US 10,381,996 B2 · Active distributed mode actuator

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for changing a distributed mode loudspeaker's fundamental frequency. One of the systems includes a distributed mode loudspeaker comprising an actuator that includes: a supported portion, and a cantilevered portion having a length, a first fundamental frequency, and adapted to create a force to cause vibration of a load to generate sound waves using the first fundamental frequency; a support element connected to the supported portion of the actuator and adapted to adjust, based on a change to a shape of the support element, a size of the length of the cantilevered portion to change the first fundamental frequency to a second fundamental frequency with which the load will generate sound waves; and a frequency selection module that provides a signal to the support element to cause the support element to change shape.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A system comprising:

an actuator for a loudspeaker that has a total length and includes:
a first portion having (i) a first end adapted to contact, across an area, an adjustable-shape support element, and (ii) a first length that, during operation of the actuator, changes in dimension to cause a change in size of the area across which the first end contacts the adjustable-shape support element in response to a change in the shape of the adjustable-shape support element, and
a second portion (a) adapted to create, during operation of the actuator, a force to cause vibration of a load to generate sound waves using a fundamental frequency and (b) having a second length that, based on a change to the dimension of the first length and the size of the area during operation of the actuator, changes in dimension and changes a fundamental frequency at which the load will generate sound waves.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Active distributed mode actuator

Life of this patent

Active distributed mode actuator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17