Dual mode transducer
US4761582A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/94
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electroacoustic transducer such as a piezoelectric element transducer includes an output mode for generating an alert signal and an input mode for generating a switching signal. The transducer comprises an actuating means, such as a pushbutton, a resilient member, such as a snap action dome, a housing and a piezoelectric element. In the output mode, voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric element to generate mechanical vibrations which are converted to acoustical energy by a resonant cavity and port in the housing. In the input mode, manual pressure on the pushbutton forces the dome, being interposed between the pushbutton and piezoelectric element to collapse and deform the piezoelectric element. In response, the piezoelectric element generates an electrical signal. A voltage sensing circuit senses the electrical signal and generates an input signal. The circuit distinguishes between the voltage supplied to the piezoelectric element to generate mechanical vibrations and the electrical signal generated by the collapsed dome.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.