Inclined slot waveguide

Abstract

A speaker assembly includes a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide and an audio driver. The wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide includes: a first face including a slot opening formed therein; a second surface joined to the first surface at an edge, the second surface being inclined at a first angle with respect to the first surface; and a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first face and the second face. The audio driver is coupled to the second face such that the audio driver is inclined at a first angle relative to the first face. The first face is oriented to face a first direction and the audio driver is oriented to face a second direction. A pressure level of acoustic energy emitted by the audio driver is greater in the second direction than in the first direction. A vehicle includes a passenger compartment, a strut extending upwardly at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment, and a speaker assembly mounted on the strut.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 404,590 filed on September 8, 2022 and European Patent Application No. 22214532.8 filed on December 19, 2022, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to acoustic waveguides for speakers used in vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0004] The diffusion of sound energy throughout a vehicle is typically directed and / or concentrated at lower heights within the passenger compartment, such as near the feet of passengers riding in the vehicle. In some cases, this can be attributed to the fact that the sound stage within the passenger compartment is typically arranged at a lower height relative to the passenger's head because the speakers included in the vehicle are typically located at the bottom of the vehicle door and / or other locations below the height of the vehicle dashboard. In some cases, the sound stage within the passenger compartment is set at a lower height relative to the passenger's head because one or more speakers disposed within the vehicle cabin are oriented in a direction below the passenger's head (e.g., tilted downward). When the sound diffusion is directed and / or concentrated at lower heights within the passenger compartment, the quality of the listening experience for the vehicle's passengers is reduced. Therefore, there is a need for a speaker that emits sound energy with higher horizontal diffusion and controlled vertical diffusion at the passenger's listening position.

[0005] In addition, the audio system containing the speakers may be a multi-channel audio system including height channels associated with audio intended to be reproduced above the passenger listening position. Therefore, in this case, it is also desirable for the speakers to emit or reproduce the sound energy associated with the height channels at a height above the passenger listening position.

[0006] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to acoustic waveguides for use with speakers included in a vehicle and methods of designing acoustic waveguides. For example, in some aspects, the present disclosure provides an acoustic waveguide for controlling the directivity of acoustic energy emitted by a vehicle speaker. In these aspects, the acoustic waveguide can have a wedge-shaped body that tilts an audio driver of the speaker to face in the direction of a vehicle occupant. In effect, tilting the audio driver toward the vehicle occupant causes the emitted acoustic energy to be more concentrated at the occupant's listening position.

[0007] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a speaker assembly is provided, the speaker assembly including a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide and an audio driver. The wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide includes: a first face including a slot opening formed therein; a second face joined to the first face at an edge, the second face being tilted at a first angle relative to the first face; and a surface disposed opposite to the edge and connected between the first face and the second face. The audio driver is coupled to the second face such that the audio driver is tilted at the first angle relative to the first face.

[0008] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a sound waveguide for use with an audio driver is provided. The sound waveguide includes: a wedge-shaped body; a first face including a slot opening formed therein; a second face joined to the first face at an edge, the second face being inclined at a first angle relative to the first face; and a surface disposed opposite to the edge and connected between the first face and the second face.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a passenger compartment, a pillar extending upward at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment, and a speaker assembly mounted on the pillar. The speaker assembly includes a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide, the wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide including: a first face including a slit opening formed therein; a second face joined to the first face at an edge, the second face tilted at a first angle relative to the first face; and a surface disposed opposite to the edge and connected between the first face and the second face. The speaker assembly also includes an audio driver coupled to the second face, such that the audio driver is tilted at a second angle relative to the first face. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other more detailed and specific features of various aspects are more fully disclosed in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 An example vehicle according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 A first example perspective view of a vehicle passenger compartment with a speaker assembly installed according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 A second example perspective view of a vehicle passenger compartment with a speaker assembly installed according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 An example side view of a vehicle passenger compartment with a speaker assembly installed according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 5 shows a front view of an acoustic waveguide included in a speaker assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 An example side view of a vehicle passenger compartment with a speaker assembly installed according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figures 7A-7C Various example perspective views of acoustic waveguides according to various aspects of the present disclosure are shown;

[0018] Figure 8 An example perspective view showing an audio driver coupled to an interface of an acoustic waveguide in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B shows an example perspective view of an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig.10 shows an example dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by a speaker assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating geometric constraints for designing an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figures 12A-12D shows an example effect of adjusting the tilt angle of a straight acoustic waveguide on the diffusion of acoustic energy according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figures 13A-13D shows an example effect of adjusting the tilt angle of a curved acoustic waveguide on acoustic energy diffusion according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figures 14A-14D shows example contours of acoustic energy emitted by a speaker assembly including an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figures 15A-15D is a pole figure illustrating the effect of tilting an audio driver on the dispersion of acoustic energy according to various aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figures 16A-16D An example effect of adjusting the width of the slot opening of an acoustic waveguide on the diffusion of acoustic energy is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the following description, in order to provide an understanding of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, many details are set forth, such as details about the acoustic waveguide and / or speaker assembly implemented in the vehicle. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that these specific details are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

[0028] Furthermore, although the present disclosure is primarily focused on examples of implementing the acoustic waveguides and associated speaker assemblies described herein in a vehicle, it should be understood that the acoustic waveguides described herein may be used with speaker assemblies implemented in other applications where a higher horizontal diffusion of audio and / or a controlled vertical diffusion of audio is desired. For example, in some cases, the acoustic waveguides described herein may be used with speaker assemblies implemented in multi-channel audio systems for applications such as televisions, home theaters, movie theaters, concert venues, and the like. In such cases, the acoustic waveguides and associated speaker assemblies described herein present audio associated with height channels at a location above the listening position (e.g., above head height). For example, in a home theater, movie theater, concert venue, and the like, the acoustic waveguides and associated speaker assemblies herein may be arranged to direct the emitted acoustic energy associated with the height channels to be concentrated at a location above the heads of television viewers.

[0029] As described above, the spread of acoustic energy emitted by speakers included in a vehicle is typically directed and / or focused at a lower elevation within the passenger compartment. In some cases, this may be attributed to the fact that the sound field within the passenger compartment is typically disposed at a lower elevation relative to the passenger listening position. For example, a vehicle audio system typically includes speakers disposed below the passenger listening position (e.g., within the bottom of a vehicle door, within or below the vehicle dashboard, and / or other locations below the passenger listening position) and / or speakers facing in a direction below the passenger listening position.

[0030] Therefore, it would be advantageous to elevate the sound field within the passenger compartment by mounting the speakers near and / or above the passenger listening position utilizing the vehicle's elevated structures, such as vehicle pillars. Vehicle pillars are components that support the enclosed vehicle body structure. For example, vehicle pillars are designed to stand in a nearly vertical or inclined position to support the roof, windshield, rear window, and other components of the vehicle. Since vehicle pillars are used to support the roof, the vehicle pillars extend to a higher height within the passenger compartment.

[0031] Figure 1An example of a common passenger car 100 such as a sedan is shown, which includes an A-pillar 105A, a B-pillar 105B and a C-pillar 105C. The A-pillar 105A is arranged on both sides of the windshield of the vehicle and extends upward to support the front end of the roof. As shown, the A-pillar 105A is tilted at an angle or in the direction of the vehicle passengers. The B-pillar 105B (sometimes referred to as a pillar) extends upward to support the middle part of the roof, and the C-pillar 105C extends upward to support the rear end of the roof with an inclination. As will be described in more detail below, the speaker and sound waveguide described herein can be installed on one or more of the vehicle pillars 105A, 105B and 105C to improve the horizontal and vertical diffusion of sound energy throughout the vehicle 100. Installing a speaker and an associated waveguide on a vehicle pillar can include installing the speaker and / or the associated waveguide to the vehicle pillar and / or in the vehicle pillar.

[0032] It should be understood that Figure 1 The vehicle 100 shown in and described herein is provided as an example only and is not intended to limit the implementation of the speakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein in any way. For example, the speakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein may also be implemented in a vehicle having more than three sets of pillars, such as a sport utility vehicle including four sets of pillars or a passenger car including five sets of pillars. In another example, the speakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein may be implemented in a vehicle having less than three sets of pillars, such as a coupe having only two sets of pillars. Hereinafter, the speakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein may be collectively referred to as "speaker assemblies" throughout the disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 A first perspective view of an interior passenger compartment 200 of a vehicle 100 is shown. As shown, a passenger 205 facing the general direction of an A-pillar 105A (e.g., toward a windshield) sits in the passenger compartment 200. The A-pillar 105 extends upward from the instrument panel 210 at a first angle 215 relative to a horizontal axis 220 extending from the instrument panel 210 toward the passenger 205. That is, the A-pillar 105A is tilted relative to the passenger 205 at the first angle 215. As will be described in more detail below, a speaker assembly 225 is mounted on the A-pillar 105 at a height that is raised to a height near and / or above the listening position of the passenger 205. The speaker assembly 225 includes, among other things, a speaker driver (e.g., an electric transducer) 230 and an acoustic waveguide 235 coupled to the driver 230. Hereinafter, the speaker driver 230 may be referred to simply as "driver 230," and the acoustic waveguide 235 may be referred to simply as "waveguide 235."

[0034] Mainly for aesthetic purposes, industrial designers want accessory devices such as speakers, displays, etc. included in the vehicle to not interfere with the interior design of the passenger compartment 200. Therefore, it is desirable to mount the speaker assembly 225 on the A-pillar 105A and any other pillars (e.g., B-pillar 105B, C-pillar 105C, etc.) where the speaker assembly 225 can be mounted, while having a minimal impact on the interior aesthetics of the passenger compartment 200. Therefore, if Figure 2 As shown, the speaker assembly 225 is installed on the A-pillar 105A so that the speaker assembly 225 is arranged between the A-pillar 105A and the interior decorative panel 240 covering the A-pillar 105A. For example, the interior decorative panel 240 can be connected to the A-pillar 105A in a manner that an interior space 245 for accommodating the speaker assembly 225 is defined between the decorative panel 240 and the A-pillar 105A. In some cases, the speaker assembly 225 is installed to the inner surface of the A-pillar 105A. That is, in some cases, the speaker assembly 225 includes one or more components installed or otherwise coupled to the surface of the A-pillar 105A facing the direction of the passenger compartment 200. In some cases, the speaker assembly 225 is installed on the decorative panel 240. In other cases, the speaker assembly 225 is installed to both the A-pillar 105A and the decorative panel 240.

[0035] In some cases, speaker assembly 225 is mounted on A-pillar 105 so that the front face of waveguide 235 is flush with the surface of trim panel 240. For example, Figure 3 A second perspective view of the passenger compartment 200 is shown, wherein the front face of the waveguide 235 is flush with the trim panel 240. As shown, the front face of the waveguide 235 is exposed by an opening (or cutout) formed in the trim panel 240. Thus, in this example, the speaker assembly 225 can be mounted on the A-pillar 105A at a higher height in the passenger compartment 200 without sacrificing the interior aesthetics of the passenger compartment 200. It should be understood that although in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the speaker assembly 225 is shown and described as being mounted on the A-pillar 105A, but the speaker assembly 225 may be similarly mounted on other pillars in the vehicle 100 , such as the B-pillar 105B and / or the C-pillar 105C.

[0036] Figure 4 An example side view of a passenger compartment 200 is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that Figure 4 Some components shown in the drawings are not drawn to scale. For example, some components included in the speaker assembly 225 are enlarged in scale relative to other features of the vehicle 100 so that certain features of the speaker assembly 225 can be clearly shown.

[0037] like Figure 4As shown, the speaker assembly 225A is disposed in the interior space between the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240. For example, as described above, the speaker assembly 225A is mounted on the A-pillar 105A and / or the trim panel 240. In the example shown, the speaker assembly 225A is mounted at a height within the passenger compartment 200 that is at and / or above the height of the listening position of the passenger 205. Figure 4 As further shown, the second speaker assembly 225B is mounted on the B-pillar 105B. Figure 4 The illustrated example will be primarily described with respect to the speaker assembly 225A mounted on the A-pillar 105A, but it should be understood that any description provided with respect to the speaker assembly 225A also applies to the second speaker assembly 225B mounted on the B-pillar 105B.

[0038] As referenced above Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described, speaker assembly 225A includes driver 230 and waveguide 235. In some cases, driver 230 is implemented as a high aspect ratio driver. In this case, the aspect ratio of driver 230 can be 1:2 or greater. In some cases, driver 230 is implemented as a rectangular driver. In other cases, driver 230 has a different shape, such as a conical driver, an elliptical driver, a circular driver, or a driver of some other shape. Driver 230 can be implemented as, for example, a tweeter, a midrange driver, a woofer, or a combination of one or more thereof. In some cases, driver 230 emits sound waves at a frequency of up to 20 kilohertz (kHz). In other cases, driver 230 emits sound waves at different and / or additional frequencies. As will be described in more detail below, waveguide 235 is coupled to driver 230 to guide the sound energy emitted by driver 230 in a direction toward the listening position of passenger 205.

[0039] In some cases, the audio system in the vehicle 100 is a multi-channel audio system, and the speaker assembly 225A is used to reproduce audio associated with one or more height channels included in the multi-channel audio system. In this case, the waveguide 235 is coupled to the driver 230 so that the sound energy emitted by the driver 230 is presented or reproduced above the listening position of the passenger 205.

[0040] The waveguide 235 includes a generally wedge-shaped body 400 defined by a waveguide face or front face 405 and a rear face or driver interface 410. When installed, the front face 405 is oriented in the direction of the passenger compartment 200, and the driver interface 410 is used to couple the waveguide 235 to the driver 230. As shown, the front face 405 and the driver interface 410 meet at an edge 415 of the body 400 such that the front face 405 extends away from the edge 415 at an oblique angle 420 relative to the driver interface 410. That is, the driver interface 410 of the waveguide 235 is spaced apart from the front face 405 by an oblique angle 420. In some cases, the waveguide 235 is a slot waveguide. In this case, a slot opening 425 ( Figure 5 ), so that acoustic energy emitted by driver 230 enters passenger compartment 200 through slot opening 425. In some cases, the width 430 of slot opening 425 is determined based on a wavelength corresponding to an expected frequency of acoustic waves emitted by driver 230. Furthermore, it should be understood that driver interface 410 is open to driver 230, thereby allowing driver 230 to couple to waveguide 235 and emit acoustic energy therethrough.

[0041] Return to reference Figure 4 , the body 400 also includes a top surface 435 that joins the extended edge of the front face 405 to the extended edge of the driver interface 410. That is, the top surface 435 extends between the end of the front face 405 opposite the edge 415 and the end of the driver interface 410 opposite the edge 415, thereby surrounding the side of the body 400 opposite the edge 415. Figure 4 In the example shown, the top surface 435 is relatively straight and / or flat. However, as will be described in more detail below, in some cases, the top surface 435 is curved. Figure 6 An example side view of a passenger compartment 200 is shown in which a top surface 435 of a waveguide 235 is arcuate. As shown, the arc of the top surface 435 is concave relative to the waveguide body 400, such that the arc of the top surface 435 curves inwardly to the body 400. The advantages and design considerations of implementing the top surface 435 as an arcuate surface will be described in more detail below. In addition, hereinafter, when compared to each other, a waveguide 235 including a straight top surface 435 may be referred to as a "straight waveguide", while a waveguide including an arcuate top surface 435 may be referred to as a "curved waveguide".

[0042] Figures 7A-7C Various example perspective views of a waveguide 235 are shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. Figures 7A-7C In the illustrated example, the top surface 435 of the waveguide 235 is curved. Figure 8 4 shows an example perspective view according to some aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the driver 230 is coupled to the driver interface 410. As shown, Figure 8 Driver interface 405 is separated from the rest of body 400 to illustrate an example of how driver 230 may be coupled to driver interface 410. Figure 8 In the example shown, the driver 230 is a rectangular driver received by and disposed within the driver interface 410. However, it should be understood that in some aspects, the driver 230 and / or the driver interface 410 have different shapes. Additionally, in some aspects, the driver 230 can be shaped differently than the driver interface 410. Figure 8 The embodiment is coupled to the driver interface 410 in the manner shown.

[0043] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B An example perspective view is shown in which the waveguide 235 includes a flange 440 for mounting the waveguide 235 to a vehicle pillar 105A-105C and / or a trim panel 240. As shown, the flange 440 extends outwardly from and around a slot opening 425 formed in the front face 405 of the waveguide 235. In some cases, the flange 440 is secured to the pillar 105A-105C and / or the trim panel 240 using mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, pins, clips, or nails). In some cases, the flange 440 is secured to the pillar 105A-105C and / or the trim panel 240 using an adhesive and / or some other fastening method such as a friction fit. It should be understood that although in Fig.9A and 9B In the example shown, the waveguide 235 includes a flange 440 for mounting the waveguide 235 to the posts 105A-105C and / or the trim panel 240, but in some cases, the waveguide 235 may include other structures for mounting the waveguide 235 in addition to or in place of the flange 400. For example, in some cases, ...

[0044] Return to reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 , when the speaker assembly 225A is mounted on the A-pillar 105A, the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 is substantially flush with the trim panel 240. Thus, the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 is oriented substantially parallel to the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240 relative to the passenger compartment 200. Figure 2 and Figure 3As depicted, the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240 extend upward from the instrument panel 210 at a first angle 215 relative to the passenger compartment 200, and are thereby oriented at the first angle 215 relative to the passenger 205. Since the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 is substantially parallel to the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240, the front face 405 is also oriented at the first angle 215 relative to the passenger 205. Therefore, when the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 is oriented at the first angle 215 relative to the passenger 205, the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 is oriented to face the first direction 445 relative to the passenger 205. The first direction 445 is substantially perpendicular to the front face 405 of the waveguide 235, and therefore is also substantially perpendicular to the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240.

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the first direction 445 that the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 faces is directed to a position below the listening position of the passenger 205 (e.g., below the passenger's head). Therefore, in order to orient the driver 230 in a direction that is more aimed at the listening position of the passenger 205, the driver interface 410 is tilted at a tilt angle 420 relative to the front face 405. Therefore, since the driver 230 is coupled to the waveguide 235 through the driver interface 410, the tilt of the driver interface 410 relative to the front face 405 actually tilts the driver 230 relative to the front face 405. Therefore, when the driver 230 is coupled to the waveguide 235 through the driver interface 410, the driver 230 is oriented to face the second direction 450 relative to the passenger 205. As shown, the second direction 450 that the driver 230 and the driver interface 410 face is aimed at the listening position of the passenger 205, rather than below the listening position of the passenger 205. The second direction 450 is generally perpendicular to the driver 230 and the driver interface 410. Additionally, because the driver interface 410 is tilted at the tilt angle 420 relative to the front face 405, the second direction 450 facing the driver 230 differs from the first direction 445 by the tilt angle 420. In some instances where the speaker assembly 225A is used to reproduce audio associated with height channels in a multi-channel audio system, the driver 230 may be tilted to face in a direction directed above the listening position of the passenger 205.

[0046] Fig.10 The effect of the tilted waveguide 235 on the dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 into the passenger compartment 200 is shown. For example, Fig.10A first curve 1005 is included, the first curve 1005 depicting the sound pressure level (in decibels (dB)) of sound energy radiated from the driver 230 in a first direction 445 below the listening position of the passenger 205, and the second curve 1010 depicting the sound pressure level of sound radiated from the driver 230 in a second direction 450 toward the listening position of the passenger 205. That is, the first curve 1005 represents the sound pressure level within the passenger compartment 200 along an axis perpendicular to the front face 405 of the waveguide 235, while the second curve 1010 represents the sound pressure level within the passenger compartment 200 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230. As shown, the pressure level of the sound energy radiated in the second direction 450 toward the listening position of the passenger 205 is "brighter" or stronger than the pressure level of the sound energy radiated in the first direction 445 below the listening position of the passenger 205. Thus, tilting the driver 230 to face the waveguide 235 in a direction toward the listening position of the passenger 205 (e.g., the second direction 450) allows the high-frequency (e.g., 3kHz-30kHz) sound energy emitted by the driver 230 to be more centrally directed to the listening position of the passenger 205 (e.g., the passenger's head) rather than below the passenger 205's listening position.

[0047] As described above, in some cases, speaker assembly 225A is used to emit sound energy associated with height channels in a multi-channel audio system. Therefore, in this case, waveguide 235 can be designed to tilt driver 230 to face a direction above the listening position of passenger 205. Therefore, in this case, waveguide 235 causes the sound energy associated with (multiple) height channels to be presented more focused at a height above the listening position of passenger 205.

[0048] As described above, one or more geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 may be adjusted to improve control over the vertical and / or horizontal dispersion of acoustic energy radiated from the speaker assembly 225. Thus, when designing the waveguide 235, one or more of the tilt angle 420, the length of the front face 405 of the waveguide 235, the radius of the curved top surface 435, and other geometric parameters may be selected so that the pressure level of the high frequency acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 is concentrated in the direction of the listening position of the passenger 205. In some cases, one or more geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 may be designed based in part on the angle at which the A-pillar 105 is oriented in the vehicle 100 in which the speaker assembly 225 will be mounted (e.g., the first angle 215). In some cases, one or more geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 may be designed based on which of the pillars 105A-105C the speaker assembly 225 will be mounted. For example, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 6Due to the orientation and position difference between the A-pillar 105A and the B-pillar 105B, the geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 included in the speaker assembly 225A installed on the A-pillar 105A can be designed to be different from the geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 included in the speaker assembly 225B installed on the B-pillar 105B. In the case where the speaker assembly 225A is used to emit sound energy associated with a height channel in a multi-channel audio system, the geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 can be designed so that the pressure level of the emitted sound energy associated with the height channel is concentrated above the listening position of the passenger 205.

[0049] Fig.11 1 is an example diagram 1100 showing geometric constraints for designing a waveguide 235 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below with reference to equations 1-6. As shown in diagram 1100, the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 has a waveguide length wL, and the driver 230 has a driver length dL. It should be understood that the length of the driver interface 410 is also approximately equal to the driver length dL, because the driver interface 410 is the component that couples the driver 230 to the waveguide 235. In addition, it should be understood that the driver length dL is not a parameter that can be changed after the driver 230 is selected for inclusion in the speaker assembly 225. Therefore, a practical way in which the driver length dL can be adjusted when designing the waveguide 235 is to select a new driver that meets the desired driver length dL.

[0050] like Fig.11 As shown, when the top surface 435 is curved, the top surface 435 should be designed to be tangent to the front face 405 at the point where the top surface 435 joins the front face 405. Similarly, when the top surface 435 is curved, the top surface 435 should be designed so that the top surface 435 is perpendicular to the driver interface 410 at the point where the top surface 435 joins the driver interface 410. In order to ensure that the top surface 435 is both tangent to the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 and perpendicular to the driver interface 410 of the waveguide 235, the following formula 1 can be used to solve for the radius R of the curved top surface 435. As described in formula 1, the radius R of the curved top surface 435 is equal to the product of the length wL of the front face 405 and the tangent of the tilt angle 420. Therefore, when the values ​​of the length wL of the front face 405 and the tilt angle 420 have been determined, the radius R of the curved top surface 435 can be solved. It will be appreciated that when the values ​​of radius R and length wL of front face 405 have been determined, Formula 1 can be rearranged to solve for tilt angle 420. Similarly, it will be appreciated that when the values ​​of radius R and tilt angle 420 have been determined, Formula 1 can be rearranged to solve for length wL of front face 405.

[0051] R=wL*tan(θ) [Formula 1]

[0052] like Fig.11 As further shown, the length wL of the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 can be divided into an A component and a B component. That is, as shown in Formula 2 below, the length wL of the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 can be expressed as the sum of the first length A and the second length B.

[0053] wL=A+B [Formula 2]

[0054] As represented below by Equation 3, the first length A is equal to the product of the cosine of the tilt angle 420 and the length dL of the driver 230. For illustration 1100, the first length A is the length of the portion of the front face 405 extending between the edge 415 where the front face 405 and the driver interface 410 join and a point 1105 along the length wL. Point 1105 is the point along the length wL of the front face 405 where a line segment 1110 extending from the end of the driver interface 410 intersects the length wL of the front face 405 at a right angle.

[0055] A=cos(θ)*dL [Formula 3]

[0056] As represented below by Formula 4, the second length B is equal to the product of the sine of the tilt angle 420, the driver length dL, and the tangent of the angle ζ. As represented below by Formula 5, the angle ζ is a function of the tilt angle 420. For illustration 1100, the angle ζ is the angle between the line segment 1110 and the line segment 1115 extending between the end of the driver interface 410 and the end of the front face 405. In addition, for illustration 1100, the second length B is the length of the portion of the front face 405 extending between the point 1105 and the end of the front face 405 that engages the top surface 435.

[0057] B=sin(θ)*dL*tan(ζ) [Formula 4]

[0058]

[0059] When Equations 2-5 are combined into a single expression, as shown in Equation 6 below, the length wL of the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 can be solved as a function of the tilt angle 420 and the length dL of the driver 230. It should be understood that when the length wL of the front face 405 and the length dL of the driver 230 have been determined, Equation 6 can be rearranged to solve for the tilt angle 420.

[0060]

[0061] Thus, Equations 1-6 provided above may be used to design and / or solve for various geometric parameters of waveguide 235. As will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12-16, adjusting the value of one or more geometric parameters of waveguide 235 may affect changes in the horizontal and / or vertical dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by driver 230.

[0062] Figures 12A-12D 4 shows the effect of adjusting the tilt angle 420 on the vertical and horizontal dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 when the waveguide 235 coupled to the driver 230 is a straight waveguide (e.g., the top surface 435 is straight, rather than curved). For example, Fig. 12A Shown are the vertical dispersion 1200A of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1205A of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the dispersion 1210A of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 (e.g., in a second direction 450 toward the listening position of the passenger 205) when a straight waveguide 235 having a 10 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230. Fig. 12B 12 shows the vertical dispersion 1200B of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1205B of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the dispersion 1210B of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 when a straight waveguide 235 having a 20 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230. Similarly, Fig. 12C The vertical dispersion 1200C of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1205C of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the dispersion 1210C of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 are shown when a straight waveguide 235 having a 30 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230. In addition, Fig.12D Shown is the vertical diffusion 1200D of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, the horizontal diffusion 1205D of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the diffusion 1210D of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 when a straight waveguide 235 having a 40 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230.

[0063] As shown, the vertical spread of acoustic energy at high frequencies becomes less controlled or more diffuse as the tilt angle 420 increases from 10 degrees to 40 degrees and the top surface 435. Thus, a curved top surface 435 may be added to the waveguide 235 to improve control of the vertical spread of acoustic energy.

[0064] Figures 13A-13D 4 shows the effect of adjusting the tilt angle 420 on the vertical and horizontal dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 when the waveguide 235 coupled to the driver 230 is a curved waveguide (e.g., the top surface 435 is curved rather than straight). For example, Fig.13AShown are the vertical diffusion 1300A of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, the horizontal diffusion 1305A of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the diffusion 1310A of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 (e.g., in a second direction 450 toward a listening position of the passenger 205) when a curved waveguide 235 having a 10 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230. Fig. 13B 1300B, the vertical dispersion 1305B of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the dispersion 1310B of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 are shown when the curved waveguide 235 having a 20 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230. Similarly, Fig. 13C The vertical dispersion 1300C of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1305C of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the dispersion 1310C of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 are shown when the curved waveguide 235 having a 30 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230. In addition, Fig.13D Shown is the vertical diffusion 1300D of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, the horizontal diffusion 1305D of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230, and the diffusion 1310D of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 when the curved waveguide 235 with a 40 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230.

[0065] As shown, when the driver 230 is coupled to the curved waveguide 235 with a 20 or 30 degree tilt angle 420, the vertical dispersion 1300B, 1300C of the high frequency acoustic energy is relatively more controlled or less dispersed than the vertical dispersion 1300A, 1300D of the high frequency acoustic pressure when the driver 230 is coupled to the curved waveguide 235 with a 10 or 40 degree tilt angle 420. Figures 12A-12D The sound energy diffusion diagram and Figures 13A-13D , it can be clearly seen that the vertical dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a curved waveguide 235 is generally more controlled at high frequencies than the vertical dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a straight waveguide 235, regardless of the value of the tilt angle 420. In other words, a waveguide 235 having a curved top surface 435 is more effective at controlling the vertical dispersion of high frequency acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 than a waveguide having a straight top surface 435.

[0066] Figures 14A-14D Sound pressure contours are shown that more clearly depict the improved vertical directivity of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a waveguide 235 having a curved top surface 435. For example, Fig.14Ais a first contour line 1400A, which shows the vertical directivity of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a straight waveguide 235 having a 20 degree tilt angle 420. By comparison, Fig. 14B 14 is a second contour line 1400B, which illustrates the vertical directivity of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a curved waveguide 235 having a 20 degree tilt angle 420. As shown in the second contour line 1400B, when the driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 having a curved top surface 435, the pressure level of acoustic energy emitted along an axis 1405B perpendicular to the driver 230 varies less. That is, compared to the first contour line 1400A (which depicts the vertical spread of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a straight waveguide 235 having a 20 degree tilt angle 420), the second contour line 1400B shows that the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis from the driver 230 toward the listening position of the passenger 205 (e.g., in the second direction 450) is more controlled and highly focused. Additionally, the second contour line 1400B shows that when the waveguide 235 has a curved top surface 435, the amount or concentration of downwardly directed acoustic energy (eg, directed below the listening position of the passenger 235) emitted by the driver 230 is reduced.

[0067] A similar effect is achieved through Fig. 14C and Fig.14D To show the comparison between Fig. 14C A third contour line 1400C is shown which illustrates the vertical directivity of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a straight waveguide 235 having a 30 degree tilt angle 420, Fig.14D A fourth contour line 1400D is shown, illustrating the vertical directivity of acoustic energy emitted by a driver 230 coupled to a curved waveguide 235 having a 30 degree tilt angle 420 .

[0068] As yet another example of the benefits of coupling the driver 230 to the angled curved waveguide 235, Figures 15A-15D Pole figures showing the controlled diffusion of emitted acoustic energy along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 are provided. Figures 15A-15D In the illustrated example, the acoustic energy diffusion described has a frequency of 10 kHz. Fig.15A The spread 1500A of emitted acoustic energy is shown along an axis 1505A that is perpendicular to the driver 230 coupled to a curved waveguide 235 having a 10 degree tilt angle (eg, the driver 230 is tilted at 10 degrees). Fig. 15B The spread 1500B of emitted acoustic energy is shown along an axis 1505B that is perpendicular to the driver 230 coupled to a curved waveguide 235 having a 20 degree tilt angle (eg, the driver 230 is tilted at 20 degrees). Fig. 15CThe spread 1500C of emitted acoustic energy is shown along an axis 1505C that is perpendicular to the driver 230 coupled to the curved waveguide 235 having a 30 degree tilt angle (eg, the driver 230 is tilted at 30 degrees). Fig.15D The dispersion 1500D of the emitted acoustic energy is shown along an axis 1505D that is perpendicular to the driver 230 coupled to the curved waveguide 235 having a 40 degree tilt angle (e.g., the driver 230 is tilted at 40 degrees). Figures 15A-15D As shown, tilting the waveguide 235 at an angle 420 that tilts the driver 230 toward the listening position of the passenger 205 concentrates the dispersion of high frequency (e.g., 10 kHz) acoustic energy along an axis 1505 that is perpendicular to the driver 230. In other words, tilting the driver 230 increases the concentration of high frequency acoustic energy emitted in a direction toward the passenger's listening position (e.g., the second direction 450), while also decreasing the concentration of high frequency acoustic energy emitted in a direction below the passenger's listening position (e.g., the first direction 445).

[0069] Although the width 430 of the slot opening 425 formed in the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 is not described above using Formulas 1-6 for designing the geometric parameters of the waveguide 235, the value of the width 430 of the slot opening 425 should also be considered when designing the waveguide 235. Generally, designing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 to be much smaller than the length wL of the front face 405 and smaller than the length dL of the driver 230 improves the horizontal directivity of the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230. That is, reducing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 results in a higher horizontal diffusion of the acoustic energy within the passenger compartment 200. In addition, reducing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 reduces the amount of damping such as radiation attenuation because the area through which the acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 exits the waveguide is smaller.

[0070] Although reducing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 has the benefits described above, some undesirable effects may occur when the width 430 becomes too narrow. For example, reducing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 too much may present challenges when coupling the waveguide 235 to a wide driver 230. Additionally, in some cases, reducing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 too much may increase the ripple frequency of the speaker assembly 225.

[0071] Figures 16A-16D The effect of adjusting the width 430 of the slot opening 425 on the dispersion of acoustic energy emitted by the driver 230 along an axis perpendicular to the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 (e.g., in a first direction 445) and along an axis perpendicular to the driver 230 (e.g., in a second direction 450) is shown. For example, Fig.16AHorizontal dispersion 1600A of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a first direction 445 below a listening position of passenger 205 and horizontal dispersion 1605A of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a second direction 450 toward the listening position of passenger 205 are shown, wherein driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 in which a width 430 of a slot opening 425 is 13 millimeters (mm). Fig. 16B Horizontal diffusion 1600B of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a first direction 445 below a listening position of passenger 205 and horizontal diffusion 1605B of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a second direction 450 toward a listening position of passenger 205 are shown, wherein driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 in which a slot opening 425 has a width 430 of 10 mm. Fig. 16C Horizontal diffusion 1600C of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a first direction 445 below a listening position of passenger 205 and horizontal diffusion 1605C of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a second direction 450 toward a listening position of passenger 205 are shown, wherein driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 in which a width 430 of a slot opening 425 is 7.5 mm. Fig.16D Horizontal diffusion 1600D of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a first direction 445 below a listening position of passenger 205 and horizontal diffusion 1605D of acoustic energy radiated from driver 230 in a second direction 450 toward a listening position of passenger 205 are shown, wherein driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 in which a slot opening 425 has a width 430 of 5 mm.

[0072] The speaker assembly including the tilted waveguide described herein provides an improved listening experience for the passenger 205 riding in the vehicle 100. However, it should be understood that although the speaker assembly 225, driver 230 and / or waveguide 235 described herein are primarily described as being implemented in the vehicle 100, the speaker assembly 225, driver 230 and / or waveguide 235 described herein may also be implemented in other applications in which the height and / or position of the sound level can be adjusted. For example, the waveguide 235 described herein may be used with television speakers, speakers in a home theater, movie theater speakers, speakers in a concert venue, and / or other speakers to adjust the position of the sound field of the listening environment. In addition, the waveguide 235 described herein may be used with television speakers, speakers in a home theater, movie theater speakers, speakers in a concert venue, and / or other speakers to better control the vertical and / or horizontal dispersion of the sound energy emitted by these speakers.

[0073] In addition, as described above, the speaker assembly 225, driver 230, and / or waveguide 235 described herein can be implemented in a multi-channel audio system and / or product. For example, the speaker assembly 225, driver 230, and / or waveguide 235 can be implemented in a 360-degree speaker, a sound bar, a television, a home theater, and / or other multi-channel audio products and / or systems. In this case, the waveguide 235 described herein can be coupled to a driver 230 for outputting height channel audio. Thus, in this case, the waveguide 235 is used to guide and / or reproduce the height channel audio emitted by the driver 230 at a predetermined source location (e.g., a location above the ear level of the listener / viewer). For example, when a driver 230 for emitting acoustic energy associated with a treble channel is included in a device such as a sound bar or a television, the waveguide 235 guides the emitted acoustic energy so that the treble channel audio output by the driver 230 appears to arrive from an elevated location above the ear level of the listener / viewer. In some cases, the speaker assemblies 225, drivers 230, and / or waveguides 235 described herein are used to increase lateral spatial / directivity as an alternative to or in addition to vertical directivity.

[0074] Technical Effects

[0075] Systems, methods, and devices according to the present disclosure may employ any one or more of the following configurations.

[0076] (1) A speaker assembly includes: a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide and an audio driver. The wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide includes: a first face including a slot opening formed therein; a second face joined to the first face at an edge, the second face being inclined at a first angle relative to the first face; and a surface disposed opposite to the edge and connected between the first face and the second face. The audio driver is coupled to the second face such that the audio driver is inclined at the first angle relative to the first face.

[0077] (2) The speaker assembly according to (1), wherein the surface is arc-shaped.

[0078] (3) The speaker assembly according to (2), wherein the surface is tangential to the first surface and perpendicular to the second surface.

[0079] (4) The speaker assembly according to (2), wherein the radius of the arcuate surface is a function of the length of the first surface and the tangent of the first angle.

[0080] (5) The speaker assembly according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the length of the first surface is a function of the length of the second surface and the first angle.

[0081] (6) A speaker assembly according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first surface faces a first direction and the audio driver faces a second direction, and wherein the pressure level of sound energy emitted by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

[0082] (7) The speaker assembly according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide further includes a structural component for mounting the speaker assembly on a vehicle pillar.

[0083] (8) An acoustic waveguide for an audio driver, comprising: a wedge-shaped body; a first face including a slit opening formed therein; a second face joined to the first face at an edge, the second face being inclined at a first angle relative to the first face; and a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first face and the second face.

[0084] (9) The acoustic waveguide according to (8), wherein the surface is arc-shaped.

[0085] (10) The acoustic waveguide according to (9), wherein the surface is tangential to the first surface and perpendicular to the second surface.

[0086] (11) The acoustic waveguide according to (9), wherein a radius of the arcuate surface is a function of a length of the first surface and a tangent of the first angle.

[0087] (12) The acoustic waveguide according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the length of the first surface is a function of the length of the second surface and the first angle.

[0088] (13) An acoustic waveguide according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the first surface faces a first direction and the audio driver faces a second direction, and wherein, when the audio driver is coupled to the second surface, the pressure level of the acoustic energy emitted by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

[0089] (14) The acoustic waveguide according to any one of (8) to (13), further comprising a structural component for mounting the speaker assembly on a vehicle pillar.

[0090] (15) A vehicle includes: a passenger compartment; a pillar extending upward at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment; and a speaker assembly mounted on the pillar. The speaker assembly includes: a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide including: a first face including a slot opening formed therein; a second face joined to the first face at an edge, the second face tilted at a first angle relative to the first face; and a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first face and the second face. The speaker assembly also includes: an audio driver coupled to the second face such that the audio driver is tilted at the first angle relative to the first face.

[0091] (16) The vehicle of (15), further comprising a trim panel coupled to the pillar, and wherein the speaker assembly is disposed between the pillar and the trim panel.

[0092] (17) The vehicle according to (16), wherein the first surface is flush with a surface of the trim panel.

[0093] (18) A vehicle according to any one of (15) to (17), wherein the first surface faces the passenger compartment along a first direction and the audio driver faces the passenger compartment along a second direction, and wherein the pressure level of sound energy emitted by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

[0094] (19) The vehicle according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein the surface is arc-shaped.

[0095] (20) The vehicle of (19), wherein the surface is tangent to the first surface and perpendicular to the second surface.

[0096] (21) The vehicle according to any one of (19) to (20), wherein the radius of the arcuate surface is a function of the length of the first surface and the tangent of the first angle.

[0097] (22) The vehicle of any one of (19) to (21), wherein the length of the first surface is a function of the length of the second surface and the first angle.

[0098] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many examples and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but rather with reference to the appended claims and the full range of equivalents to which these claims are entitled. It is expected and intended that future developments will be included in the technology discussed herein, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future examples. In short, it should be understood that the application is capable of modification and change.

[0099] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable interpretations and their ordinary meanings as understood by those familiar with the technology described herein unless explicitly indicated to the contrary herein. In particular, use of singular articles such as "a," "an," "the," and the like should be understood to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim expressly limits to the contrary.

[0100] The abstract of the present disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that in order to simplify the present disclosure, various features are grouped together in various cases. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed examples contain more features than those expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed example. Therefore, the attached claims are incorporated into the detailed description herein, with each claim existing independently as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A speaker assembly, comprising: Wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide, comprising: a first surface including a slot opening formed therein; a second surface joined to the first surface at an edge, the second surface being inclined at a first angle relative to the first surface; and a surface disposed opposite to the edge and connected between the first face and the second face; and an audio driver coupled to the second face such that the audio driver is tilted at the first angle relative to the first face, wherein the first face is oriented to face in a first direction and the audio driver is oriented to face in a second direction; and The pressure level of the sound energy emitted by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

2. The loudspeaker assembly of claim 1, wherein the surface is arcuate. The loudspeaker assembly of claim 2 , wherein the surface is tangential to the first face and perpendicular to the second face.

4. A loudspeaker assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein a radius of the arcuate surface is a function of a length of the first face and a tangent of the first angle.

5. The loudspeaker assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length of the first face is a function of the length of the second face and the first angle.

6. The loudspeaker assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide further comprises a structural assembly for mounting the loudspeaker assembly on a pillar of a vehicle.

7. A vehicle comprising: Passenger compartment; a support column extending upwardly at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment; as well as A speaker assembly is mounted on the support, and the speaker assembly comprises: Wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide, comprising: a first surface including a slot opening formed therein; a second surface joined to the first surface at an edge, the second surface being inclined at a second angle relative to the first surface; and a surface disposed opposite to the edge and connected between the first face and the second face; and an audio driver coupled to the second face such that the audio driver is tilted at the second angle relative to the first face, wherein the first face is oriented to face the passenger compartment in a first direction and the audio driver is oriented to face the passenger compartment in a second direction; and The pressure level of the sound energy emitted by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

8. The vehicle of claim 7 further comprising a trim panel coupled to the pillar; and The speaker assembly is arranged between the pillar and the decorative panel.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the first face is flush with a surface of the trim panel.

10. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the surface is arcuate. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the surface is tangential to the first face and perpendicular to the second face.

12. The vehicle of any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the radius of the arcuate surface is a function of the length of the first face and the tangent of the first angle.

13. The vehicle of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the length of the first face is a function of the length of the second face and the first angle.

14. An acoustic waveguide for an audio driver, comprising: wedge-shaped body; a first surface including a slot opening formed therein; a second face joined at an edge to the first face, the second face being inclined at a first angle relative to the first face and configured to couple the audio driver to the acoustic waveguide; as well as a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first face and the second face, wherein the first face is oriented to face in a first direction and the audio driver is oriented to face in a second direction; and When the audio driver is coupled to the second surface, the pressure level of the sound energy emitted by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

15. The acoustic waveguide of claim 14, wherein the surface is arcuate.

16. The acoustic waveguide of claim 15, wherein the surface is tangential to the first face and perpendicular to the second face.

17. An acoustic waveguide according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the radius of the arcuate surface is a function of the length of the first face and the tangent of the first angle.

18. An acoustic waveguide according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the length of the first face is a function of the length of the second face and the first angle.

19. An acoustic waveguide according to any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising a structural assembly for mounting the acoustic waveguide on a pillar of a vehicle.

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