Flextensional transducers and related methods

A method of emitting sound energy with a flextensional transducer, the method comprising:

• energizing an annular piezoelectric element with an alternating current signal so that the annular piezoelectric element generates mechanical energy;
• transferring a portion of the mechanical energy from the annular piezoelectric element to a first endcap coupled therewith at a location proximate an outer circumference of the annular piezoelectric element;
• transferring a portion of the mechanical energy from the annular piezoelectric element to a second endcap coupled therewith at a location proximate an inner circumference of the annular piezoelectric element;
• in response to the transferred mechanical energy, allowing the first endcap and the second endcap to flex relative to the piezoelectric element;
• and
• emitting the sound energy from the first endcap and the second endcap as a result of the flexing of the first endcap and the second endcap.

A flextensional transducer operable to emit sound energy, the flextensional transducer comprising:

• a piezoelectric element;
• a support structure;
• and
• a first endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element,
• wherein a vibrationally-active portion of the flextensional transducer is coupled with the support structure and is at least partially restrained from moving relative to the support structure.

A method of emitting sound energy with a flextensional transducer coupled with a support structure, the method comprising:

• energizing a piezoelectric element with an alternating current signal so that the piezoelectric element generates mechanical energy;
• transferring the mechanical energy from the piezoelectric element to an endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element;
• in response to the transferred mechanical energy, allowing the endcap to flex relative to the piezoelectric element;
• emitting the sound energy from the endcap as a result of the flexing of the endcap;
• and
• at least partially restraining movement of a vibrationally-active portion of the flextensional transducer relative to the support structure.

A method of emitting sound energy with a flextensional transducer, the method comprising:

• energizing a curved piezoelectric element with an alternating current signal so that the curved piezoelectric element expands and contracts in a direction relative to a focal point defined by the curvature of the curved piezoelectric element to generate mechanical energy;
• transferring the mechanical energy from the curved piezoelectric element to an endcap coupled with the curved piezoelectric element;
• in response to the transferred mechanical energy, allowing the endcap to flex relative to the curved piezoelectric element;
• and
• emitting the sound energy from the endcap as a result of the flexing of the endcap.