Vibration and force cancellation transducer assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to "vibration and force cancelling transducer assemblies." An acoustic device is disclosed that includes a housing having a housing wall defining a housing volume; a first mass movably coupled to the housing, the first mass including a sound radiating surface, a voice coil, and a first suspension member; a second mass movably coupled to the housing, the second mass including a magnet assembly and a second suspension member, and wherein the first suspension member couples the first mass to the second mass, the second suspension member couples the magnet assembly to the housing wall, and the second suspension member is tuned to reduce housing vibrations caused by movement of the first mass and the second mass relative to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a vibration and force cancellation transducer assembly, including a transducer assembly having tuned stiffness and a mass block for vibration and force cancellation. Other aspects are also described and claims are made for other aspects. Background Technology

[0002] In modern consumer electronics, audio functionality is playing an increasingly important role with continuous improvements in digital audio signal processing and audio content delivery. A wide range of consumer electronics devices can benefit from these improvements in audio performance. For example, smartphones, including electroacoustic transducers such as speakers, can benefit from enhanced audio performance. However, smartphones lack sufficient space to accommodate larger high-fidelity sound output devices. This is also true for some portable personal computers such as laptops, notebooks, and tablets, and to a lesser extent, for desktop personal computers with built-in speakers. Speakers integrated into these devices can use moving-coil motors to drive the sound output. A moving-coil motor may include a diaphragm, voice coil, and magnet assembly positioned within a frame. However, in some cases, the force output by the moving-coil motor can be transmitted to the device housing, causing undesirable rattles, vibrations, or jitters in the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a transducer assembly (e.g., a speaker) that provides a force-balancing configuration to eliminate or reduce forces that can be transmitted to a system on which the transducer is mounted or integrated, while maximizing acoustic output. For example, a speaker in operation may cause dynamic imbalance, resulting in excessive vibration or sliding of the product along a surface. This movement can be upward and downward, lateral, rotational, or a combination of these movements. The product may actually “jump” and temporarily lose contact with the surface it is on, or it may simply lose its grip (without leaving the surface) and, for example, slide or “walk” along a table for a period of time. Sometimes, if, for example, the bottom of the product is mounted on soft springs such as foam pads / feet, it will maintain its position on the table, but the housing may still vibrate significantly. This can also be undesirable, as vibration may interfere with the function of a camera in the product, making it difficult to see the product display (making it appear blurry) or affecting the user experience of touch buttons / controls on the product. Even when the product is closed, pressing controls on a “crushable” product can also impair the user experience. Alternatively, if the product is mounted to a wall using, for example, screws, dynamic imbalances may put pressure on the attachment joints, potentially leading to fatigue and failure, or causing the wall to vibrate.

[0004] Dynamic imbalance can be force imbalance, torque imbalance, or both. An example of force imbalance without torque imbalance could be a single axisymmetric transducer mounted at the center of a symmetrical hermetically sealed housing. Due to the symmetry, no torque is applied to the housing. An example of torque imbalance without force imbalance could be two identical transducers mounted on opposite sides of a hermetically sealed housing, moving acoustically in phase (mechanically out of phase), but not linearly positioned relative to each other. This results in torque / coupling, which could potentially cause the product to rotate / sway.

[0005] This disclosure relates to a transducer assembly having a stiffness (or other parameter) tuned to reduce or eliminate unbalanced dynamic forces within the system that cause excessive vibration or "bouncing" of the product along a surface. "Stiffness" herein can be understood as the degree to which an object resists deformation in response to an applied force and / or a measure of the tolerance provided by the body to deformation. Typically, in one aspect, this disclosure relates to a transducer assembly having a spring or other compliant member with a constant k2 located between the transducer and a housing / shell. For hermetically sealed configurations (e.g., orificeless, passive radiators, etc.), this configuration can ideally eliminate forces on the housing at multiple frequencies, where k2 in the spring and damping have specific parameters dependent on other parameters in the loudspeaker (e.g., diaphragm radiating mass (m1), hardware radiating mass (m2), back volume (kbox), m1 radiating area (s1), m2 radiating area (s2), s1 stiffness (k1), damping in other springs, and leakage). A representative formula for ideal force elimination can be as follows:

[0006]

[0007] It should be noted that if k2 is a complex value (e.g., including damping / loss), then the right-hand side of the formula can also be complex, and therefore kbox has the same damping fraction as the k2 term. In some respects, the same performance can be achieved with s2 = 0, thus allowing for a smaller top area of ​​the component.

[0008] Furthermore, it can be recognized that since the matched k2 can depend on the stiffness of the kbox, and the stiffness of the kbox can depend on atmospheric pressure, which in turn depends on altitude, errors in force cancellation may occur when operating the product at different altitudes, necessitating optimization of force cancellation. Additionally, if the characteristics of a mechanical spring with a constant k2 vary with temperature, this may also affect force cancellation performance. Therefore, in some aspects, this disclosure further provides a spring or other compliant member stiffness (k2) that uses both an air spring (k2a) and a mechanical spring (k2m), rather than just a mechanical spring (k2 = k2m + k2a). In another aspect, the vibration and force cancellation transducer assembly may include an orifice or a passive radiator.

[0009] Typically, in one aspect, this disclosure provides an acoustic device comprising a housing having a housing wall defining a housing volume; a first mass block movably coupled to the housing, the first mass block including a sound radiating surface, a voice coil, and a first suspension member; and a second mass block movably coupled to the housing, the second mass block including a magnet assembly and a second suspension member, wherein the first suspension member couples the first mass block to the second mass block, the second suspension member couples the magnet assembly to the housing wall, and the second suspension member is tuned to reduce housing vibration caused by movement of the first and second mass blocks relative to the housing. In some aspects, the second suspension member is tuned by balancing the stiffness of the second suspension member relative to the stiffness of the housing volume. In some aspects, only the first mass block defines the radiating surface area of ​​the transducer assembly. The first suspension member is out of plane relative to the second suspension member. In some aspects, a rear volume is formed between the first mass block and the second mass block, and further includes a vent formed through the second mass block to discharge the rear volume into the housing volume. The second suspension member may include a mechanical spring component and an air spring component. The mechanical spring component may include a first stiffness, and the air spring component includes a second stiffness different from the first stiffness. In some aspects, the ratio of the first stiffness to the second stiffness is less than about 1. In some aspects, the spring component may have a spring volume defined by a spring housing fixedly coupled to the housing, and the mechanical spring component couples the second mass block to the air spring component. In some aspects, the spring volume has a first stiffness, the housing volume is isolated from the spring volume and includes a second air stiffness, and both the first and second air stiffness vary proportionally in response to changes in atmospheric pressure. In some aspects, a vent is formed through the mechanical spring component to discharge the spring volume to the surrounding environment. The mechanical spring component may include a piston and a surround that couples the second mass block to the spring volume. In some aspects, the air spring component may include a spring volume defined by a bottom portion of the magnet assembly, a housing wall, and a surrounding member coupling the magnet assembly to the housing wall, wherein the spring volume is isolated from the housing volume. In some aspects, the device further includes a vent formed through the housing wall to discharge the housing volume to the surrounding environment. In some aspects, a third suspension member couples the magnet assembly to the housing wall.

[0010] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a transducer assembly including a housing having a housing wall defining a housing volume; a transducer positioned within the housing volume, the transducer having a sound-radiating surface and a voice coil coupled to a magnet assembly via a first suspension member, the first suspension member allowing the sound-radiating surface and the voice coil to move relative to the magnet assembly along a vibration axis; and the magnet assembly being coupled to the housing via a second suspension member, the second suspension member including an air spring member allowing movement of the magnet assembly relative to the housing. In some aspects, the air spring member defines a compliant air volume isolated from the housing volume, and wherein the stiffness of the compliant air volume and the housing volume varies proportionally in response to changes in atmospheric pressure. In some aspects, the second suspension member includes a piston coupling the magnet assembly to a surround member defining the compliant air volume of the air spring member, the piston allowing movement of the magnet assembly relative to the housing. In some respects, the surround is attached to a spring housing fixedly coupled to the housing wall, and the surround and the spring housing together define the compliant air volume. The second suspension member includes a first surround and a second surround that are opposite to each other, and couples the magnet assembly to the housing, the housing volume being located between the first surround and the second surround, and the compliant air spring volume of the air spring component being located between the second surround and the bottom housing wall, such that the compliant air spring volume is positioned below the magnet assembly.

[0011] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a transducer assembly including a housing having a bottom housing wall and side housing walls that commonly define a housing volume; a first mass block movably coupled to the housing and defining a first radiating area, the first mass block including a sound radiating surface, a voice coil, and a first suspension member coupling the sound radiating surface to the housing such that the sound radiating surface is operable to vibrate relative to the housing along a vibration axis; a second mass block movably coupled to the housing and defining a second radiating area, the second mass block including a magnet assembly and a second suspension member coupling the magnet assembly to the housing; and a third mass block movably coupled to the housing and defining a third radiating area, the third mass block including a passive radiator and a third suspension member coupling the passive radiator to the housing, wherein the first and second radiating areas have a combined radiating area different from the third radiating area, and the combined radiating area is balanced relative to the third radiating area to reduce housing vibration caused by movement of the first and second mass blocks relative to the housing. In some aspects, the first suspension member is axially aligned with the second suspension member. In some aspects, the effective radiating area of ​​the second mass block is zero. In some aspects, the second suspension member coupling the magnet assembly to the housing includes a first and a second surround member that are eccentric to each other. The passive radiator may be a first passive radiator forming part of the bottom housing wall, and the assembly may further include a second passive radiator forming part of the side housing wall. The third mass block may form part of the bottom housing wall and separate the housing volume from the surrounding environment outside the housing. In some aspects, the housing further includes an inner housing wall that separates the housing volume from the passive volume located between the bottom housing wall and the passive radiator of the third mass block. In some aspects, the passive radiator forms part of the bottom housing wall, and the inner housing wall further includes an orifice located between the housing volume and the passive volume. In other aspects, the passive radiator may form part of the inner housing wall, and the bottom housing wall further includes an orifice located between the passive volume and the surrounding environment outside the housing. In some respects, the passive radiator is a first passive radiator forming part of the bottom housing wall, and the assembly further includes a fourth mass block defining a fourth radiating area, the fourth mass block including a second passive radiator and a fourth suspension member coupling the second passive radiator to the inner housing wall.

[0012] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to an acoustic device comprising a housing having a bottom housing wall and side housing walls that together define a housing volume; a transducer positioned within the housing volume, the transducer having a sound radiating surface and a voice coil coupled to a magnet assembly via a first suspension member, the first suspension member allowing the sound radiating surface and the voice coil to move relative to the magnet assembly along a vibration axis, and the magnet assembly being coupled to the housing via a second suspension member; a first passive radiator coupled to the housing via a third suspension member; and a second passive radiator coupled to the housing via a fourth suspension member. In some aspects, the first passive radiator is coupled to the side housing wall and provides lateral force cancellation. In some aspects, the first passive radiator is coupled to the bottom housing wall and provides axial force cancellation. In some aspects, the first passive radiator is coupled to the side housing wall, and the second passive radiator is coupled to the bottom housing wall. The housing may further include an inner housing wall extending parallel to the bottom housing wall, wherein the first passive radiator is coupled to the bottom housing wall, and the second passive radiator is coupled to the inner housing wall. In some aspects, the housing further includes an inner housing wall defining a passive volume between the first passive radiator and the bottom housing wall, and the inner housing wall may include an opening from the passive volume to the housing volume. In some aspects, the first passive radiator is coupled to the inner housing wall, which defines a passive volume between the first passive radiator and the bottom housing wall, and wherein the bottom housing wall includes an opening from the passive volume to the surrounding environment of the housing. The opening may include a channel axially aligned with the vibration shaft. The first passive radiator may define a first radiating area, and the second passive radiator may define a second radiating area, wherein the first radiating area is different from the second radiating area. In some aspects, the device may further include a vent formed through the magnet assembly and coupled to the rear volume of the transducer to the housing volume, or formed through the housing and coupled to the housing volume to the surrounding environment.

[0013] The above overview does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of this disclosure. It is contemplated that the invention encompasses all systems and methods that can be implemented by all suitable combinations of the aspects outlined above and the various aspects disclosed in the detailed embodiments below and specifically pointed out in the claims filed with this patent application. Such combinations have specific advantages not specifically described in the above overview. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Several aspects are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example rather than limitation, and similar reference numerals in the drawings indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “a” or “an” aspect in this disclosure do not necessarily refer to the same aspect, and that they mean at least one.

[0015] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0016] Figure 2A A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0017] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A An enlarged cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly.

[0018] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown.

[0024] Figure 9 A simplified schematic diagram of an electronic device in which a transducer assembly can be implemented is shown.

[0025] Figure 10 A block diagram of some of the components of an electronic device in which a transducer assembly can be implemented is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In this section, we will explain several preferred aspects of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless the shape, relative positions, and other aspects of the components described in these sections are explicitly defined, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the components shown, which are for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, while many details have been set forth, it should be understood that some aspects of this disclosure can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Spatially related terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “above,” etc., may be used herein for the convenience of describing the relationship of one element or feature to one or more other elements or features, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatially related terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation other than those shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features may then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both the orientations above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially related descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0028] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context otherwise indicates. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising”, “including”, “emphasize” define the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof.

[0029] The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein should be interpreted as including or referring to any one or any combination thereof. Therefore, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or actions is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0030] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly is shown. The transducer assembly 100 may, for example, include an electroacoustic transducer that converts electrical signals into audible signals that can be output from a device in which the transducer assembly 100 is integrated. For example, the transducer assembly 100 may include a loudspeaker integrated within any type of audio output acoustic device. The transducer assembly 100 may be enclosed within a housing or enclosure of the device in which the transducer assembly is integrated.

[0031] Transducer assembly 100 typically includes a first mass block 102, a second mass block 104, and a third mass block 106, which are movably coupled to each other such that they can move relative to each other. In some aspects, the first mass block 102 and the second mass block 104 can be considered components of the electroacoustic transducer 124. The third mass block 106 can be a housing, enclosure, cover, or module to which the transducer assembly 100 is coupled. In some aspects, the third mass block 106 is a housing, enclosure, cover, or module of a device in which the transducer assembly 100 is integrated. In this respect, the housing, enclosure, cover, or module can isolate the coupled component from the surrounding environment.

[0032] Referring now in more detail to the first mass block 102, the first mass block 102 may include a sound radiating surface 110, a spool 112, a voice coil 114 coupled to the spool 112, and a suspension member 116. Although the spool 112 is included in this configuration, it should be understood that the spool 112 is optional and may be omitted, in which case the voice coil 114 may be directly attached to the sound radiating surface 110. The sound radiating surface 110 may be, for example, a loudspeaker diaphragm or other type of flexible membrane (which may include a plurality of material layers) capable of vibrating in response to an acoustic signal to generate sound waves or tone waves. The sound radiating surface 110 may include a top surface, top surface, or top side surface (or a top surface, top surface, or top side surface in this view) that is considered a sound radiating surface, face, or side surface, because the top surface, top surface, or top side surface generates the sound output by the transducer assembly 100. In some aspects, the top surface, top face, or top side surface may be acoustically coupled to the front volume chamber and / or acoustic output port of the transducer assembly 100 or a device in which the transducer assembly 100 is integrated. On the other hand, the bottom surface, bottom face, or bottom side surface may be acoustically isolated from the top surface, top face, or top side surface and may be considered as an inward-facing surface, face, or side surface (or the bottom side surface in this view) of the sound radiating surface 110, which is acoustically coupled to the rear volume (Vb) chamber of the transducer assembly 100. In some aspects, the rear volume (Vb) may be formed between the first mass block 102 and the second mass block 104 and is separate from other air volumes within the assembly. In some aspects, the rear volume (Vb) may also be referred to as the internal volume. The spool 112 and the voice coil 114 may be attached to the bottom surface, bottom face, or bottom side surface of the sound radiating surface 110, and they may be suspended from the second mass block 104 by a suspension member 116. The suspension member 116 may be a flexible or compliant member (e.g., a diaphragm), which, in one aspect, is attached near the edge of the sound radiating surface 110 and allows the sound radiating surface 110 to vibrate in a direction parallel to the translation axis or vibration axis 118. The vibration axis 118 may, for example, be parallel to the z-axis of the assembly 100. In another aspect, the vibration axis 118 may be considered to be parallel to the winding height of the voice coil 114 or extending in the same direction as the winding height. The vibration axis 118 may also be referred to herein as the axis of symmetry of the transducer assembly 100. In other words, although only one side of the transducer assembly 100 is shown, it can be understood that a second side is symmetrical to the side shown and otherwise identical to the side shown.

[0033] Referring now in more detail to the second mass 104, the second mass 104 may include hardware components of the transducer assembly 100. For example, the second mass 104 may include a magnet assembly 120 and a basket 122. In some aspects, the magnet assembly 120 may include one or more magnets (e.g., permanent magnets) and a bracket that forms a gap in which a voice coil 114 is positioned. The magnets and the bracket together form a magnetic circuit or magnetic loop for driving the voice coil 114 (and consequently the sound radiating surface 110) to move along a vibration axis 118. The magnet assembly 120 may be coupled to the basket 122, and a suspension member 126 may attach the basket 122 to the third mass 106. The suspension member 126 may be a flexible or otherwise compliant member that allows the second mass 104 (e.g., the magnet assembly 120 and the basket 122) to move relative to the third mass 106. Furthermore, the suspension member 116 of the first mass block 102 can be attached to another part of the basket 122, allowing the first mass block 102 to move relative to both the second mass block 104 and the third mass block 106. In some respects, the suspension member 116 of the first mass block 102 is out-of-plane and axially aligned with the suspension member 126 of the second mass block 104, as shown. In this configuration, the radiating surface area of ​​the second mass block 104 can be understood as effectively zero, thus having no significant impact on the force elimination performance of the system, as will be described in more detail later.

[0034] Referring now in more detail to the third mass 106, as previously discussed, the third mass 106 can be a housing, enclosure, cover, or module of a device in which the first mass 102 and the second mass 104 are coupled and / or into which the transducer assembly 100 is integrated. In this respect, if the third mass 106 is a housing, it can have side housing walls 106A and bottom housing walls 106B that commonly define a housing volume (Vbox). The housing volume (Vbox) can be an air volume separated from the surrounding environment by the housing walls 106A, 106B. Furthermore, the housing volume (Vbox) can be separated from the rear volume or internal volume (Vb) by the second mass 104. The housing volume (Vbox) can have a pressure (P), which can be a parameter that can affect the movement of the second mass 104 within the housing volume (Vbox). In other words, the housing volume (Vbox) can be considered as an air spring, as it can have compliance or stiffness that can affect the movement of the second mass 104. In some respects, a vent or leak opening 132 may be formed between the housing volume (Vbox) and the internal volume (Vb), or a vent or leak opening 134 may be formed between the housing volume (Vbox) and the surrounding environment. Vents or leak openings 132, 134 can reduce the pressure within the internal volume (Vb) or the housing volume (Vbox), thereby allowing for greater conformity (or lower stiffness) of the volume as needed.

[0035] In some aspects, the third mass 106 can be understood as part of the transducer assembly 100, which is subject to undesirable movement, vibration, jolts, etc., caused by force imbalances within the system and which can be brought to rest by force elimination as described herein. Typically, in some aspects, one or more components of the system can be balanced or tuned to reduce vibrations of the third mass 106 caused, for example, by movement of the first mass 102 and the second mass 104 relative to the third mass 106. For example, in one aspect, the stiffness of the suspension member 126 coupling the second mass 104 to the third mass 106 can be considered as a stiffness relative to the housing volume balanced or tuned to reduce vibrations of the third mass 106.

[0036] Typically, as previously discussed, for sealed enclosure configurations (e.g., no orifices, passive radiators, etc.), forces on the enclosure at multiple frequencies can be eliminated, where k2 in the springs (e.g., suspension members) and damping are tuned or otherwise balanced. A representative formula for ideal force elimination and tuning K2 is as follows:

[0037]

[0038] in

[0039] Representatively, in Figure 1 In the context of component 100, the first mass block 102 (m1) can be understood as having a diameter defining a first radiating area (s1). Furthermore, the suspension member 116 of the first mass block 102 (m1) functions similarly to a spring and may have a constant k1 (e.g., stiffness) between the first mass block 102 (m1) and the second mass block 104 (m2). In some aspects, the second mass block 104 (m2) may further have a diameter defining a second radiating area (s2). However, in Figure 1In the illustrated configuration, the second radiating area (s2) can be considered zero, and therefore the second mass 104 in this configuration can be considered to have virtually no surface radiating area (s2). Thus, in this respect, only the first mass 102 (m1) defines the radiating area (s1) of the assembly 100. The suspension member 126 of the second mass 104 (m2) can further function like a spring and have a constant k2 (e.g., stiffness) between the second mass 104 (m2) and the third mass 106 (m3). The constant k2 can be selected (e.g., tuned or balanced) based on the previously discussed formulas. For example, the stiffness (k2) of the suspension member can be tuned relative to the shell volume stiffness (kbox) to effectively eliminate all forces acting on the mass (m3). In other words, if the stiffness is selected such that the forces acting on the first mass 102 (m1) and the second mass 104 (m2) are equal and opposite, the shell displacement will be zero. Additionally, it should be recognized that since the second radiating area (s2) of the second mass block 104 is zero in this configuration, the top radiating area may be smaller without affecting performance.

[0040] See now Figure 2A and Figure 2B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B It shows some aspects of... Figure 1 The transducer assembly 200 is similar to component 100. However, transducer assembly 200 includes an air spring that helps minimize the effects of temperature or pressure changes on the balanced or tuned assembly. Typically, when the transducer assembly is tuned at a height as described above, but then the height is changed, the air stiffness of the housing volume (Vbox) changes proportionally to the resulting change in atmospheric pressure, while the stiffness (k2) of the mechanical spring components (e.g., suspension member 126) remains constant. This can then lead to imbalance in the assembly. Furthermore, different temperatures can affect the stiffness (k2) of the mechanical spring components (e.g., the spring may be more stiff at lower temperatures and less stiff at higher temperatures). Transducer assembly 200 addresses this problem by incorporating an air spring with an air volume whose stiffness can change proportionally with air / temperature changes, similar to the housing volume (Vbox).

[0041] Representatively, similar to transducer assembly 100, transducer assembly 200 may include a first mass block 102, a second mass block 104, and a third mass block 106. For example... Figure 2AAs shown, in the absence of force elimination as disclosed herein, the displacement (x1) of the first mass block 102 and the displacement (x2) of the second mass block 104 can cause a displacement (x3) of the third mass block 106. However, when the forces on the first mass block 102 and the second mass block 104 are equal and opposite, the displacement (x3) can be reduced to zero. Referring now in more detail to assembly 200, mass block 102 may include a sound radiating surface 110, a spool 112, and a voice coil 114 coupled to the second mass block 104 via a suspension member 116. The first mass block 102 may have a diameter defining the radiating surface area (s1), and the suspension member 116 may have a stiffness (k1) as described above. The second mass block 104 may include a magnet assembly 120 and a basket 122 coupled to the third mass block 106 via a suspension member 126. In some aspects, an optional suspension member 202 may be further used to couple the second mass block 104 to the third mass block 106. Optional suspension member 202 may be opposite to suspension member 126, for example. For instance, suspension member 126 may be located near the top of the second mass block 104, and optional suspension member 202 may be located near the bottom of the second mass block 104 to provide increased stability. The third mass block 106 may be a shell, cover, or enclosure having side shell walls 106A and bottom shell walls 106B that commonly define a shell volume (Vbox). In some cases, the shell volume (Vbox) may be discharged into the rear volume (Vb) of the first mass block 102 through a vent or leak hole or opening 132, or into the surrounding environment through a vent or leak hole or opening 134 in the shell wall (e.g., side shell wall 106A). Vents or leak holes or openings 132, 134 may help open the rear volume (Vb) or shell volume (Vbox) and reduce back pressure, thereby making the space more compliant (e.g., less stiff). In addition, in some respects, an optional passive radiator 204 may be formed in one wall of the third mass block 106.

[0042] Referring now in more detail to the suspension member 126 in the transducer assembly 200, the suspension member 126 comprises both mechanical components and air spring components, which together allow the stiffness of the suspension member 126 to vary proportionally with air / temperature, similar to the housing volume (Vbox). Typically, the suspension member 126 includes a surround 208 and a spring housing 206 fixedly mounted to a third mass 106, both of which together enclose and define an air spring volume (v2). The air spring volume (v2) may define an air volume separate from the housing volume (Vbox). The stiffness of the air spring volume (v2) may vary similarly to the housing volume (Vbox), as previously described. One end of the piston 210 is fixedly coupled to the second mass 104 and the other end is coupled to the surround 208. The second mass 104 is then movably coupled to the third mass 106. Specifically, the compliance of the air spring volume (v2) allows the second mass 104 to move relative to the third mass 106. Furthermore, the change in the compliance or stiffness of the air spring volume (v2) is proportional to the change in the atmospheric environment or temperature, so the suspension member 126 remains tuned even at different heights and / or temperatures.

[0043] Representatively, referring to the previously discussed force elimination formula and as follows Figure 2A As shown, the first mass 102 may have a diameter defining a first radiating surface area (s1), and the second mass 104 may have an annulus defining a second radiating surface area (s2). Furthermore, the suspension member 126 may have an annulus defining stiffness (k2), a radiating surface area (s4), and an air spring volume (v2). The stiffness (k2) is composed of an air spring (k2a) and a mechanical spring (k2m), rather than solely of a mechanical spring (k2 = k2m + k2a). In some respects, the mechanical component (k2m) is made smaller than the air spring component (k2a). Typically, the stiffness of the mechanical component (k2m) may be just sufficient to keep the transducer safe during operation and drop tests, because the smaller the k2m / k2a ratio, the less susceptible the force elimination performance is to changes in height and temperature. For example, the k2m / k2a ratio may be less than about 1 to obtain a significantly robust effect relative to changes in height, with a ratio of 0.2 being even more robust. In some aspects, the mechanical components may consist of a piston 210, a surround 208, and a spring housing 206. The air spring component may consist of an air spring volume (v2) and have a stiffness k2a. Since the stiffness of the air spring volume (v2) (e.g., a first stiffness) varies with height and temperature in the same way as the stiffness of the housing volume (Vbox) (e.g., a second stiffness), the force relief performance will be more robust to environmental changes. Furthermore, the damping term in the formula can be better matched to achieve ideal force relief.

[0044] In some aspects, damping can be controlled by matching acoustic impedance (controlled resistance leakage) between the spring volume (v2) and the external or ambient air, and between the housing volume (Vbox) and the external or ambient air. For example, a vent or leakage orifice or opening 212 can be formed by the piston 210 to allow the spring volume (v2) to dissipate to the external air. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, a vent or leakage orifice or opening 134 can be formed by the wall of the third mass block 106 (e.g., one of wall 106A or 106B) to dissipate the housing volume (Vbox) to the surrounding environment. The vent or leakage orifice or opening 212, 132, 134 may also include acoustic mesh or sieve 132A to control acoustic impedance. In another aspect, although not shown, vents or orifices can be provided between the spring volume (v2) and the housing volume (Vbox) (e.g., through the spring housing 206), and between the housing volume (Vbox) and the external surrounding environment, but not between the spring volume (v2) and the surrounding environment. In the disclosed configuration, force elimination can be achieved based on the following formula:

[0045] need:

[0046] in: and

[0047] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of the transducer assembly 300 is shown. The transducer assembly 300 is... Figures 2A to 2BThe transducer assembly 200 is similar in that it includes a first mass 102, a second mass 104, and a third mass 106. As previously described, the first mass 102 is coupled to the second mass 104 via a suspension member 116. The second mass 104 is coupled to the third mass 106 via a suspension member 126 having both mechanical and air spring components. Typically, the suspension member 126 includes a spring housing 306, a surround 308A, and a surround 308B fixedly mounted to the third mass 106. The surrounds 308A and 308B together couple the second mass 104 to the third mass 106. The surround 308A may be out-of-plane with the surround 308B to increase stability. For example, the surround 308A may be attached to the top portion of the second mass 104, and the surround 308B may be attached to the bottom portion of the second mass 104. The other side of the surround members 308A and 308B can be attached to the side housing wall 106A. The spring housing 306 and the surround member 308B can together enclose and define an air spring volume (v2) below the second mass block 104. The air spring volume (v2) can define an air volume separate from the housing volume (Vbox). The housing volume (Vbox) can be along one side of the second mass block 104 and located between the surround members 308A and 308B. The stiffness and pressure (P2) of the air spring volume (v2) can vary similarly to the stiffness and pressure (P1) of the housing volume (Vbox), as previously described. In this respect, the compliance of the air spring volume (v2) allows the second mass block 104 to move relative to the third mass block 106. Furthermore, the variation in the compliance or stiffness of the air spring volume (v2) is proportional to the variation in atmospheric conditions or temperature, so that the suspension member 126 remains tuned even at different heights and / or temperatures.

[0048] Representatively, similar to Figures 2A to 2BThe transducer assembly 200 may have a first mass block 102 with a diameter defining a first radiating surface area (s1) and a second mass block 104 with an annulus defining a second radiating surface area (s2). Furthermore, the suspension member 126 may have an annulus defining stiffness (k2), a radiating surface area (s4), and an air spring volume (v2). The stiffness (k2) may consist of an air spring (k2a) and a mechanical spring (k2m), rather than solely a mechanical spring (k2 = k2m + k2a), as previously described. In some respects, the mechanical component (k2m) is made smaller than the air spring component (k2a). Furthermore, in this configuration, both surrounding members 308A and 308B are included within the mechanical spring component (k2m). Furthermore, in some aspects, component 300 may further include a vent or leak port or opening 132 from the rear volume (Vb) to the housing volume (Vbox) and / or a vent or leak port or opening 312 from the air spring volume (v2) through the bottom housing wall 106B to the surrounding environment. The vent or leak port or opening 132, 312 may also include acoustic mesh or sieve openings to control acoustic resistance, as previously described. In the disclosed configuration, force elimination can be achieved based on the following formula:

[0049] need: in and

[0050] It should be understood that, in some respects, any of the configurations previously discussed can provide force relief for a sealed housing configuration (e.g., a sealed box). In the case of systems with passive radiators or orifices (e.g., open boxes), different configurations can be used to achieve force relief. Reference will now be made to... Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 To describe some representative perforated boxes.

[0051] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of a transducer assembly 400 including a passive radiator is shown. Similar to the transducer assemblies previously discussed, transducer assembly 400 includes a first mass block 102, a second mass block 104, and a third mass block 106. Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, and the third mass block 106 includes components similar to those previously referenced. Figure 1The same components discussed in the transducer assembly 100. Typically, the first mass 102 includes a sound-radiating surface 110, a spool 112, and a voice coil 114 connected to the second mass 104 via a suspension member 116. The second mass 104 includes a magnet assembly 120 and a basket 122 connected to the third mass 106 via a suspension member 126. Suspension members 116 and 126 may be similar to those previously referenced. Figure 1 The arrangement discussed is skewed and axially aligned. The third mass block 106 can be, for example, a shell, outer casing, or cover having side shell walls 106A and bottom shell walls 106B defining a shell volume (Vbox). Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, and the third mass block 106 can move relative to each other. However, it is desirable for the third mass block 106 to remain stationary, and therefore, as previously described, the components can be tuned to eliminate any forces that would cause undesirable movement of the third mass block 106.

[0052] The transducer assembly 400 further includes a fourth mass block 408 (m4) coupled to the bottom housing wall 106B. In some aspects, the fourth mass block 408 may be a passive radiator (PR) movably coupled to the bottom housing wall 106B via a suspension member 410. The fourth mass block 408 may have a diameter defining a radiating surface area (m4) that is the same as that of the first mass block 102 (previously referenced). Figure 1 The radiating surface areas (s1) of the first mass block 102 and the fourth mass block 408 are mutually opposed. In some respects, the radiating surface area (s1) of the first mass block 102 is different from the radiating surface area (s4) of the fourth mass block 408. Due to the arrangement, the radiating surface area of ​​the second mass block 104 can be effectively zero. The suspension member 126 can be a spring with a constant k2, as previously described, and the suspension member 410 can be a spring with a constant k3. The k2 and k3 of the suspension members 126 and 410 can be tuned such that the vibrational reaction forces of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, and / or the fourth mass block 408 on the third mass block 106 (e.g., the housing) are effectively eliminated.

[0053] Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of a transducer assembly 500 including a passive radiator is shown. Similar to the transducer assemblies previously discussed, transducer assembly 500 includes a first mass block 102, a second mass block 104, and a third mass block 106. Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, and the third mass block 106 includes components similar to those previously referenced. Figure 1The same components discussed in the transducer assembly 100. Typically, the first mass 102 includes a sound-radiating surface 110, a spool 112, and a voice coil 114 connected to the second mass 104 via a suspension member 116. The second mass 104 includes a magnet assembly 120 and a basket 122 connected to the third mass 106 via a suspension member 126. However, in this configuration, the suspension members 116 and 126 can be similar to those in the previous references. Figures 2A to 2B The arrangement of the masses is relative to each other. The third mass block 106 can be, for example, a shell, outer shell, or cover having side shell walls 106A and bottom shell walls 106B that define the shell volume (Vbox). Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, and the third mass block 106 can move relative to each other.

[0054] Similar to transducer assembly 300, transducer assembly 400 further includes a fourth mass block 408 coupled to the bottom housing wall 106B. In some aspects, the fourth mass block 408 may be a passive radiator (PR1) movably coupled to the bottom housing wall 106B via a suspension member 410. The fourth mass block 408 may have a diameter defining a radiating surface area (s4) that is the same as that of the first mass block 102 (previously referenced). Figure 1 The radiation surface area (s1) and the second mass block 104 (previously referenced) Figure 2A The radiating surface areas (s2) of the first mass block 102 and the second mass block 104 are mutually opposed. In some respects, the radiating surface areas (s1) of the first mass block 102 and the second mass block 104 may be the same as or different from the radiating surface area (s4) of the fourth mass block 408. The suspension member 126 may be a spring with a constant k2, as previously described, and the suspension member 410 may be a spring with a constant k3. The k2 and k3 of the suspension members 126 and 410 may be tuned such that the vibrational reaction forces of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, and / or the fourth mass block 408 on the third mass block 106 (e.g., the housing) are effectively eliminated.

[0055] In some aspects, assembly 500 may further include a fifth mass block 508 movably coupled to the side housing wall 106A via a suspension member 510. In some aspects, the fifth mass block 508 may be a passive radiator (PR2) for providing lateral force cancellation to increase stability. It should be further understood that, although not explicitly shown, a fifth mass block 508 similar to that shown in assembly 500 may be included in any of the aforementioned transducer assembly configurations to provide lateral force cancellation.

[0056] Figure 6A cross-sectional side view of a transducer assembly 600 including a passive radiator is shown. Similar to the transducer assemblies previously discussed, transducer assembly 600 includes a first mass block 102, a second mass block 104, a third mass block 106, a fourth mass block 408, and an optional fifth mass block 508. Each of the first mass block 102, second mass block 104, third mass block 106, fourth mass block 408, and optional fifth mass block 508 includes components similar to those previously referenced. Figure 5 The same components discussed in the transducer assembly 500. Typically, the first mass 102 includes a sound radiating surface 110, a spool 112, and a voice coil 114 connected to the second mass 104 via a suspension member 116. The second mass 104 includes a magnet assembly 120 and a basket 122 connected to the third mass 106 via a suspension member 126. The third mass 106 may be, for example, a housing, outer shell, or enclosure having side housing walls 106A and bottom housing walls 106B defining a housing volume (Vbox). The fourth mass 408 may be a passive radiator (PR1) movably coupled to the bottom housing wall 106B via a suspension member 410. The fifth mass 508 may be a passive radiator (PR2) movably coupled to the side housing wall 106A via a suspension member 510. Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, the third mass block 106, the fourth mass block 408, and the optional fifth mass block 508 can be moved relative to each other to provide axial / vertical force elimination and / or lateral / horizontal force elimination.

[0057] The transducer assembly 600 further includes an inner housing wall 106C that defines an aperture 602 in front of the fourth mass block 408. Typically, the aperture 602 may be an opening, channel, or conduit formed by the inner housing wall 106C and connecting a passive radiator volume (Vp) under pressure (P2) to a housing volume (Vbox) under pressure (P1).

[0058] Similar to the previously discussed configuration, each moving component may define a radiating surface area and / or stiffness, which may be balanced or tuned to eliminate forces on the housing or the third mass block 106. Typically, the first mass block 102 defines a radiating surface area (s1), the second mass block 104 defines a radiating surface area (s2), the fourth mass block 408 defines a radiating surface area (s4), the inner housing wall 106C defines a fifth radiating surface area (s5), a portion of the third mass block 106 located between the suspension member 126 and the side housing wall 106A may define a radiating surface area (s6), an annular band located between the suspension member 410 and the bottom housing wall 106B may define a radiating surface area (s7), and the orifice 602 may have a radiating surface area (s8). The forces on the third mass block 106 (e.g., the casing) can be considered balanced when the forces from k2 and k3 are equal and opposite, or approximately balanced when the forces from k2 and k3 are negligible:

[0059] (P1-P2)S5+P2S7=P1S6,

[0060] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of a transducer assembly 700 including a passive radiator is shown. Similar to the transducer assemblies previously discussed, the transducer assembly 700 includes a first mass block 102, a second mass block 104, a third mass block 106, a fourth mass block 408, and may further include an optional fifth mass block (e.g., a side passive radiator). Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, the third mass block 106, and the fourth mass block 408 may include components similar to those previously referenced. Figure 6 The same components discussed in the transducer assembly 600. Typically, the first mass 102 includes a sound-radiating surface 110, a spool 112, and a voice coil 114 connected to the second mass 104 via a suspension member 116. The second mass 104 includes a magnet assembly 120 and a basket 122 connected to the third mass 106 via a suspension member 126. The third mass 106 may be, for example, a housing, outer shell, or enclosure having side housing walls 106A and bottom housing walls 106B defining a housing volume (Vbox).

[0061] However, in this respect, the fourth mass block 408 may be a passive radiator (PR1) movably coupled to the inner shell wall 106C rather than the bottom shell wall 106B via a suspension member 410. Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, the third mass block 106, and the fourth mass block 408 may be movable relative to each other to provide axial / vertical force relief.

[0062] The transducer assembly 600 further includes an aperture 702 located behind or below the fourth mass block 408. Typically, the aperture 702 may be an opening, channel, or conduit formed by the bottom housing wall 106B and connecting a passive radiator volume (Vp) under pressure (P2) to the surrounding environment outside the housing.

[0063] Similar to the previously discussed configuration, each moving component may define a radiating surface area and / or stiffness, which can be balanced or tuned to eliminate forces on the housing or the third mass block 106. Typically, the first mass block 102 defines a radiating surface area (s1), the second mass block 104 defines a radiating surface area (s2), the fourth mass block 408 defines a radiating surface area (s8), the inner housing wall 106C defines a radiating surface area (s5), a portion of the third mass block 106 located between the suspension member 126 and the side housing wall 106A may define a radiating surface area (s6), an annular band located between the orifice 702 and the side housing wall 106A may define a radiating surface area (s7), and the orifice 702 may have a radiating surface area (s4). The forces on the third mass block 106 (e.g., the casing) can be considered balanced when the forces from k2 and k3 are equal and opposite, or approximately balanced when the forces from k2 and k3 are negligible:

[0064] (P1-P2)S5+P2S7=P1S6,

[0065] Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of a transducer assembly 800 including a passive radiator is shown. Similar to the transducer assemblies previously discussed, transducer assembly 800 includes a first mass block 102, a second mass block 104, a third mass block 106, a fourth mass block 408, and a fifth mass block 508. Each of the first mass block 102, second mass block 104, third mass block 106, fourth mass block 408, and fifth mass block 508 may include components similar to those previously referenced. Figure 6The same components discussed in the transducer assembly 600. Typically, the first mass 102 includes a sound radiating surface 110, a spool 112, and a voice coil 114 connected to the second mass 104 via a suspension member 116. The second mass 104 includes a magnet assembly 120 and a basket 122 connected to the third mass 106 via a suspension member 126. The third mass 106 may be, for example, a housing, outer shell, or enclosure having side housing walls 106A and a bottom housing wall 106B defining a housing volume (Vbox). The fourth mass 408 may be a passive radiator (PR1) movably coupled to the bottom housing wall 106B via a suspension member 410. The fifth mass 508 may be a passive radiator (PR2) movably coupled to the inner housing wall 106C, but not the bottom housing wall 106B, via a suspension member 510 having stiffness (k4). A passive radiator volume (Vp) with pressure (p2) can be defined between passive radiators (PR1) and passive radiators (PR2), as shown in the figure. The passive radiator volume (Vp) can be separated from the housing volume (Vbox) by the inner housing wall 106C and the passive radiator (PR2) coupled to the wall 106C. Each of the first mass block 102, the second mass block 104, the third mass block 106, the fourth mass block 408, and the fifth mass block 508 can move relative to each other to provide axial / vertical force elimination.

[0066] Similar to the previously discussed configuration, each moving component may define a radiating surface area and / or stiffness, which may be balanced or tuned to eliminate forces on the housing or the third mass block 106. Typically, the first mass block 102 defines a radiating surface area (s1), the second mass block 104 defines a radiating surface area (s2), the fourth mass block 408 defines a radiating surface area (s4), the inner housing wall 106C defines a radiating surface area (s5), a portion of the third mass block 106 located between the suspension member 126 and the side housing wall 106A may define a radiating surface area (s6), an annulus located between the suspension member 410 and the side housing wall 106A may define a radiating surface area (s7), and a fifth mass block 508 including a passive radiator (PR2) may define a radiating surface (s8). The forces on the third mass block 106 (e.g., the casing) can be considered balanced when the forces from k2, k3, and k4 are eliminated, or approximately balanced when the forces from k2, k3, and k4 are negligible:

[0067] (P1-P2)S5+P2S7=P1S6, Figure 9 A simplified schematic perspective view is shown of an exemplary electronic device in which a transducer assembly as described herein may be implemented. Figure 9As shown, the transducer assembly can be integrated into a consumer electronic device 902, such as a smartphone, allowing a user to make calls to a remote user of a communication device 904 via a wireless communication network; in another example, the transducer assembly can be integrated into the housing of a tablet computer 906. These are merely two examples of where the transducer assembly described herein can be used; however, it is envisioned that the transducer assembly can be used with any type of electronic device, such as a home audio system, any consumer electronic device with audio capabilities, or an audio system in a vehicle (e.g., an automotive infotainment system).

[0068] Figure 10 A block diagram is shown of some of the components of an electronic device in which a transducer assembly as disclosed herein may be implemented. Device 1000 can be any of a variety of different types of consumer electronic devices, such as those described herein. Figure 9 Any of the consumer electronic devices discussed.

[0069] In this respect, electronic device 1000 includes processor 1012, which interacts with camera circuitry 1006, motion sensor 1004, storage device 1008, memory 1014, display 1022, and user input interface 1024. Main processor 1012 can also interact with communication circuitry 1002, main power supply 1010, speaker 1018, and microphone 1020. Speaker 1018 may be a transducer assembly as described herein, such as a miniature speaker assembly. Various components of electronic device 1000 can be digitally interconnected and used or managed by a software stack executed by processor 1012. Many of the components shown or described herein can be implemented as one or more dedicated hardware units and / or a programmable processor (software executed by the processor, such as processor 1012).

[0070] Processor 1012 controls the overall operation of device 1000 by executing some or all of the operations of one or more application programs or operating system programs implemented on device 1000, and by executing instructions (for software code and data) found on storage device 1008. Processor 1012 can, for example, drive display 1022 and receive user input via user input interface 1024 (which may be integrated with display 1022 as part of a single touch-sensitive display panel). Furthermore, processor 1012 can send audio signals to speaker 1018 to facilitate the operation of speaker 1018.

[0071] Storage device 1008 uses non-volatile solid-state memory (e.g., flash memory) and / or dynamic non-volatile storage devices (e.g., spinning disk drives) to provide a relatively large amount of "persistent" data storage. Storage device 1008 may include both local storage space and storage space on a remote server. Storage device 1008 can store data as well as software components for controlling and managing different functions of device 1000 at a higher level.

[0072] In addition to storage device 1008, memory 1014 may also exist, also referred to as main memory or program memory, which provides relatively fast access to stored code and data being executed by processor 1012. Memory 1014 may include solid-state random access memory (RAM), such as static RAM or dynamic RAM. One or more processors may be present, such as processor 1012, which runs or executes various software programs, modules, or instruction sets (e.g., application programs) that have been transferred to memory 1014 for execution while being permanently stored in storage device 1008, thereby performing the various functions described above.

[0073] Device 1000 may include communication circuitry 1002. Communication circuitry 1002 may include components for wired or wireless communication, such as two-way dialogue and data transmission. For example, communication circuitry 1002 may include RF communication circuitry coupled to an antenna, enabling users of device 1000 to make or receive calls via a wireless communication network. The RF communication circuitry may include an RF transceiver and a cellular baseband processor to enable calls via a cellular network. For example, communication circuitry 1002 may include Wi-Fi communication circuitry, enabling users of device 1000 to make or initiate calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connections and transmit data via a wireless local area network.

[0074] The device may include a speaker 1018. The speaker 1018 may be a transducer assembly, such as a reference radiator. Figures 1 to 9 The transducer assembly is described above. The speaker 1018 may be an electroacoustic transducer or sensor that converts an electrical signal input (e.g., an acoustic input) into sound. The speaker's circuitry may be electrically connected to the processor 1012 and the power supply 1010 to facilitate speaker operation (e.g., diaphragm displacement, etc.) as previously discussed.

[0075] The device 1000 may further include a motion sensor 1004, a camera circuit 1006, and a main power supply 1010. The motion sensor, also known as an inertial sensor, can be used to detect the movement of the device 1000. The camera circuit enables the digital camera function of the device 1000. The main power supply is such as a built-in battery that serves as the main power source.

[0076] While certain aspects have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that such aspects are merely illustrative of the broad disclosure and not limiting, and that this disclosure is not limited to the specific structures and arrangements shown and described, as various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the description should be considered exemplary rather than restrictive. Furthermore, to assist the Patent Office and any reader of any patent published in this application in interpreting the appended claims, the applicant wishes to note that they do not intend to reference 35U.SC112(f) in any appended claim or claim element unless “means for…” or “steps for…” is expressly used in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A transducer assembly, comprising: A housing having a housing wall that defines the housing volume; as well as A transducer, positioned within the housing volume, has a sound-radiating surface and a voice coil coupled to a magnet assembly via a first suspension member, the first suspension member allowing the sound-radiating surface and the voice coil to move relative to the magnet assembly along a vibration axis, and the magnet assembly being coupled to the housing via a second suspension member, the second suspension member including an air spring component allowing the magnet assembly to move relative to the housing.

2. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the air spring component defines a compliant air volume isolated from the housing volume, and wherein the stiffness of the compliant air volume and the housing volume varies proportionally in response to changes in atmospheric pressure.

3. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the second suspension member includes a piston coupling the magnet assembly to a surround member, the surround member defining a compliant air volume for the air spring member, the piston allowing the magnet assembly to move relative to the housing.

4. The transducer assembly of claim 3, wherein the surround is attached to a spring housing fixedly coupled to the housing wall, and the surround and the spring housing together define the compliant air volume.

5. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the second suspension member comprises a first and a second surround that are eccentric to each other, and couples the magnet assembly to the housing, the housing volume being located between the first and second surrounds, and the compliant air spring volume of the air spring component being located between the second surround and the bottom housing wall, such that the compliant air spring volume is positioned below the magnet assembly.

6. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the second suspension member further comprises a mechanical spring component, the mechanical spring component having a first stiffness, and the air spring component having a second stiffness different from the first stiffness.

7. The transducer assembly of claim 6, wherein the ratio of the first stiffness to the second stiffness is less than 1.

8. The transducer assembly of claim 6, wherein the air spring component includes a spring volume defined by a spring housing fixedly coupled to the housing, and the mechanical spring component couples the magnet assembly to the air spring component.

9. The transducer assembly of claim 8, wherein the spring volume defines a spring volume air stiffness, the housing volume is isolated from the spring volume and defines a housing air stiffness, and both the spring volume air stiffness and the housing air stiffness change proportionally in response to changes in atmospheric pressure.

10. The transducer assembly of claim 8, wherein the vent is formed by the mechanical spring component to discharge the spring volume to the surrounding environment or the housing volume.

11. The transducer assembly of claim 6, wherein the air spring component includes a spring volume, and the mechanical spring component includes a piston and a surround that couples the magnet assembly to the spring volume.

12. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the air spring component includes a spring volume defined by a bottom portion of the magnet assembly, the housing wall, and a second suspension member coupling the magnet assembly to the housing wall, and wherein the spring volume is isolated from the housing volume.

13. The transducer assembly of claim 1, further comprising a vent formed through the housing wall to discharge the housing volume to the surrounding environment.

14. The transducer assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third suspension member coupling the magnet assembly to the housing wall.

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