Abstract: The disclosure relates to a micro-electromechanical membrane arrangement with a substrate, which has a multiplicity of recesses on a surface, a first electrically conductive electrode layer, which is arranged on the surface of the substrate and has a multiplicity of first depressions coinciding with the recesses, and an electrically conductive membrane layer, which can be deflected in a direction perpendicular to the active surface of the substrate, is arranged over the first electrode layer and is kept at a distance therefrom by a first distance value.

Abstract: A parametric speaker comprises a generally planate radiating element, suitable for radiating ultrasonic vibrations into a fluid medium, and an emitter, having an ultrasonic output and/or resonant frequency, the emitter being intimately coupled to the radiating element. The radiating element is physically configured to have a mechanical resonance that substantially matches the output and/or resonant frequency of the emitter.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical apparatus for generating a physical effect, including an array of moving elements, each coupled to a mechanical support by at least one flexure which is associated with at least one piezoelectric member which is operable to be strained by an electrical field applied to the piezoelectric member, thereby flexing the flexure to which the piezoelectric member is coupled; an electrical wiring, including a group of electrodes, wherein each electrode out of the group of electrodes is coupled to at least one of the piezoelectric members; wherein the electrical wiring is operable to concurrently transfer different sequences of electric fields to different piezoelectric members, thereby controllably inducing movement of moving elements of the array for creating the physical effect; and a motion restriction mechanism for maintaining a maximal motion distance for each of the moving elements when actuated via the corresponding flexure and piezoelectric member.

Abstract: An implantable bone-conduction hearing actuator based on a piezoelectric element, such as a unimorph or bimorph cantilever bender, is described. Unlike other implantable bone conduction hearing actuators, the device is subcutaneous and once implanted is entirely invisible. The device excites bending in bone through a local bending moment rather than the application of a point force as with conventional bone-anchored hearing aids.

Abstract: A polymer speaker is configured to include an electrostrictive element having an elastomer or resin dielectric layer and a plurality of electrode layers arranged on the front and back surfaces of the dielectric layer. The electrode layers are formed from a conductive material including a polymer binder and a conductor and having a modulus of elasticity of 100 MPa or less. The spring constant of the electrode layers in the surface direction is smaller than the spring constant of the dielectric layer in the surface direction. The volume resistivity of the electrode layers is 200 ?·cm or less. The polymer speaker provides a practical sound pressure in a wide frequency region from low frequencies to high frequencies.

Abstract: Provided are a piezoelectric micro speaker having a piston diaphragm and a method of manufacturing the piezoelectric micro speaker. The piezoelectric micro speaker includes: a substrate having a cavity formed therein; a vibrating membrane that is disposed on the substrate and covers at least a center part of the cavity; a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the vibrating membrane so as to vibrate the vibrating membrane; and a piston diaphragm that is disposed in the cavity and performs piston motion by vibration of the vibrating membrane. When the vibrating membrane vibrates by the piezoelectric actuator, the piston diaphragm, which is connected to the vibrating membrane through a piston bar, performs a piston motion in the cavity.

Abstract: A piezoelectric speaker is a piezoelectric speaker which radiates acoustic waves by vibrating according to an applied voltage, including (i) a substrate which includes a first region having first bending stiffness against bending of a plane perpendicular to a vibration direction and a second region having second bending stiffness against bending of the perpendicular plane, the second bending stiffness being different from the first bending stiffness, (ii) a first piezoelectric element which is mounted on the first region and to which a voltage of a first frequency band is applied, and (iii) a second piezoelectric element which is mounted on the second region and to which a voltage of a second frequency band different from the first frequency band is applied.

Abstract: Provided are a sound generator including a frame body, a vibration body provided to the frame body in a state where a tensile force is applied to the vibration body, and a piezoelectric vibration element provided to the vibration body. In the sound generator, when a first direction and a second direction are directions along a main surface of the vibration body and intersect with each other, the tensile force in the first direction and the tensile force in the second direction are different from each other. A sound generation device and an electronic apparatus including the sound generator are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including: a piezoelectric element; a vibration plate to which the piezoelectric element is joined for vibration; and a housing to which the vibration plate is joined. Vibration sound, which is transmitted by vibrating a part of a human body, is generated by the vibration plate. The vibration plate includes, in a plan view thereof, a first area including a joining portion with the piezoelectric element and a second area located further away from the joining portion than the first area is, and rigidity in a first area is lower than rigidity in the second area. With the above configuration, sound leakage or the like is reduced, and usability of the electronic device is improved.

Abstract: The content of sound leakage from a vibrating plate that vibrates due to a piezoelectric element is made difficult to recognize. An electronic device (1) according to the present invention includes a piezoelectric element (30) and a vibrating plate (10) that vibrates due to the piezoelectric element (30), the electronic device (1) causing the vibrating plate (10) to generate air-conducted sound and vibration sound that is transmitted by vibrating a part of a human body. The electronic device (1) also includes an air-conducted sound reducing unit that makes a portion or all of the air-conducted sound difficult to hear.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sound component that includes a resin sheet, a piezoelectric diaphragm, and a casing. The piezoelectric diaphragm vibrates by bending, and is attached to at least part of a central portion of the resin sheet excluding a peripheral portion of the resin sheet. The casing holds the peripheral portion of the resin sheet. The casing supports at least one corner portion of the piezoelectric diaphragm.

Abstract: An implantable bone-conduction hearing actuator based on a piezoelectric element, such as a unimorph or bimorph cantilever bender, is described. Unlike other implantable bone conduction hearing actuators, the device is subcutaneous and once implanted is entirely invisible. The device excites bending in bone through a local bending moment rather than the application of a point force as with conventional bone-anchored hearing aids.

Abstract: There is provided a portable terminal capable of acquiring sound information successfully simply by being brought near to or into contact with the ear without the necessity of careful handling. The portable terminal includes at least a vibration member having a first surface exposed to an exterior, a vibration element operative to vibrate the vibration member in response to an electric signal corresponding to sound information, and electronic circuitry that outputs the electric signal, a difference in amplitude between individual places within the first surface of the vibration member in a vibrating state being less than or equal to 60 dB in terms of a ratio of maximum value to minimum value of amplitude. A portable terminal can be obtained that is capable of acquiring sound information successfully simply by being brought near to or into contact with the ear without the necessity of careful handling.

Abstract: According to the present invention, air conduction sound and human body vibration sound (e.g. bone conduction sound) are transmitted to a user without a need for pressing a vibration body itself to an ear. An electronic device 1 of the present invention includes: a panel 10; a housing 60 configured to support the panel 10; and a piezoelectric element 30 attached to the panel 10. The panel 10 is deformed due to deformation of the piezoelectric element 30, and air conduction sound and human body vibration sound are transmitted to an object that is in contact with the deformed panel 10.

Abstract: A low profile ultrasonic emitter comprises a support member operable to support an ultrasonic emittive material, the support member including a plurality of support ribs, each support rib being spaced from adjacent support ribs and extending longitudinally along the support member. An ultrasonic emittive film is coupled to upper portions of the support ribs so as to be carried by the support member. A first electric lead is coupled to a first face of the emittive film and a second electric lead coupled to an opposing face of the emittive film. The first and second leads are coupled to their respective faces adjacent one another but staggered from one another so as to not overlap one another when the film is positioned between the leads.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a moving mass transducer. The moving mass transducer generates sound by displacement of a surface defined by a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is displaced in response to an interaction of a first signal with a magnetic field. The piezoelectric element is configured to be separately driving by a second signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is hearing device that uses magnetostrictive materials to assist a user in hearing and comprehending sounds. Conductive coils are made with a magnetostrictive covering that can comprise a film or other coating. In addition, printed circuit boards can be used with traces that form a coil to generate a magnetic field that activates a magnetostrictive film disposed over the coil traces on the printed circuit board. Enhanced effects are achieved using these systems. Delays in the signal processing can also be introduced by varying the thickness of the magnetostrictive coverings.

Abstract: There are provided a vibration film (21) having a piezoelectric element, a magnetic circuit (20) which generates magnetic force on the basis of a first electric signal and vibrates the vibration film (21) by the magnetic force; and an adjustment unit (31) which generates a second electric signal on the basis of the first electric signal and applies a voltage based on the second electric signal between both surfaces of the piezoelectric element. The amplitude of the entire vibration film (21) is expanded by making the vibration by the magnetic force, which is generated from the magnetic circuit (20), and the vibration, which is generated by application of a voltage to the piezoelectric element, synchronize with each other.

Abstract: A buzzer includes a piezoelectric diaphragm and a housing enclosing the diaphragm and defining a resonating chamber. The chamber includes a sound port and has an optimal resonating frequency fHt at a temperature T defined by fHt=(vt/2?)(?(A/voL)) were vt is the velocity of sound waves in air at a temperature T, A is the effective area of the sound port, vo is the volume of the resonating chamber, and L is the effective length of the sound port. A temperature compensating member moves in response to changes in temperature to change the value of ?(A/voL) at a rate and in a manner that balances the change in 1/vt across that same temperature range, thereby reducing changes in the product (vt/2?)(?(A/voL)) and consequently reducing any changes that would otherwise occur in fHt across that temperature range, thereby holding the value of fH substantially constant across the temperature range.

Abstract: A slim speaker structure having a vibration effect includes a frame, ceramic elements configured on a surface of the frame, and a sound membrane disposed on the bottom of frame, where at least two first accepting portions are respectively configured on the frame adjacent to the sides thereof, allowing the corners of the first accepting portions to be respectively coupled to the main body of the frame with an overhanging section, and a second accepting portion is configured on the center of the frame, thereby allowing different response frequencies of vibration and sound ceramic elements to be mounted on the respective first and second accepting portions so as to constitute a slim speaker structure having a vibration effect, capable of being applied on cellular phones or tablets with a touch screen. Therefore, the vibration prompt and sound broadcasting can be constituted at the same plane through the different ceramic elements.

Abstract: Provided is an acoustic generator which has a high sound pressure at ultrahigh frequencies and which can suppress occurrence of large peak dips. An acoustic generator includes a film, a frame member disposed on an outer peripheral edge of the film, a piezoelectric element disposed on the film and inside the frame member, and a resin layer filled inside the frame member so as to cover the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a diaphragm that may be used with a mechanical-to-acoustical transducer. The diaphragm may include a layer of optically clear film, a damping layer and another layer of optically clear film. The damping layer may be an adhesive. The diaphragm may also comprise two optically clear films, optionally including a damping layer, wherein the films indicate a desired coefficient of linear thermal expansion in one or both of the machine and transverse directions.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for microspeaker devices. In one aspect, a microspeaker element may include a deformable dielectric membrane that spans a speaker cavity. The deformable dielectric membrane can include a piezoactuator and a dielectric layer. Upon application of a driving signal to the piezoactuator, the dielectric layer can deflect, producing sound. In some implementations, an array of microspeaker elements can be encapsulated between a glass substrate and a cover glass. Sound generated by the microspeaker elements can be emitted through a speaker grill formed in the cover glass.

Abstract: A smart material actuator having more than two actuating arms, more than two mechanical webs, and being driven by a piezo or other smart material device within an enclosed compensator, and which may be adapted for use as an actuator, an energy capture device, or a sensor. In certain embodiments, the smart material actuator can also operate as the driver for an audio speaker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric speaker including: a piezoelectric layer that converts electrical signals into oscillation and outputs sound; an electrode that is formed on a top or a bottom of the piezoelectric layer to apply the electrical signals to the piezoelectric layer; an acoustic diaphragm that is made of a hetero material including a first acoustic diaphragm and a second acoustic diaphragm and is attached to the bottom of the piezoelectric layer on which the electrode is formed; and a frame attached in a form enclosing a side of the acoustic diaphragm.

Abstract: Provided is an acoustic generator which has a high sound pressure at ultrahigh frequencies and which can suppress occurrence of large peak dips. An acoustic generator includes a film, a frame member disposed on an outer peripheral edge of the film, a piezoelectric element disposed on the film and inside the frame member, and a resin layer filled inside the frame member so as to cover the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: To stably obtain high acoustic resistance required for pressure equalization in a non-directional condenser microphone unit. A diaphragm 8 whose circumferential edge is attached to a diaphragm holder 4 and a fixed electrode 6 made of a metal material and arranged to face the diaphragm at a predetermined interval through an electrically insulating spacer 5 are provided, and the rear space of the above-mentioned diaphragm is closed to constitute the non-directional condenser microphone unit. A blind groove 16a is formed by an etching process at a portion which is in contact with the spacer 5 and in the fixed electrode 6 so that the rear space between the diaphragm and the fixed electrode may communicate with the outside, and a communication part formed between the groove 16a and the spacer 5 may be used as acoustic resistance for pressure equalization.

Abstract: An electrostatic speaker includes: an oscillator; a first cushioning material layer and a second cushioning material layer; a first electrode and a second electrode; and a first cover layer and a second cover layer. In a second region inside a first region including an outer edge end of a laminated body including a plurality of layers including at least the first cover layer and the second cover layer, two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers included in the laminated body are fixed to each other, and strength at the outer edge end in the first region is higher than strength in the second region.

Abstract: A piezoelectric speaker that includes a configuration in which a first piezoelectric speaker and a second piezoelectric speaker are respectively arranged adjacent primary surfaces of a plate-shaped base member. The first piezoelectric speaker and the second piezoelectric speaker have the same arrangement, and respective individual piezoelectric elements thereof are arranged so as to correspond to each other when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the primary surfaces of the base member. The first and second piezoelectric speakers include a piezoelectric polymer sheet and electrode patterns of substantially the same shape on both surfaces of the polymer sheet. According to this arrangement, plural individual piezoelectric elements are aligned with each other. A single type of acoustic driving signal is supplied to these plural individual piezoelectric elements in a synchronized manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical conversion system comprising: a fixed supporting structure, a movable element with respect to the fixed structure; at least one excitation coil; and at least one permanent magnet for generating an excitation magnetic field. The permanent magnet is integral with the movable element and the coil is integral with the fixed supporting structure. Moreover, a ferromagnetic circuit is provided fixed with respect to the structure and cooperating with the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A screen sounder includes a housing having a front case, a screen supported by the front case, a piezoelectric module mounted with the screen for driving the screen to generate sound or converting vibration of the screen into electric energy, an audio signal source electrically connecting to the piezoelectric module for driving the piezoelectric module to vibrate, a rechargeable module electrically connecting to the piezoelectric module for receiving the electric energy, and a switching control unit electrically connecting with the piezoelectric module for switching the electrical connections between the audio signal source, the rechargeable module and the piezoelectric module.

Abstract: A new type of sound transducer, with high output capability and compact size employs a motor in combination with a displacement amplification system using curved lamina. The motor may be electrostatic, such as piezoelectric, or electrodynamic, such as magnetostrictive, or balanced armature. Newer forms of driver materials such as PMN-PT and layered PZT or Galfenol or Terfenol-D are examples. The design exhibits high source levels, smooth frequency response and uniform directivity. Although the application described herein relates to a low frequency sound source for underwater use, the design is not restricted to low frequencies or to an underwater sound source. Both sound production and reception may be conducted. Further, diaphragmatic displacement pumps and sensors may be equipped with curved lamina, which experience a change of curvature upon excitation of their edges, and which may generate displacement of their edges due to changes of their curvature.

Abstract: Audio apparatus comprising a housing and a piezoelectric transducer (12) mounted in the housing (10) so that the transducer is adjacent a user's pinna whereby the transducer excites vibration in the pinna to cause it to transmit an acoustic signal from the transducer to a user's inner ear characterised by comprising a coupler (14) coupling the transducer (12) to the housing (10) with the coupler (14) approximating to a simple support for the transducer (12).

Abstract: An insulated sounder assembly may include: a) a sounder cup having a bottom and a sidewall; b) a piezoelectric element positioned in the bottom of the cup; c) a potting layer within the sounder cup and spaced apart from the piezoelectric element so that the potting layer contacts the cup sidewall for a distance of at least 3 mm around the entire circumference of the cup, and so that a gap exists between the piezoelectric element and the potting layer, with the gap being sufficient to allow vibration of the piezoelectric element in the sounder cup without restriction by the potting layer; and d) an electrical contact wire attached to the piezoelectric element to provide a voltage to the piezoelectric element, wherein the electrical contact wire passes through the potting layer so that at least 3 mm of bare wire is completely embedded in said potting layer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. In certain aspects, the transducer also includes a member that limits bending of the actuator.

Abstract: In one implementation, the output of a microphone is modified based on movement. A circuit or other controller is in communication with a microphone that generates an electrical signal based on sounds waves and a motion sensor. The motion sensor may be coupled to the microphone, coupled to a device including the microphone, or coupled to an object in the vicinity of the microphone. The controller is configured to receive the electrical signal from the microphone and motion data from the motion sensor. The controller is configured to perform a comparison of the motion data to a threshold level and adjust the electrical signal in response to the comparison of the motion data to a threshold acceleration level.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer of the invention comprises a structural unit, an armature, and first and second elastic members. The structural unit includes at least one pair of magnets, a yoke conducting a magnetic flux generated by the magnets, and a coil supplied with an electric signal. The armature has an inner portion disposed to pass through an internal space of the structural unit and first and second outer portions protruding on both sides from the inner portion, and the armature constitutes a magnetic circuit with the structural unit via two regions through which components of the magnetic flux flow in directions opposite to each other in the inner portion. The first and second elastic members connect between the first and second outer portions of the armature and the structural unit, respectively.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an actuator releasably coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A loudspeaker is described. The loudspeaker includes two or more segmentations of a planar radiator. Each of the segmentations has an associated frequency dependent velocity magnitude and phase with substantially uniform surface pressure. The two or more segmentations provide a substantially uniform radiation pattern across a wide range of acoustic frequencies. Apparatus, computer readable media and methods are also described.

Abstract: An electroacoustic apparatus with an optical energy conversion function is provided. The electroacoustic apparatus includes an optical energy converter for converting optical energy into electrical power. The electroacoustic apparatus further includes a signal generator and a flat speaker. The signal generator receives a signal from a sound source and generates a sound signal according to the received signal. The signal generator sends the sound signal to the flat speaker, and the flat speaker makes a sound according to the sound signal. Aforementioned operations are all performed by using the electrical power generated by the optical energy converter or a power stored therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reverse-phase modulating structure of a piezoelectric ceramic speaker, comprising a positioning frame, an acoustic generator and two or more than two flexible units; wherein the acoustic generator comprises a plurality of ceramic layers stacked onto one another to form a ceramic slat, and said flexible units are clamped between an inner edge of the positioning frame and the acoustic generator. Via the pressure exerted onto the acoustic member by the flexible units, the in-phase movement of the acoustic generator can be modulated and the phase conflict of the acoustic generator can be reduced as well as the prevision of the sound quality distortions such that high quality of the ceramic speaker can be enhanced and realized.

Abstract: An oscillation device (100) includes a piezoelectric element (121), a vibrating member (122) which binds one surface of the piezoelectric element (121) and is formed of a metal material, a resin member (123) which holds an outer circumferential portion of the vibrating member (122), a piezoelectric element (111), a vibrating member (122) which binds one surface of the piezoelectric element (111), is overlapped with the vibrating member (121) and the resin member (123) when seen in a plan view, and is formed of a metal material, and a support member (140) which supports the resin member (123) and the vibrating member (112), wherein at least one opening (150), which connects a space (170) positioned between the vibrating member (121) and the resin member (123), and the vibrating member (122) to the outside of the space (170), is provided in at least one of the vibrating member (121), the resin member (123), and the vibrating member (112).

Abstract: A piezoelectric sound generating element capable of providing flatter and less fluctuated sound pressure frequency characteristics includes a diaphragm that is formed in a circular plate shape with a circular profile. A piezoelectric element is affixed to the side of a bottom wall portion of the diaphragm. The piezoelectric element has an asymmetric octagonal profile including a pair of long side portions opposing each other, a pair of short side portions opposing each other, and four connecting side portions.

Abstract: A sound production component that includes a vibration element, a support member, and a connection part. The vibration element includes a polygonal vibration plate and an electromechanical conversion element attached to the vibration plate. The connection part connects an entire periphery of the vibration plate to the support member. At least a portion of the connection part has a curved shape. The length of a portion of the connection part which connects each corner of the vibration plate and the support member is shorter than the length of a portion of the connection part which connects a central portion of each side edge of the vibration plate and the support member.

Abstract: The problem is to reduce variations of sound pressure in the sound pressure frequency characteristics. To solve the problem, an acoustic generator includes a film that is a supporting plate; a frame member that is provided on the outer circumference of the film; a piezoelectric element that is provided on the film within a frame of the frame member; and a resin layer that is provided on the film within the frame of the frame member, and the resin layer including an air bubble. By the air bubble, a decrease in the sound pressure is prevented, peaks and dips in the frequency characteristics of sound pressure are reduced, and high-quality sounds are generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diaphragm arrangement which is intended to be fitted to a structural component or fixing ring for the purpose of generating sound, having two piezo crystals which are fitted opposite one another on either side of an electrically conductive diaphragm which can oscillate, wherein the piezo crystals are each fastened to the diaphragm, which has a connection contact, in an electrically conductive and force-transmitting manner, and the piezo crystals are each electrically conductively connected to a contact plate on their opposite side. In this case, each contact plate has at least one contact strip which extends in the direction of the structural component and of which the end in each case has an electrical connection contact. The diaphragm arrangement can be excited by electrical voltages which can be applied to the three connection contacts.

Abstract: A semiconductor microphone including a silicon substrate having a perimeter; an N-well diffused into the substrate at the perimeter; a deformable diaphragm disposed over at least a portion of the silicon substrate and in contact with at least a portion of the perimeter; and a signal channel in electrical communication with the diaphragm. The signal channel includes a microphone output channel and a feedback output channel. The diaphragm produces an electric signal on the signal channel in response to deformation of the diaphragm and a portion of the electric signal is transmitted on the feedback output channel to the N-well.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for microspeaker devices. In one aspect, a microspeaker element may include a deformable dielectric membrane that spans a speaker cavity. The deformable dielectric membrane can include a piezoactuator and a dielectric layer. Upon application of a driving signal to the piezoactuator, the dielectric layer can deflect, producing sound. In some implementations, an array of microspeaker elements can be encapsulated between a glass substrate and a cover glass. Sound generated by the microspeaker elements can be emitted through a speaker grill formed in the cover glass.

Abstract: A piezoelectric speaker includes a cover with a receiving space and a vibrating speaker unit accommodated in the receiving space. The vibrating speaker unit includes a piezoelectric oscillator including an upper surface and an lower surface, a diaphragm disposed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric oscillator, and a vibrating member kept a distance from the lower surface of the piezoelectric oscillator. The piezoelectric oscillator defines a first amplitude capable of driving the diaphragm only and a second amplitude driving both the vibrating member to vibrating with a largest amplitude and the diaphragm to generate sound. The distance is larger than the first amplitude and smaller than the second amplitude.

Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a substrate having a cavity, first and second spacers defining an opening, a diaphragm having a rectangular shape positioned inside of the opening, and a plate having a rectangular shape positioned just above the diaphragm. Plate joint portions integrally interconnected with two sides of the plate are directly attached onto the second spacer. Supports, which are attached onto the second spacer across the opening and project inwardly of the opening, are connected to the prescribed portions of the diaphragm via third spacers relatively to the other two sides of the plate. The center portion of the diaphragm can be designed in a multilayered structure, and the peripheral portion can be bent outwardly. In addition, both ends of the diaphragm are fixed in position, while free ends of the diaphragm vibrate due to sound waves.