even complex curved surfaces (e.g., spheres).

Figure 30 shows a cross-sectional view of a flat diaphragm acoustic element comprising an electroactive polymer membrane converter 367, with the electroactive polymer membrane being biased to one side by insertion of the apertured foam 397. The speaker 365 includes a grid plate 369, six diaphragm converters 367, and a substrate 368 enclosed in a frame 316. Substrate 368 can be a screen that allows air to be exchanged between lower chamber 387 and biasing material 397. The grid plate 369 includes a hole for accommodating the diaphragm Gap. The substrate 368 is used to fix the foam at a certain position. In one embodiment, the foam can extend to the bottom of the lower chamber 387 and the sifter cannot be used.

Although the above examples all show a simple diaphragm converter, the frustum and dual frustum configurations previously described can also be used. The multiple converters can be arranged in a regular array as displayed, or can be set as needed to optimize the noise cancellation response. In some cases, it may be possible to combine these responses via constructive or destructive interference to optimize the noise cancellation response. Individual converters in a noise cancellation system can have different characteristics (e.g., size, film thickness, or stiffness) to optimize their response to different frequency ranges.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and circuits have not been described in detail, and the embodiments are not obscured. It is to be understood that the specific construction and functional details disclosed herein may be

It is noted that any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

It is also noted that certain embodiments may be described by the words "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives. These terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may be used "connected" and/or "coupled" to mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electronic contact with each other. However, the term "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still function or interact with each other.

It will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to create various configurations which, although not described in detail or illustrated herein, are embodied in the scope of the disclosure Inside. Furthermore, all of the examples and conditional language recited herein are intended to assist the reader in understanding the principles set forth in the disclosure and the concepts which are helpful in promoting the art and are not construed as being limited to the details. Listed examples and conditions. In addition, all statements herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same as the particular embodiments of In addition, it is intended that such equivalent designs include both currently known equivalent designs and future equivalent designs (i.e., any element that can perform the same function regardless of the structure). Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the illustrative embodiments and the embodiments shown and described herein. On the contrary, the scope of the disclosure is embodied by the following claims.

The terms "a" and "an" and "the" and the like are used in the context of the disclosure (particularly in the context of the following claims) unless otherwise indicated herein. It is to be construed as covering both singular and plural. The recitation of numerical ranges herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring to each individual value falling within the scope. Unless otherwise stated herein, each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually listed. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted. The use of any and all examples, or exemplifying language (such as "such as", "in this case" A limitation is claimed in the scope of the invention. In this specification, no language should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element that is essential to the practice of the invention. We further note that the scope of the patent application can be drafted to exclude any optional components. As such, such statements are intended to serve as such specific terms as the sole, exclusive, etc.

The subgroups of the alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other components of the group, or other elements found herein. For reasons of convenience and/or patent rights, We anticipate that one or more components of a group can be included in a group or removed from a group.

While certain features of the embodiments have been shown and described in the embodiments of the invention, various modifications, alternatives, Therefore, it is to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and modifications as fall within the scope of

Various implementations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the following numbered items:

CLAIMS 1. A noise cancellation system, the system comprising: at least one microphone configured to detect a first audible signal generated by a source external to a headset and to generate a first audible signal corresponding to the first audible signal a first electrical signal, the first electrical signal having an amplitude, a frequency, and a phase representing the first audible signal; and at least one electroactive polymer converter electrically coupled to the microphone and configured to receive a a second electrical signal having an amplitude and a frequency substantially equal to an amplitude and a frequency of the first electrical signal, and a phase that is 180 degrees out of phase with the first electrical signal, wherein the electroactive polymer The actuator is designed to be moved to respond to the second electrical signal and to generate a second audible signal having a amplitude and frequency substantially equal to the first audible signal, and an approximate The first auditory signal is phased at 180 degrees out of phase.

2. The noise cancellation system of item 1, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer converter has a frequency response in the range of from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz.

3. The noise cancellation system of item 1, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer actuator has a frequency response in the range of from about 10 Hz to about 20 kHz.

4. The noise canceling system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer converter comprises a diaphragm selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm, a frustum, and a pair At least one of the group consisting of a frustum-shaped diaphragm supported by a frame, the frustum-shaped diaphragm being supported by a rigid frame, and the pair of frustum-shaped diaphragms being The rigid frame is supported and engaged in a central portion of one of the diaphragms by a cover member disposed oppositely and a snap member therebetween.

5. A noise cancellation system according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a driver circuit coupled between the microphone and the electroactive polymer converter, the driver circuit being designed to receive the second electrical signal and An electronic drive signal is generated to the electroactive polymer actuator.

6. The noise canceling system according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising an inverter circuit coupled between the microphone and the driver circuit, the inverter circuit receiving the first electrical signal and generating the second electrical signal .

7. The noise canceling system according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising at least two frustum-shaped diaphragms supported by a rigid frame and by a cover disposed oppositely and a buckle therebetween Engaging in a central portion of the diaphragms; a first driver circuit coupled to the microphone and coupled to at least one of the at least two frustum-shaped diaphragms of the electroactive polymer actuator, a driver circuit configured to receive the first electrical signal and generate a first electronic drive signal to drive at least one of the at least two frustum shaped diaphragms with the first electronic drive signal; and a second driver a circuit coupled to an inverter circuit and coupled to at least one other of the at least two frustum-shaped diaphragms of the electroactive polymer actuator, the second driver circuit being designed to receive one and the first The electronic drive signal is an electrical signal that is 180 degrees out of phase and generates a second electronic drive signal to drive at least one other of the at least two frustum shaped diaphragms with the second electronic drive signal, wherein the first and second Electronic drive letter The numbers are 180 degrees out of phase with each other.

8. The noise cancellation system of any of items 1 to 7, further comprising a plurality of electroactive polymer converters, wherein the plurality of electroactive polymer actuators are arranged to optimize noise cancellation response.

9. The noise cancellation system of item 8, wherein the individual ones of the plurality of electroactive polymer converters have been optimized to have different frequency responses.

10. A noise cancellation system according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising a plurality of microphones, wherein a plurality of signals from the plurality of microphones are combined to optimize the noise cancellation response.

11. A headset comprising a noise cancellation system according to any one of items 1 to 10.

12. The headset of item 11, wherein the electroactive polymer actuator is designed to move in a direction that is parallel to the displacement of one of the speaker elements of the headset.

13. A headset according to one of items 11 and 12, further comprising an ear cup defining a cavity.

The headphone according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the microphone is disposed in a cavity defined by the ear cup.

15. A headset according to any one of items 11 to 14, further comprising a sound insulating wall disposed in a cavity defined by the ear cup.

16. The headset of item 15, wherein the sound insulating wall is designed to at least select a microphone and a group of electroactive polymer actuators and a speaker element from the headphones One is separated.

17. A method of canceling noise in an over-the-ear headphones, the method comprising: receiving a first audible signal with a microphone; generating a first electrical signal corresponding to the first audible signal, the first electrical signal having a Representing the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the first auditory signal; generating a second electrical signal having an amplitude and frequency substantially equal to the amplitude and frequency of the first electrical signal, and a 180 with the first electrical signal Degree of phase inversion; and use of the second The electrical signal drives an electroactive polymer actuator to move the electroactive polymer actuator to respond to the second electrical signal and to generate a second auditory signal having a substantially equal first audible signal The amplitude and frequency and a phase that is approximately 180 degrees out of phase with the first auditory signal.

18. The method of item 17, further comprising driving the electroactive polymer actuator at a frequency in the range of from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz.

19. The method of item 17, further comprising driving the electroactive polymer actuator at a frequency in the range of from about 10 Hz to about 20 kHz.

20. The method of canceling noise according to any one of items 17 to 19, wherein an inverter circuit is coupled between the microphone and the electroactive polymer actuator, the method comprising: coupling by An inverter circuit between the microphone and the electroactive polymer actuator to receive the first electrical signal; and inverting a phase of the first electrical signal to produce a second electrical energy that is 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the first electrical signal signal.

102‧‧‧ right ear cup

108‧‧‧ ear cushion

112‧‧‧Speaker grille

118‧‧‧ Housing Department

120‧‧‧Speakers

122‧‧‧Actuator

124‧‧‧ openings

126‧‧‧Tray

128‧‧‧Electroactive Polymer Actuator Array

130‧‧‧Quality

Claims (20)

A noise cancellation system, the system comprising: at least one microphone configured to detect a first audible signal generated by a source external to a headset and to generate a first audible signal corresponding to the first audible signal An electrical signal having an amplitude, a frequency, and a phase representing the first audible signal; and at least one electroactive polymer converter electrically coupled to the microphone and configured to use Receiving a second electrical signal, the second electrical signal having an amplitude and a frequency substantially equal to the amplitude and frequency of the first electrical signal, and a phase that is 180 degrees out of phase with the first electrical signal, wherein The electroactive polymer actuator is designed to be moved to generate a second audible signal in response to the second electrical signal, the second audible signal having a amplitude and frequency substantially equal to the first audible signal And a phase that is approximately 180 degrees out-of-phase with the first auditory signal. The noise cancellation system of claim 1, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer converter has a frequency response in a range from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz. The noise cancellation system of claim 1, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer actuator has a frequency response in the range of from about 10 Hz to about 20 kHz. The noise canceling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one electroactive polymer converter comprises a frustum-shaped diaphragm selected from a diaphragm and a frustum-shaped diaphragm. And at least one of the group consisting of a pair of frustum-shaped diaphragms supported by a frame supported by a rigid frame and the pair of frustums The body-shaped diaphragm is supported by a rigid frame and is engaged in a central portion of the diaphragms by a cover body disposed oppositely and a snap member therebetween. The noise cancellation system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a driver circuit coupled between the microphone and the electroactive polymer converter, the driver circuit being designed for The second electrical signal is received and an electronic drive signal is generated to the electroactive polymer actuator. The noise cancellation system of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an inverter circuit coupled between the microphone and the driver circuit, the inverter circuit receiving the first power Signaling and generating the second electrical signal. The noise canceling system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: at least two frustum-shaped diaphragms supported by a rigid frame and disposed by the oppositely disposed cover body Engaging in a central portion of the diaphragms with a snap member therebetween; a first driver circuit coupled to the microphone and coupled to the at least two flats of the electroactive polymer actuator At least one of the frustum shaped diaphragms, the first driver circuit is configured to receive the first electrical signal and generate a first electronic drive signal to drive the at least two flats with the first electronic drive signal At least one of a truncated body shaped film; and a second driver circuit coupled to an inverter circuit and coupled to the at least two frustum shaped diaphragms of the electroactive polymer actuator The at least one other, the second driver circuit is configured to receive an electrical signal that is 180 degrees out of phase with the first electronic drive signal and generate a second electronic drive signal to utilize the second electronic drive The signal drives the at least two flats Shape of at least a first further diaphragm; wherein the first and second electronic drive train signals are 180 degrees out of phase. The noise canceling system of any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a plurality of electroactive polymer converters, wherein the plurality of electroactive polymer actuators are arranged to eliminate the noise Response optimization. A noise cancellation system according to claim 8 wherein the individual of the plurality of electroactive polymer converters have been optimized to have different frequency responses. The noise cancellation system of any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a plurality of microphones, wherein the signals from the plurality of microphones are combined to optimize the noise cancellation response. A headphone comprising the noise canceling system of any one of claims 1 to 10. The headset of claim 11, wherein the electroactive polymer actuator is designed to move in a direction that is parallel to the displacement of one of the speaker elements of the headset. . A headset according to any one of claims 11 and 12, further comprising an ear cup defining a cavity. The headset of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the microphone is disposed within a cavity defined by the ear cup. The headphone according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a sound insulating wall disposed in a cavity defined by the ear cup. The headphone of claim 15, wherein the sound insulating wall is designed to be used for the microphone and the electroactive polymer actuator and a speaker component from the headphones At least one of the selected groups is separated. A method for canceling noise in an over-the-ear headphones, the method comprising: receiving a first audible signal with a microphone; Generating a first electrical signal corresponding to the first audible signal, the first electrical signal having an amplitude, a frequency, and a phase representing the first audible signal; generating a second electrical signal having a substantial An amplitude and a frequency equal to the amplitude and frequency of the first electrical signal, and a phase that is 180 degrees out of phase with the first electrical signal; and driving the electroactive polymer actuator with the second electrical signal, Actuating the electroactive polymer actuator to respond to the second electrical signal and generating a second audible signal having a amplitude and frequency substantially equal to the first audible signal, and a A phase that is approximately 180 degrees out of phase with the first auditory signal. The method of claim 17, further comprising driving the electroactive polymer actuator at a frequency in the range of from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz. The method of claim 17, further comprising driving the electroactive polymer actuator at a frequency in the range of from about 10 Hz to about 20 kHz. The method for canceling noise according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein an inverter circuit is coupled between the microphone and the electroactive polymer actuator, the method comprising: Receiving the first electrical signal by an inverter circuit coupled between the microphone and the electroactive polymer actuator; and inverting the phase of the first electrical signal to generate relative to the first An electrical signal is the second electrical signal that is 180 degrees out of phase.