阅读说明：本技术 具有轴向电场的电声换能器 (Electroacoustic transducer with axial electric field ) 是由 马克西姆·维克托罗维奇·奇若夫 于 2018-10-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：电声换能器可以包括阴极(12),具有组装成一个或多个轴对称阵列(20)的多个放电元件(18)；和阳极(14),具有组装成一个或多个轴对称阵列(20)的多个放电元件(18)。阴极(12)和阳极(14)被电极间空间(16)分隔并分别连接到电压源(24)。阴极(12)和阳极(14)的放电元件(18)被引导至电极间空间(16)。阴极(12)和阳极(14)的轴对称阵列(20)彼此相对进行镜对称地布置以形成电极对(21),每个电极对(21)具有对称轴(22),延伸穿过成对的轴对称阵列的几何中心。(An electroacoustic transducer may include a cathode (12) having a plurality of discharge elements (18) assembled into one or more axisymmetric arrays (20); and an anode (14) having a plurality of discharge elements (18) assembled into one or more axisymmetric arrays (20). The cathode (12) and the anode (14) are separated by an inter-electrode space (16) and are each connected to a voltage source (24). Discharge elements (18) of the cathode (12) and the anode (14) are guided to the interelectrode space (16). Axisymmetric arrays (20) of cathodes (12) and anodes (14) are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other to form electrode pairs (21), each electrode pair (21) having an axis of symmetry (22) extending through the geometric center of the paired axisymmetric arrays.)

1. An electroacoustic transducer comprising:

a cathode having a plurality of discharge elements assembled in one or more axisymmetric arrays; and

an anode having a plurality of discharge elements assembled in one or more axisymmetric arrays;

wherein the cathode and the anode are separated by an inter-electrode space and are respectively connected to a voltage source;

wherein the discharge elements of the cathode and anode are directed into the inter-electrode space; and

wherein the axisymmetric arrays of the cathode and anode are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other to form electrode pairs, each of the electrode pairs having an axis of symmetry extending through a geometric center of a pair of the axisymmetric arrays.

2. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein:

the discharge element of the anode has a first active surface area (San);

the discharge element of the cathode has a second active surface area (Scat); and

the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area is greater than 1(San/Scat > 1).

3. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the axisymmetric array is no larger than 20mm in diameter.

4. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein:

the cathode is connected to a voltage source through a first circuit portion;

the anode is connected to the voltage source through a second circuit portion; and

one or both of the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion includes a current limiting element.

5. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the discharge elements are at least partially embedded in a dielectric material.

6. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the ends of the discharge elements of each array extend to a virtual surface.

7. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 6, wherein the virtual surface is a virtual plane or a virtual curved surface.

8. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 7, wherein the virtual curved surface is a virtual axisymmetric curved surface.

9. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the discharge element is a solid three-dimensional body.

10. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the discharge element is a solid three-dimensional body having alternating conductive and dielectric regions.

11. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the discharge element comprises a corrosive inert material or an electrochemically inert material.

12. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the discharge elements comprise one or more of platinum group metals, metal oxides, or combinations thereof.

13. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein the discharge element comprises a material having a low or high electron work function.

14. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, further comprising a pair of a plurality of electrodes assembled on a dielectric substrate.

15. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, wherein adjacent pairs of electrodes are separated by an insulator.

16. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, further comprising a reflector or a horn located near or around the pair of electrodes.

17. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, further comprising a sound permeable material having a high resistance to air flow, the sound permeable material at least partially surrounding the discharge element.

18. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 1, further comprising a ventilation system.

19. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 18, wherein the ventilation system comprises an ozone decomposition catalyst.

20. The electro-acoustic transducer of claim 18, wherein the ventilation system comprises one or more fans.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of acoustics, and more particularly to the generation of sound waves in a gaseous medium, such as air, to reproduce sound waves, including sound waves perceived by the human ear for domestic, scientific and industrial use.

Background

Electroacoustic transducers, such as loudspeakers, are devices that convert electrical energy into acoustic oscillations. Electroacoustic transducers are used in many consumer products such as home stereos, home cinema systems, car audio systems, portable music devices, headphones, studio devices, sound sensing devices and other products. The need for high quality sound production and/or recording of these and other products has led to an interest in electro-acoustic transducers that convert electronic signals into sound waves with greater accuracy and clarity.

One problem with known electro-acoustic transducers is that they rely on moving parts (e.g. the voice coil and diaphragm) to generate acoustic oscillations in a two-step energy conversion process. In a first step, the electrical energy of the sound signal is converted into mechanical vibrations of a membrane attached to the electroacoustic transducer. In a second step, the mechanical vibration of the membrane generates acoustic vibrations in the surrounding gaseous medium (e.g. air). The membrane has a certain mass, a limited stiffness and a given boundary, which affects the quality of the sound reproduced in the surrounding space in the second step. Thus, the quality of sound reproduction is physically limited by these aspects of the membrane. Some manufacturers have attempted to overcome these challenges by producing different types of electroacoustic transducers that do not use moving parts. For example, electro-acoustic devices have been developed that use area discharge to generate sound waves.

U.S. patent No. 9,445,202 to Chyzhov, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an electroacoustic transducer comprising an anode and a cathode, each comprising a discharge element. One or both of the electrodes (i.e., the anode and cathode) are divided into sections by dielectric barriers. The respective discharge elements of the cathode and the anode are disposed opposite to each other with their ends extending equidistantly to a space between the cathode and the anode (i.e., an inter-electrode space). The active surface area (S) of the discharge elements of the anode and cathode satisfies the expression S_anode/S_cathode>1. The discharge elements are configured as discrete bodies or solid (solid) monoliths having a linear cross-sectional length of no more than 3 mm. The electrode portions are separated from each other by a dielectric barrier which passes throughThe current limiting element (i.e., resistor) is connected to a voltage source.

Although the electro-acoustic transducer of the' 202 patent may be operable to generate acoustic waves, further improvements may be made. For example, one problem encountered in the operation of electroacoustic transducers that generate acoustic waves using electrical discharges is that the stability of the discharge process may be reduced when increasing the power output of the generated acoustic signal during operation of the device. There is therefore a need for an improved electroacoustic transducer with higher efficiency and better stability of the discharge process.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments disclosed herein can improve efficiency while eliminating the negative impact of barriers on the stability of the electro-acoustic transducer discharge process. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments may provide improved stability of the discharge process and increased power output of the generated acoustic signal during operation of an electroacoustic transducer consistent with the present disclosure.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer. An electroacoustic transducer may include a cathode having a plurality of discharge elements assembled into one or more axisymmetric arrays; and an anode having a plurality of discharge elements assembled in one or more axisymmetric arrays. The cathode and anode may be separated by an inter-electrode space and each connected to a voltage source. The discharge elements of the cathode and the anode may be directed into the inter-electrode space. The axisymmetric arrays of cathodes and anodes can be arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to each other to form electrode pairs, each electrode pair having an axis of symmetry extending through the geometric centers of the paired axisymmetric arrays.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the discharge elements of the anode have a first active surface area (San) and the discharge elements of the cathode have a second active surface area (Scat), the ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area being larger than 1(San/Scat > 1).

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the axisymmetric array has a diameter of no more than 20 mm.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the cathode is connected to a voltage source through a first circuit portion and the anode is connected to the voltage source through a second circuit portion; one or both of the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion includes a current limiting element.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the discharge elements are at least partially embedded in the dielectric material.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the ends of the discharge elements of each array extend to a virtual surface.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the virtual surface is a virtual plane or a virtual curved surface.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the virtual curved surface is a virtual axisymmetric curved surface.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the discharge element is a solid (solid) three-dimensional body.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the discharge element is a solid three-dimensional body having alternating conductive and dielectric regions.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the discharge element comprises a corrosive inert material or an electrochemically inert material.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the discharge element comprises one or more of a platinum group metal, a metal oxide, or a combination thereof.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the discharge element comprises a material having a low or high electron work function (work function).

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an electroacoustic transducer further comprising a pair of a plurality of electrodes assembled on a dielectric substrate.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein adjacent pairs of electrodes are separated by an insulator.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer further comprising a reflector or a horn located near or around the pair of electrodes.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer further comprising a sound permeable material having a high resistance to airflow, the sound permeable material at least partially surrounding the discharge element.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an electroacoustic transducer further comprising a ventilation system.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the ventilation system comprises an ozone decomposition catalyst.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an electroacoustic transducer, wherein the ventilation system comprises one or more fans.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of electrodes connected to a voltage source;

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a current limiting element in an electrode and cathode circuit connected to a voltage source;

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of a current limiting element in an electrode and anode circuit connected to a voltage source;

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electrodes connected to a voltage source and current limiting elements in the cathode and anode circuits;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of an array of discharge elements with the ends of the discharge elements extending to a virtual plane;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary disclosed embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary disclosed embodiment of an array of discharge elements with the ends of the discharge elements extending into a virtual hemisphere;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the exemplary disclosed embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of an array of discharge elements having discharge elements embedded in a dielectric and protruding above the surface of the dielectric, the ends of the discharge elements extending to a virtual plane;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exemplary disclosed embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of an array of discharge elements having discharge elements embedded in a dielectric and protruding above a surface of the dielectric, with ends of the discharge elements extending into a virtual hemisphere;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the exemplary disclosed embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of an array of discharge elements having discharge elements embedded in a dielectric and flush with a surface of the dielectric, with ends of the discharge elements extending to a virtual hemispherical surface;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of an array of discharge elements having discharge elements embedded in a dielectric and flush with a surface of the dielectric, with ends of the discharge elements extending to a virtual plane;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of electrodes with an array of flat discharge elements;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of an electro-acoustic transducer;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of the electro-acoustic transducer of FIG. 16;

fig. 18 is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary disclosed embodiment of an electroacoustic transducer.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary disclosed circuit 10 that may be included in an exemplary electroacoustic transducer embodiment consistent with the present disclosure. An exemplary electroacoustic transducer consistent with the present disclosure may include two electrodes, e.g., a cathode 12 and an anode 14 separated by an inter-electrode space 16. The inter-electrode space 16 may be a space that at least partially separates the cathode 12 (or components thereof) and the anode 14 (or components thereof) such that the ends of the cathode 12 and the anode 14 (or their respective components) do not come into direct contact through the inter-electrode space 16 or within the inter-electrode space 16.

Cathode 12 and anode 14 may each include a plurality of discharge elements 18. The discharge element 18 may be a conductive element extending from the cathode 12 or the anode 14 into the inter-electrode space 16. For example, the discharge element 18 may be formed of copper, aluminum, steel, another conductive material, or a combination thereof. The discharge element 18 may include a first end attached to the cathode 12 or the anode 14 and a second terminal end (i.e., terminal or end) located in the inter-electrode space 16. The discharge element 18 may provide a location (e.g., a surface area) at or around which an aerial discharge (e.g., a corona discharge) is formed or generated when an electrical potential (i.e., voltage) is applied between the cathode 12 and the anode 14. For example, the discharge elements 18 may have a large surface curvature, which when energized generates a high electric field strength in the vicinity of the discharge elements 18. When the electroacoustic transducer is energized (i.e., when an electrical potential is applied to the electrodes), an active region is formed on each discharge element of the cathode 12 and the anode 14. As used herein, the term "active region" refers to a region (e.g., a surface region) where each discharge element 18 directly participates in ion generation. When the electroacoustic transducer is energized (i.e., when a voltage potential is applied to the cathode 12 and the anode 14), the region directly participating in ion generation (i.e., the active region) may be identified as the surface area surrounded by the glow of the ionized gas. When the electroacoustic transducer is energized, an active region is formed on the surface area of each discharge element 18. The surface area of each discharge element on which the active region may be formed may be referred to as a "discharge element area" or a "discharge region". When the electroacoustic transducer is not energized, the discharge element area may be considered to be a portion of the discharge element where the discharge element protrudes from, is flush with, or is otherwise visibly exposed.

In some embodiments, the electrodes of the electroacoustic transducer may be configured to exhibit a ratio of the surface area of the anode 14 (San) to the surface area of the cathode 12 (Scat) that is greater than 1 (i.e., San/Scat > 1). In other words, the surface area of anode 14 may be greater than the surface area of cathode 12. The surface area of each of the cathode 12 and anode 14 may be the cumulative surface area of one or more discharge elements 18 associated with each electrode (i.e., each respective array 20 of electrode pairs). In some embodiments, each discharge element 18 of an electrode may be the same size, about the same size, or a different size, thereby avoiding unwanted arcing or spark discharge (and the resulting sound effect and distortion).

Maintaining the San/Scat ratio greater than 1 allows for more efficient recombination (recombination) of oppositely charged ions in the vicinity of the discharge element 18 during corona discharge, even when the voltage between the cathode 12 and anode 14 is modulated. Configuring the electrodes of an electroacoustic transducer with a San/Scat ratio greater than 1 may allow for the generation of high acoustic power densities (i.e., the generation of high volume sounds) while preserving the spatiotemporal stability of the corona discharge (e.g., reducing or eliminating arcing and/or spark breakdown as well as hissing and/or crackling sounds).

For example, positive ions are generated by impact ionization (shockionization) in the active region of the discharge element 28 within the corona discharge. The intensity of the ion generation depends on the intensity of the electric field generated between the electrodes and the size of the discharge element area forming the active area of the discharge element 28. Anions are generated due to the capture of free electrons emitted from the cathode resulting from electron emission (autoimmunity), which occurs in the space between the electrodes. In this space, the current emission intensity can reach relatively large values (e.g., up to 1010A/cm in vacuum)²). Therefore, the generation speed of the anions is inversely proportional to the area of the discharge element of the cathode 22. When San/Scat.ltoreq.1, and depending on the form and arrangement of the discharge electrodes, the discharge process may be very weak (i.e., insufficient to generate a suitable sound) or unstable, since the balance of anions and cations generated may be disturbed. Such perturbations can lead to discharge instability, acoustic distortion, and arcing or spark breakdown. When San/Scat>1, these defects can be avoided.

In some embodiments, the San/Scat may be greater than 1. For example, the electrodes of the electroacoustic transducer may be configured to exhibit a value of 25 ≧ San/Scat >1 (e.g., 20 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 15 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 10 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 9 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 8 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 7 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 6 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 5 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 4 ≧ San/Scat > 1; 3 ≧ San/Scat > 1). In some embodiments, the electrodes of the electroacoustic transducer may be configured to exhibit a power of 20 ≧ San/Scat ≧ 2 (e.g., San/Scat ≧ 6). That is, the ratio of San to Scat can be between 2 and 20, including 2 and 20. As used herein, the term "comprising" when used in reference to a range of values is intended to encompass the endpoints of the range. It will be appreciated that other values of San/Scat than those listed above may be tested and implemented.

In some embodiments, the discharge element 18 may include a material having a relatively high or relatively low work function to allow for stronger ion generation. For example, the discharge element 28 may include a material having a work function of not greater than 4.5 eV. However, it should be understood that the discharge element may include a material having a higher or lower work function.

The discharge elements 18 of the cathode 12 and anode 14 may be assembled into an axisymmetric array 20. Each array 20 of discharge elements 18 may be a group (e.g., a plurality) of discharge elements arranged together on either cathode 12 or anode 14. The cathode 12 and the anode 14 may be configured such that the arrays 20 of the cathode 12 and the anode 14 form a pair 21 of arrays 20 (e.g., a pair 21 including one array 20 of the cathode 12 and one array 20 of the cathode 12) that share an axis of symmetry 22. Each array 20 of discharge elements 18 may be connected to a voltage source 24 via a conductor 27 to form a circuit portion, e.g., a first circuit portion 29 connecting the cathode 12 to the voltage source 24 and a second circuit portion 31 connecting the anode 12 to the voltage source 24. The voltage source 24 may be configured to provide a potential difference (i.e., a voltage) between the cathode 12 and the anode 14. The voltage generated by voltage source 24 may be modulated and applied to cathode 12 and anode 14 via conductors 27 (e.g., wires).

As used herein, the term "axisymmetric array" refers to the implementation of a plurality of discharge elements 18 as electrodes (i.e., anode 1, cathode 2), wherein the discharge elements 18 include an active region (i.e., a region of large surface curvature surrounded by a glow of ionized gas that appears as a voltage is applied across the electrodes during operation of the electroacoustic transducer) and are arranged in a confined spatial region having a symmetric shape with an axis extending through the anode 12 and anode 14. In other words, the discharge elements 18 of the cathode 12 and the anode 14 are symmetrically arranged in respective arrays 20 about a common axis of symmetry 22. The array 20 of cathodes 12 and anodes 14 sharing an axis of symmetry 22 form a pair 21 of axially symmetric (or axisymmetric) arrays 20. Arranging the discharge elements 18 in an axisymmetric array 20 provides an efficient solution to the problem of stabilizing the discharge process that occurs during operation of the electroacoustic transducer. This solution can be achieved by configuring the geometry of the electrodes (i.e., the array 20 of cathodes 12 and anodes 14) according to specific parameters of the discharge process. These parameters include the applied voltage potential, the modulation signal, the size of the inter-electrode space 16, the surface area of each discharge element 18, and the spacing between discharge elements 18 within the array 20.

As shown in fig. 2-4, in some embodiments, one or more electrodes (i.e., cathode 12 and/or anode 14) may be connected to a voltage source 24 through a current limiting element 26. The current limiting element 26 may include a resistor (e.g., including carbon, graphite, metal oxide, wire wrap, semiconductor, etc.) or other device configured to control, attenuate, reduce, or limit current. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, cathode 12 may be connected to voltage source 24 through current limiting element 26, while cathode 14 may be connected to voltage source 24, but not through the current limiting element. In other embodiments, for example, as shown in fig. 3, anode 14 may be connected to voltage source 24 through current limiting element 26, while cathode 12 may be connected to voltage source 24, but not through the current limiting element. In other embodiments, for example, as shown in fig. 4, cathode 12 and anode 14 may each be connected to voltage source 24 through a separate current limiting element 26. The current limiting element 26 may allow the electroacoustic transducer to operate at higher voltages, avoiding unwanted arcing or spark discharge by preventing the electrodes from receiving an overvoltage (i.e., an excessively high voltage) from the voltage source 24.

As shown in fig. 5-14, an axisymmetric array 20 of discharge elements 18 per electrode (i.e., cathode 12 and anode 14) can be mounted on a dielectric substrate 28. The axisymmetric array 20 can be configured to achieve high discharge stability during operation of the electro-acoustic transducer. For example, the discharge elements 18 forming the axisymmetric array 20 can be arranged such that the ends of the discharge elements 18 generally form, follow, or correspond to a shape such as a plane, hemisphere, or other shape. The ends of the discharge elements 18 "typically" form, follow, or correspond to a shape, wherein the discharge elements 18 are arranged such that the shape will be formed by connecting the ends of the discharge elements 18 using a virtual line or surface, such as a virtual curved surface or a virtual axisymmetric curved surface.

For example, fig. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an axisymmetric array 20 of discharge elements 18, wherein the discharge elements 18 extend from a dielectric substrate 28 to a virtual plane 30 (i.e., one example of a virtual shape). The virtual plane 30 may be an absent (or imaginary) plane or surface that corresponds to a spatial region at a predetermined normal distance (normal distance) D from the surface (or point on the surface) of the dielectric substrate 28. The discharge elements 18 extend to the virtual plane 30 by a spatial region extending from the dielectric substrate 28 to a distance D normal to the surface (or a point on the surface) of the dielectric substrate 28. As shown in fig. 6, the end point (end) 32 of each discharge element 18 is located a normal distance D from a point on the surface 34 of the dielectric substrate 28, so that each discharge element 18 extends to the virtual plane 30. In other embodiments, the virtual plane 30 may be angled relative to the surface 34 of the dielectric substrate 28. For example, the normal distance of each point on the virtual plane 30 to the surface 34 of the dielectric substrate 28 may not be the same, and the virtual plane 30 may be any virtual plane in space into which the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 extend.

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an axisymmetric array 20 of discharge elements 18, wherein the discharge elements 18 extend from the dielectric substrate 28 to a virtual hemispherical surface 36. The imaginary hemisphere 36 may be an nonexistent (or imaginary) surface that corresponds to a spatial region that follows the shape of the hemisphere to which the tip 32 of each discharge element 18 extends. The discharge element 18 extends to the virtual hemisphere face 36 by extending from the dielectric substrate 28 to a spatial region corresponding to a position on the virtual hemisphere face 36. As shown in fig. 8, the end 32 of each discharge element 18 is located on a virtual hemisphere 36, and thus each discharge element 18 extends to the virtual hemisphere 36.

It should be understood that the shape formed by, followed by, or corresponding to the end 32 of the discharge element 18 may not necessarily be perfectly formed by the discharge element. That is, the discharge element 18 may not form a perfect plane, a perfect circular hemisphere, or the like. Rather, it should be understood that the shape formed by the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 is a shape that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art or a general shape that is similar to a known shape. It should also be understood that the discharge elements 18 may be formed in other shapes, which may be determined experimentally.

In some embodiments, the dielectric substrate 28 may be a component of the electroacoustic transducer, such as a frame, a body component, or another type of component. In some embodiments, the dielectric substrate 28 may also be an insulator for the conductors 27 connecting the cathode 12 and anode 14 to the voltage source 24. That is, the conductor 27 may be at least partially within (or surrounded by) the dielectric substrate 28, and the dielectric substrate 28 may electrically insulate the conductor 27 and not contact other components.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 9 and 10, the discharge element 18 may be attached to the dielectric compound 38 on top of the dielectric substrate 28, or coated by the dielectric compound 38, or surrounded by the dielectric compound 38, or at least partially embedded in the dielectric compound 38 (dielectric compound, i.e., dielectric coating, dielectric potting, dielectric casting, or other element or component separate from the dielectric substrate 28). The dielectric compound 38 may be an assembly formed of a dielectric material configured to at least partially surround the discharge elements 18 on top of the dielectric substrate 28, for example, to structurally stabilize the discharge elements 18, minimize dust build-up rates between the discharge elements 18 in the array 20, and simplify the installation and removal process of the array 20. In this manner, the implementation of the dielectric compound 38 as described above may improve the operating characteristics of the device and provide greater flexibility in the design and manufacturing/assembly process. In the embodiment of fig. 9 and 10, the discharge element 18 may be at least partially surrounded by a dielectric compound 38 and extend to the virtual plane 30. In other embodiments, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, the discharge elements 18 of the axisymmetric array 20 can be at least partially surrounded by the dielectric compound 38 on top of the dielectric substrate 28 and extend to the imaginary hemispherical surface 36. It should be understood that the discharge element 18, which may be at least partially surrounded by the dielectric compound 38, may extend to other types of virtual shapes.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9-12, the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 may extend through the dielectric compound 38. For example, the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 may extend through the dielectric compound 38 such that the ends 32 of one or more discharge elements 18 extend beyond the surface or exterior of the dielectric compound 38. The length of the discharge element 18 extending beyond the dielectric compound 38 may affect the size of the active area of the discharge element 18, i.e., the surface area of the discharge element 18 that participates in ion generation during operation of the electroacoustic transducer.

In other embodiments, as shown in fig. 13 and 14, the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 may be embedded within the dielectric compound 38. In some embodiments, the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 may be flush (flush) or flat (even) with the outer surface of the dielectric compound 38, while also extending to a virtual shape. For example, as shown in fig. 13, the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 may extend to and be flush or flat with the outer surface 40 of the dielectric compound 38. In the example of fig. 13, the outer surface 40 of the dielectric compound 38 may be hemispherical, and thus the ends 32 of the discharge elements may extend to a virtual hemispherical surface to form the axisymmetric array 20. In other embodiments, as shown in fig. 14, the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 may extend to and be flush or flat with the outer surface 40 of the dielectric compound 38, where the outer surface 40 may be planar (i.e., have a plane or form a plane at the surface), and thus, the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 may extend to a virtual plane to form the axisymmetric array 20.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 15, the axisymmetric array 20 of discharge elements 18 can be flat, i.e., include discharge elements 18 positioned along a line or plane. The flat array 20 may include discharge elements that extend to a virtual plane, a virtual hemisphere, or other virtual shape. Fig. 15 shows a plurality of pairs 21 of a flat axisymmetric array 20. However, it should be understood that the pair 21 of axisymmetric arrays 20 may include two flat arrays, one flat array and one multi-dimensional array (i.e., an array having discharge elements extending along multiple axes), or two multi-dimensional arrays.

Fig. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electro-acoustic transducer 42 consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, the dielectric compound 38 may cover, surround, or surround the current limiting element 26 of the electroacoustic transducer 42. The dielectric compound 38 may be a coating, casting, assembly, or other form of dielectric compound or component. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 17, the dielectric compound 38 may include a dielectric barrier 44. The dielectric barrier 44 may be a dielectric material or a separate piece of a component covered or coated with a dielectric material. In other embodiments, the dielectric substrate 28 may form or consist of the dielectric barrier 44.

Referring again to fig. 16, in some embodiments, the electro-acoustic transducer 42 may further include a heat sink 46, the heat sink 46 configured to dissipate thermal energy generated by the current limiting element 26. The heat sink 46 may include heat sinks or other structural elements formed from a thermally conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum, copper, etc.). The heat sink 46 may be attached to the flow restriction element 26 or located near the flow restriction element 26 to dissipate thermal energy generated by the flow restriction element 26. The heat sink 46 may include vents (e.g., holes, gaps, apertures, etc.) configured to facilitate airflow near or toward other components of the heat sink 46 (e.g., thermally conductive components) or the flow restriction element 26. In some embodiments, the electro-acoustic transducer 42 may also include a fan (e.g., an electric fan) configured to flow air or other fluid through the heat sink 12 and/or the flow restriction element 26.

In some embodiments, the sound permeable material 48 may at least partially surround the discharge area of the electro-acoustic transducer 42 to protect the components of the electro-acoustic transducer 42 while allowing air to flow through during operation of the electro-acoustic transducer 42. The discharge region may include a region or regions of discharge elements 18 (see fig. 1-15 and 17) near or surrounding cathode 12 and anode 14 where acoustic waves are generated during operation of electroacoustic transducer 42. The sound permeable material may comprise a cloth or other fabric or material (e.g., foam, mesh, screen, etc.).

In some embodiments, the electro-acoustic transducer 42 may include a ventilation system 50 for circulating air or other fluid within the electro-acoustic transducer. For example, the ventilation system 50 may be configured to facilitate cooling of the electroacoustic transducer 42 (as described above), sending fresh air into the electroacoustic transducer 42To perform the ionization process or to exhaust ionized air and/or ionized byproducts from the interior of the electroacoustic transducer 42. For example, during operation of the electroacoustic transducer 42, diatomic oxygen molecules in the ambient air may be decomposed into species that can rapidly bond (bond) with other diatomic oxygen molecules to produce ozone (O)₃) Valence (equivalent) oxygen atom. To help reduce the accumulation of ozone during operation of the electro-acoustic transducer 42, the electro-acoustic transducer 42 may also include a ventilator 52, such as a fan, for exhausting ozone from the discharge region. The electro-acoustic transducer 42 may also include one or more ozone decomposing filter catalysts 54 for trapping particulates and reducing ozone to a different chemical composition. Ozone decomposing filter catalyst 54 may include, for example, metal oxides (e.g., transition metal oxides such as manganese oxide), precious metals, and/or other materials for decomposing ozone.

An electroacoustic transducer consistent with the present disclosure may operate as follows: when a potential difference is applied across the electrodes (e.g., cathode 12 and anode 14) of a discharge element (e.g., discharge element 18) having a large surface curvature (e.g., using voltage source 24), ions may be generated in the region near the electrodes (i.e., the discharge region). Ions generated during operation of the electroacoustic transducer may move in the inter-electrode space 16 towards the electrode of opposite charge to itself. Continued recombination of ions may result in heat and excess neutral atoms being generated in the inter-electrode space 16. As the ions move toward the oppositely charged electrodes, they may collide with neutral atoms and gas molecules (e.g., air) in the inter-electrode space 16. Thus, sound waves can be generated by three principles of converting electrical energy into acoustic vibrations: kinetic energy transfer between neutral atoms and ions of gaseous molecules, adiabatic warming of the gas during cation and anion recombination, and changes in the number of neutral atoms in the inter-electrode space 16 due to continued generation, drift and recombination in the inter-electrode space 16.

Ions generated during this process may drift along the electric field lines generated in the discharge region. The inventors have experimentally determined that the shape of the electrodes (e.g., array 20 and/or discharge elements 18) can affect the symmetry and uniformity (homogeneity) of the ion flow and, when properly configured, can ensure that the spatial configuration of the electrodes matches the ion cloud field (ion-cloud field) in the discharge region, thereby making the process of ion recombination in the inter-electrode space 16 symmetric and uniform. By a symmetrical and uniform ion recombination the discharge process can be stabilized, providing advantages over known electroacoustic transducers.

Furthermore, during mass and energy transfer during ion generation, drift and recombination, a local pressure increase may occur in the inter-electrode space 16. Modulation of the electrical potential across the electrodes (i.e., cathode 12 and anode 14) may result in a corresponding modulation of the ion flow and its energy, which may result in a modulation of the pressure in the inter-electrode space 16. The pressure modulation may cause the formation or generation of spherical acoustic waves.

The inventors have experimentally determined that the disadvantages of the known electroacoustic transducer may be due to the lack of discharge stability, which is related to the shape and configuration of the discharge elements in the known electroacoustic transducer.

Through experimentation, the inventors found that improving the shape and configuration of the electrodes can produce a self-stabilizing effect of the ions and the electric field of the electrodes, which allows electroacoustic transducer systems with twice the number of electrodes (compared to known systems) to obtain high quality results at power levels that typically result in undesirable spark discharges (i.e., uncontrolled spark discharges) in previously known systems (i.e., above 10 kV/cm).

Furthermore, the electrode shape and configuration found by the inventors does not require the use of dielectric spacers between the discharge elements to prevent the occurrence of sparks from destabilizing the discharge process, as is done in previously known electroacoustic transducer systems. Experiments conducted by the inventors have shown that dividing the discharge area (i.e. placing dielectric spacers between the discharge elements) as a means of preventing or reducing the negative effects of spark discharge, combined with the characteristics of the electrokinetic (electrical) processes occurring in the inter-electrode space during operation of the device, results in a destruction of the natural spatial structure of the discharge process, thereby destabilizing the discharge process.

In the known electroacoustic transducer system, the discharge element extends into the inter-electrode space and creates an ion generating region with a rectangular cross-section near the end of the discharge element. However, experiments have shown that the cross-section of the discharge space degrades from a rectangular shape to a circular shape as the distance from the discharge element to the inter-electrode space increases. It has been determined experimentally that known electroacoustic transducers make the discharge unstable due to changes in the form of the ion flow as it drifts from the electrodes (i.e. from the discharge element) to the inter-electrode space. To mitigate this effect, known electroacoustic transducer systems require the use of dielectric spacers near the discharge elements of the electrodes (within a few millimeters) along the boundaries of the discharge region. However, the dielectric barrier negatively affects the discharge process by (1) direct interaction with ions, and (2) charging and external surface conductivity due to dust accumulation and/or moisture condensation on the surface of the dielectric barrier.

The inventors have found experimentally that configuring the electrodes in an axisymmetric array can improve the stability of the discharge process, improve efficiency, and improve sound capacity (i.e., the ability to generate higher-level sound waves without degrading sound quality) compared to known electroacoustic transducers. It has been shown experimentally that the use of an axisymmetric array requires fewer pairs of electrodes (i.e. fewer individual sound-generating elements) to achieve a given sound level than known electroacoustic transducers. For example, a known electroacoustic transducer consisting of 72 pairs of electrodes was tested and showed a sound level of 90dB/m at a frequency of 1 kHz. Using an electroacoustic transducer with only 16 pairs of electrodes with an axisymmetric array of discharge elements, a sound level of 90dB/m was achieved during the experiment at a frequency of 1kHz, using the same power supply. Experiments have also shown that systems employing fewer electrode pairs with an axisymmetric array of discharge elements can operate at higher power levels without flashover (sparkover) than known electroacoustic transducer systems.

The following examples provide non-limiting examples of electro-acoustic transducers consistent with the embodiments described above and other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.

Example 1

Referring to fig. 1, 5 and 6, a first example of an electroacoustic transducer consistent with the present disclosure is described. In a first example, an electroacoustic transducer may comprise two electrodes, including a cathode 12 and an anode 14, each electrode consisting of a plurality of discharge elements 18. The discharge elements of the cathode 12 and the anode 14 may be assembled into respective axisymmetric arrays 20, the axisymmetric arrays 20 sharing an axis of symmetry 22. The cathode 12 and anode 14 may be mounted on a dielectric substrate 28. Cathode 12 and anode 14 may be connected to a voltage source 24 by respective conductors 27. Voltage source 27 may be configured to provide a potential difference (i.e., a voltage) between cathode 12 and anode 14 via respective conductors 27. The voltage potential may be modulated using a control signal such as an acoustic input signal.

Voltage source 24 may be any type of electronic device capable of generating and maintaining a voltage across cathode 12 and anode 14 sufficient to produce a bipolar corona discharge and modulating the voltage, current, or power to produce the corona discharge based on a control signal. For example, under amplifying, converting or modulating conditions, the voltage source and modulating means may comprise vacuum tubes, transistors, critical components, transformers and/or combinations thereof. For example, the voltage source may include a vacuum tube amplifier, a semiconductor amplifier, a step-up transformer, or a modulated voltage source.

During operation, a voltage is applied across the discharge elements having a large surface curvature (i.e., the array 20 of discharge elements 18 of the cathode 12 and anode 14) or portions thereof, and ions may form in the near-electrode region (i.e., the region near the discharge elements 18 of the electrodes). The generated ions may move along lines of electric field strength from one electrode to the other.

The electroacoustic transducer provides a highly stable discharge process even when the potential across the electrodes increases. The axisymmetric shape of the electrodes provides symmetry and uniformity to the ion flow during operation and ensures that the spatial configurations of the electrode field and the ion cloud field match in the discharge region. Thus, the recombination process of ions is symmetrical and uniform in the inter-electrode space 16, thereby stabilizing the discharge process and improving the quality of the generated sound. In addition, an increase in local pressure occurs within the inter-electrode space 16 during mass and energy transfer that occurs during ion generation, ion drift, and ion recombination. By modulating the ion flow and its energy (and thus the electrical power to the power) by modulating the potential across the electrodes, the pressure within the inter-electrode space 16 can be modulated to produce spherical acoustic waves.

Example 2

A second example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to example 1, where an active surface area of the cathodic discharge element is smaller than an active surface area of the anodic discharge element.

An apparatus consistent with example 2 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein a smaller active area of the cathodic discharge element (as defined in this example) allows for enhanced control over the generation intensity of cations and anions relative to the anodic discharge element. For example, during operation of an apparatus consistent with the present example, increasing the potential across the electrodes may increase the discharge intensity, rather than the size of the discharge process area, i.e., the effective surface area (surrounded by the glow of the ionized gas). This configuration improves the linearization of the discharge process, thereby making it possible to increase the acoustic power of the electroacoustic transducer, while increasing the stability and quality of the generated acoustic waves.

Example 3

A third example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to example 1, where the diameter of the axisymmetric array 20 of discharge elements 18 forming the cathode 12 or anode 14 is no greater than 20 mm.

An apparatus consistent with example 3 may operate in a similar manner to an apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein during operation of the electroacoustic transducer, a highly stable discharge may be achieved by implementing electrodes formed from an axisymmetric array of discharge elements, wherein the cross-sectional length (e.g., diameter) of the axisymmetric array is no greater than 20 mm.

Example 4

Referring to fig. 2, 3, 4, 16, a fourth example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein one or both of the respective circuit portions 29, 31 connecting the cathode 12 and the anode 14 to the voltage source 24 includes a current limiting element 26, such as a resistor. In other words, the cathode 12, the anode 14, or both the cathode 12 and the anode 14 may be connected to the voltage source 24 through a current limiting element 26, such as a resistor.

An apparatus consistent with example 4 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein current limiting element 26 provides protection against uncontrolled arcing that occurs due to a sudden overvoltage, thereby enabling an electroacoustic transducer to operate effectively at various power levels and under various environmental conditions without the risk of generating undesirable arcing.

Example 5

Referring to fig. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, a fifth example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to example 1, in which the discharge elements 18 are implemented as discrete electrical conductors, such as wires embedded in the dielectric compound 38, such that the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 are flush or level with the surface 40 of the dielectric compound 38, or extend a distance from the surface 40 of the dielectric compound 38.

An apparatus consistent with example 5 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the dielectric compound 38 provides a more rigid fixation of the discharge elements 18, thereby increasing the durability and reliability of the apparatus, minimizing the rate of dust accumulation between the discharge elements 18 in the array 20, and simplifying the installation and removal process of the array 20. In this manner, the implementation of the dielectric compound 38 as described above improves the operating characteristics of the device and provides greater flexibility in the design and manufacturing/assembly process.

Example 6

Referring to fig. 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, a sixth example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the array 20 of discharge elements 18 is implemented such that the tips 32 of the discharge elements 18 extend to a virtual shape such as a virtual hemisphere 36. In other embodiments, other types of virtual shapes may be used, such as other shapes that produce an axisymmetric curved virtual surface. By this arrangement, the increasing distance between the electrodes from the center to the periphery of the array 20 may define a smooth and uniform reduction of the electric field strength from the center of the respective array 20 to the periphery of the respective array 20 during operation, and may prevent the negative influence of edge effects on the stability of the discharge process.

An apparatus consistent with example 6 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the distance between the ends 32 of the discharge elements 18 of the cathode 12 and the anode 14 increases from the center to the periphery of each respective array 20. The increase in distance between the electrodes from the center to the periphery of the array 20 may define a smooth and uniform reduction of the electric field strength from the center of the respective array 20 to the periphery of the respective array 20 during operation and may prevent the negative effects of edge effects on the stability of the discharge process.

Example 7

A seventh example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, where the discharge elements 18 of the electrodes (i.e., cathode 12 and anode 14) form or partially define a three-dimensional volume. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional body may have an axially symmetric structure. For example, the plurality of discharge elements 18 may form or partially define a hemispherical or other convex shape having an axially symmetric configuration. The dimensions (i.e., length, width, diameter, etc.) of the discharge elements 18 forming or partially defining the three-dimensional volume may be in the macroscopic (i.e., greater than micrometers), micrometer, or nanometer range.

An apparatus consistent with example 7 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the geometry of the discharge element 18 of the anode 14 is simplified relative to known apparatuses, thereby improving the operating characteristics of the apparatus (i.e., achieving the advantages described above) and providing greater flexibility in design and manufacturing/assembly processes.

Example 8

An eighth example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the discharge element 18 of the cathode 12, the anode 14, or both the cathode 12 and the anode 14 is implemented as part of a solid three-dimensional body, a surface of the three-dimensional body having conductive and dielectric regions. For example, the ends 32 of the discharge elements and the surface 40 of the dielectric compound may be configured to form or partially define the surface of a three-dimensional body (e.g., a hemispherical body or other shaped body), thereby providing a surface with conductive and dielectric regions.

An apparatus consistent with example 8 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, where alternating conductive and dielectric regions of the discharge element 18 allow for the use of a dielectric compound 38 having a more complex geometry and a resulting discharge region having a more complex geometry. In addition, the electrodes may include microscopic discharge elements 18 configured to increase the efficiency and stability of the discharge process and improve the performance characteristics of the device, while providing greater flexibility in design and manufacturing/assembly processes.

Example 9

A ninth example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the discharge elements 18 are formed of a corrosive inert and/or electrochemically inert material, such as platinum group metals, metal oxides, and other materials conventionally used in gas discharge technology.

An apparatus in accordance with example 9 can be operated similarly to an apparatus in accordance with example 1, wherein the corrosive inert and/or electrochemically inert material of the electrodes makes the electrodes resistant to physical and chemical changes in the event of a corona discharge, in particular at their surface, and thus extends the service life of the discharge elements 18.

Example 10

A tenth example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, where the discharge element 18 is formed of one or more materials having low and/or high electron work functions.

An apparatus consistent with example 10 may operate similarly to the apparatus consistent with example 1, in which the ion generation intensity is increased or decreased and the ion energy level is increased or decreased using a material having a high or low electron work function, thereby further improving the stability and intensity of the discharge process. The high electron work function may be an electron work function equal to or greater than 4.5 eV. The low electron work function may be an electron work function of less than 4.5 eV.

Example 11

An eleventh example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, in which the cathode 12 and the anode 14, which may be formed of a plurality of electrode pairs 21, are configured as an element speaker (i.e., an apparatus generating sound) fixed to the dielectric substrate 28. As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the electrode pairs are also electrically isolated from each other by dielectric barriers 44. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 15, the dielectric substrate 28 itself may serve as a dielectric barrier isolating the electrode pair 21.

A device consistent with example 11 may operate similarly to a device consistent with example 1, where dielectric barrier 44 prevents cross-discharge from occurring between the electrode pairs, which ensures stability of the discharge process during operation and improves the efficiency of the current limiting element. The dielectric barrier 44 may also enable implementation of a three-dimensional structure of the cathode 12 and anode 14 to achieve an acoustic field with desired parameters.

It should be understood that in any of the embodiments described herein, the electrode pair 21 may be positioned in any manner that there is sufficient separation between the cathode 12 and the anode 14 to enable generation of an acoustic wave of sufficient quality. That is, the positioning of the cathode and anode portions of each electrode pair 21 may not necessarily be limited to the particular spacing or configuration shown in any of the disclosed embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the cathode and anode portions may be located on a real or virtual surface, such as a plane, sphere, or the like.

Example 12

A twelfth embodiment consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the discharge element 18 is mounted near or inside a reflector, horn, cone, or other apparatus configured to reflect, direct, or focus the acoustic waves.

An apparatus consistent with example 12 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, where by using reflectors, loudspeakers, or other similar devices, sound field parameters may be controlled by positioning acoustic radiation in a spatial region, thereby increasing the volume of sound produced. The illustration does not reflect a conventional design chart for reflector or horn acoustic applications in order not to make the application material too burdensome.

Example 13

As shown in fig. 18, a thirteenth example consistent with the present disclosure may implement one or more devices consistent with example 1 in an electroacoustic transducer 42. The electro-acoustic transducer 42 in fig. 18 may include a dielectric substrate 28 and an axisymmetric array 20 of discharge elements 18 secured thereto (e.g., as shown in fig. 16). The array 20 of discharge elements 18 may be surrounded by an acoustically transparent cover 48, such as cloth, mesh, grid, foam, or the like.

An apparatus consistent with example 13 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, where the sound permeable material 48 is configured to retain ozone generated during ion generation by preventing release into the environment and retaining for further processing.

Example 14

Referring to fig. 16 and 18, a fourteenth example may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 12, wherein the apparatus is an electroacoustic transducer 42, the electroacoustic transducer 42 including a dielectric substrate 28 and an array 20 of discharge elements 18 secured thereto. The assembly also includes a ventilation system 50.

An apparatus consistent with example 14 may operate similarly to example 1, where the ventilation system 50 is configured to generate an air flow through an electroacoustic transducer formed by a pair of electrodes, namely a cathode 12 and an anode 14 fixed to a dielectric substrate 28. The ventilation system may be configured to remove heat released during ionization and ion recombination from the inter-electrode space 16, thereby preventing overheating of air and structural elements within the assembly when the device is operating at a power level sufficient to generate a corona discharge.

Example 15

Referring to fig. 16, 17 and 18, a fifteenth example consistent with the present disclosure may be similar to the apparatus consistent with example 14, wherein the electroacoustic transducer is comprised of a dielectric substrate 28, an array 20 of discharge elements 18 secured thereto, and a ventilation system 50. The electro-acoustic transducer also includes an ozone decomposing filter catalyst 54.

An apparatus consistent with example 15 may operate similarly to an apparatus consistent with example 1, wherein the ventilation system 50 may be configured to generate an airflow through the electro-acoustic transducer 42, the electro-acoustic transducer 42 comprising a pair of electrodes (i.e., a cathode 12 pair and an anode 14 pair) affixed to the dielectric substrate 28, wherein the ventilation system 50 is configured to allow air containing ozone to pass through the ozone decomposing filter catalyst 54.

Various modifications and variations to the disclosed apparatus and systems will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and systems will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the systems and apparatus disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.