Systems for loudspeaker

Abstract

Systems are provided for a loudspeaker. In one example, the loudspeaker includes a plurality of horns arranged at unique angles to increase a coverage of the loudspeaker. The plurality of horns may each include a contoured surface extending from an entrance to a mouth.

Description

Docket No. P230234WO SYSTEMS FOR LOUDSPEAKER CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to PCT Patent Application No. PCT / CN2023 / 115524, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR LOUDSPEAKER”, and filed on August 29, 2023. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to loudspeakers and, more particularly, to acoustical horns or waveguides for use in loudspeakers. BACKGROUND / SUMMARY

[0003] Typically, a loudspeaker includes a driving unit that is coupled to a horn. The large end of the horn, called the “mouth,” typically has an area large enough to radiate sound efficiently at a desired low frequency. The small end of the horn, called the “throat,” has an area selected to match the acoustic impedance and exit diameter of the driving unit and to reduce distortion of the acoustic signal.

[0004] The loudspeaker horn guides the acoustic signal or acoustic energy into particular directions or regions. The loudspeaker horn surfaces that constrain and control the radiation of acoustic energy are commonly referred to as an acoustic waveguide. The surfaces of an acoustic waveguide in a loudspeaker typically produce a coverage pattern of a specified total coverage angle that may differ horizontally and vertically. The coverage angle is a total angle in any plane of observation (although typically horizontal and vertical orthogonal planes are used). The coverage angle is evaluated as a function of frequency and is defined to be the angle at which the intensity of sound, or sound pressure level (SPL), is half of the SPL on the axis (the reference axial direction is usually normal to the throat of the driver). SUMMARY

[0005] The disclosure provides support for a loudspeaker comprising a plurality of horns arranged at different angles. Each horn of the plurality of horns comprises an entrance disposed at a first axial end and configured to receive a driver, a mouth disposed at a second axial end opposite the first axial end, and a contoured surface between the entrance and the mouth,Docket No. P230234WO wherein the contoured surface of each horn of the plurality of horns curves and extends in a unique direction.

[0006] It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The disclosure may be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a loudspeaker, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a first horn of the loudspeaker, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D show different views of a second horn of the loudspeaker, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0011] FIGS.4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D shows different view of a third horn of the loudspeaker, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 5A and 5B show example guide lines for configuring the second and third side horns.

[0013] FIG.6 shows an example of a side horn, which may be a non-limiting example of the second horn and the third horn.

[0014] FIGS.7A and 7B show the directivity of the side horn in horizontal direction.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows the directivity of a side horn in a loudspeaker comprising a central horn and a side horn.

[0016] FIGS.9A and 9B show the directivity of the side horn in vertical direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure provides support for a loudspeaker comprising a plurality of horns. A loudspeaker may include a horn or a waveguide, which may define the coverage pattern of the loudspeaker in one or more planes. The horn or waveguide may include an entrance, which may be positioned at a first axial end of the horn or waveguide. The entranceDocket No. P230234WO may be positioned on an entrance plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the horn or waveguide. The longitudinal axis may be a line that is perpendicular to the entrance plane and intersects the entrance plane at the center of the entrance. The horn or waveguide may or may not be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The entrance may be configured to receive a driver. The horn or waveguide may include a mouth disposed at a second axial end of the horn or waveguide opposite the entrance. The horn or waveguide may include a contoured surface extending between the entrance and the mouth. The contoured surface may be an inner surface defining a cavity within the horn or waveguide. The contoured surface may include, for example, a frustoconical surface or a plurality of walls arranged relative to one another to form the cavity. The horn or waveguide may include a throat extending between the entrance and the contoured surface. For example, the contoured surface may have a first axial end positioned near the entrance and a second axial end positioned near the mouth. The throat may extend from the entrance to the first axial end of the contoured surface to couple the contoured surface to the entrance. The throat may be configured as a tubular member defined by one or more walls. In one example, the cross sectional area of the throat transverse to the longitudinal axis of the horn or waveguide may expand along the longitudinal axis of the horn or waveguide. For example, the cross sectional area of the throat may expand exponentially. In other examples, the cross sectional area of the throat may remain substantially constant, contract, or any combination thereof. The terms "horn" and "waveguide" may be used interchangeably herein, and are defined to include any form of mechanism or device having an entrance and a mouth that can be placed in the vicinity of a loudspeaker to affect or modify the directivity or pattern of at least a portion of audible sound waves produced by the loudspeaker.

[0018] In one example, an elliptical waveguide may define the coverage pattern of a loudspeaker in one plane (i.e., the design plane). The elliptical waveguide may include a contoured surface having a generally frustoconical shape. A cross section of the contoured surface taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide may have an elliptical shape. The elliptical waveguide may lack a throat. In other words, the throat may be omitted, and the first axial end of the contoured surface may be positioned at the entrance of the waveguide. The design plane may be a plane including the longitudinal axis of the elliptical waveguide and the major axis of the elliptical shaped cross section of the contoured surface. The coverage angle of audible sound emitted by the loudspeaker in planes other than the design plane may be at least partially constrained by the shape of the elliptical waveguide and the coverage angle in the design plane. In other words, the coverage angle of sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker in planes other than the design plane may be at least partially dependent on orDocket No. P230234WO affected by the geometry of the waveguide and the coverage angle of the loudspeaker in the design plane. In this manner, the coverage pattern of sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker may be at least partially constrained by the shape of the elliptical waveguide and the coverage angle in the design plane. As used herein, the terms "coverage pattern" or "pattern" of sound waves refers to at least one of, or both of, the directivity and propagation behavior of sound waves radiating from a loudspeaker.

[0019] In another example, a bi-radial horn may at least partially define the coverage angle of sound waves emitted by a loudspeaker in multiple planes (i.e., multiple design planes). The bi-radial horn may include a first pair of walls positioned opposite one another and a second pair of walls positioned opposite one another. The first pair of walls may be mirror images of one another. The second pair of walls may be mirror images of one another. The first pair of walls and the second pair of walls may be arranged relative to one another to form the contoured surface and the cavity of the bi-radial horn. A first design plane may be a plane including the longitudinal axis of the bi-radial horn and bisecting each of the first pair of walls. In one example, the first design plane may be a horizontal plane. A second design plane may be a plane including the longitudinal axis of the bi-radial horn and bisecting each of the second pair of walls. In one example, the second design plane may be a vertical plane. The coverage angle of sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker in planes other than the design planes may be at least partially constrained by the shape of the bi-radial horn and the coverage angles in the design planes. In other words, the coverage angle of the loudspeaker in planes other than the design planes may be at least partially dependent on or affected by the coverage angles of sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker in the design planes. In this manner, the coverage pattern of sound waves emitted by the loudspeaker may be at least partially constrained by the shape of the bi-radial horn and the coverage angles in the design planes.

[0020] FIG.1 illustrates a view of a loudspeaker. FIGS.2A and 2B illustrate a first horn of the loudspeaker. FIGS. 3A-3D show different views of a second horn of the loudspeaker. FIGS.4A-4D show different view of a third horn of the loudspeaker. FIGS.5A and 5B show example guide lines for configuring the second and third side horns. FIG.6 shows an example of a side horn, which may be a non-limiting example of the second horn and the third horn. FIGS.7A and 7B show the directivity of the side horn in a horizontal direction. FIG.8 shows the directivity of a side horn in a loudspeaker comprising a central horn and a side horn. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the directivity of the side horn in a vertical direction.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a loudspeaker 100. The loudspeaker 100 may include a plurality of horns including a first horn 200, a second horn 300, and a third horn 400.Docket No. P230234WO In one example, the first horn 200 is a middle horn arranged between the second horn 300 and the third horn 400. The second horn 300 may be a right horn. The third horn 400 may be a left horn. In one example, each of the plurality of horns may direct sounds to different locations relative to the loudspeaker. In one example, each of the first horn 200, the second horn 300, and the third horn 400 may direct sound at a different angle relative to a surface 102 of the loudspeaker 100. By positioned each of the plurality of horns to extend in a unique direction, sound emitted from the plurality of horns may be complementary and cover a larger area with reduced overlap between the horns.

[0022] FIG. 1 further illustrates a horizontal direction 192 and a vertical direction 194. The horizontal direction 192 and the vertical direction 194 may be used herein as references for a shape of the horn surfaces and a directivity of the horns (e.g., a direction in which the horns emit sounds). As will be described herein, a surface shape may control directivity of the sound. A direction and a guide line of the second horn 300 or the third horn 400 may be modified to adjust the directivity to meet a desired application condition. Additional horns may be used to adjust a sound field to be a more or less immersive sound experience.

[0023] FIGS.2A and 2B illustrate an example of the first horn 200, which may define the coverage angle of a loudspeaker in three or more planes. The first horn 200 includes an entrance 202 positioned at a first axial end of the first horn 200. The entrance 202 may be positioned on an entrance plane. In the example shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the entrance 202 has a circular shape. The first horn 200 includes a mouth 206 disposed at a second axial end of the horn opposite the entrance 202. The mouth 206 may be planar or non-planar. For example, the mouth may be disposed on a plane that is substantially parallel to the entrance plane. Alternatively, the mouth 206 may be curved as shown in FIGS.2A and 2B. The mouth 206 may be disposed on a surface having a radius of curvature about the entrance 202. In the example shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the mouth 206 has a rectangular shape. In other examples, the entrance 202 and the mouth 206 may have any other shape. The horn 200 includes a contoured surface 208 extending between the entrance 202 and the mouth 206. The first horn 200 includes a throat 210 extending between the entrance 202 and the contoured surface 208. In the example shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the throat 210 extends from the entrance 202 to a first axial end 212 of the contoured surface 208 to couple the contoured surface and the entrance to one another. The depth of the throat 210 may vary around the circumference of the throat.

[0024] The contoured surface 208 may include one or more predetermined surface irregularities or surface variations. For example, the contoured surface 208 may include dimples 216 and / or protuberances 218 positioned at various positions along the contouredDocket No. P230234WO surface. A cross section of the first horn 200 may have a shape that is a non-polygonal closed curve that is neither a circle, an ellipse, nor a rectangle. In other words, the cross section may be a non-polygonal, non-circular, non-elliptical, non-rectangular closed curve. The contoured surface 208 may vary in circumferential and / or longitudinal directions. In one example, the contoured surface 208 may vary continuously. For example, the contoured surface 208 may taper in the longitudinal and / or circumferential directions. In another example, the contoured surface may include discontinuous or abrupt transitions. For example, the contoured surface 208 may include a step, an offset, a stagger, a shoulder, a depression, and / or a dome in the longitudinal and / or circumferential directions.

[0025] The first horn 200 may include a plurality of walls that collectively define the contoured surface 208. For example, the horn 200 may include four walls as shown in FIG. 2B. The first horn 200 may include a first pair of walls 220 positioned opposite one another and a second pair of walls 222 positioned opposite one another. The first pair of walls may be mirror images of one another. Additionally, or alternatively, the second pair of walls may be mirror images of one another. In other examples, the horn may include any number of walls (e.g., three, five, or more) that collectively form the contoured surface. The first pair of walls 220 and the second pair of walls 222 may be arranged relative to one another to form the contoured surface 208 of the first horn 200. To that end, each wall 220 may be joined to an adjacent wall 222 at a joint 224. The joint 224 may extend longitudinally between the entrance 202 and the mouth 206 of the first horn 200. For example, each joint 224 may extend longitudinally from the first axial end 212 of the contoured surface 208 to the mouth 206. The walls 220 and 222 may be formed as a unitary structure or formed separately and joined to one another to form the contoured surface 208. The walls 220 and 222 may flare outward as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In other examples, the walls may extend straight (e.g., planar), curve inward, or have any other desired configuration.

[0026] One or more of the walls of the first horn 200 may include a predetermined surface irregularity. For example, each wall 220 may include a dimple 216, and each wall 222 may include a protuberance 218 as shown in FIGS.2A-2B. The dimples 216 may extend outward away from the longitudinal axis of the first horn 200 and into the contoured surface 208. The protuberances 218 may protrude inward toward the longitudinal axis of the first horn 200 and outward from the contoured surface 208. In this manner, the contoured surface 208 may have an irregular or non-uniform shape defined by the surface irregularities. The dimples 216 may be positioned approximately at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. The protuberances 218 may be positioned approximately at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. In other examples,Docket No. P230234WO the surface irregularities may be positioned at any other circumferential and / or longitudinal position along the contoured surface. The coverage pattern of audible sound emitted by a loudspeaker coupled with the first horn 200 may depend on the size, shape, and / or placement of the surface irregularities. In this manner, the coverage pattern of audible sound emitted by a loudspeaker coupled with the first horn 200 may be independent of the shape of the entrance 202 and / or the mouth 206 of the first horn 200. In other words, the shape of the coverage pattern may be different than the shape of the entrance 202 and / or the mouth 206 of the first horn. For example, the first horn 200, having a substantially rectangular shaped mouth 206, may produce a non-rectangular coverage pattern. This may enable a coverage pattern of any desired shape to be produced using a horn having an entrance and / or a mouth of any desired shape as further described below. The contoured surface 208 may taper continuously to provide substantially smooth transitions between predetermined surface features as further described below.

[0027] Two planes, each including the longitudinal axis of the first horn 200, may divide the horn into four sections. For example, a first plane (e.g., a y-z plane) may extend between the 12 o’clock position and the 6 o’clock position, and a second plane (e.g., an x-z plane) may extend between the 3 o’clock position and the 9 o’clock position. An oblique plane (e.g., a plane that includes the longitudinal axis of the first horn 200 and is oblique to the first and second planes) may intersect the first section of the first horn 200 disposed between the 12 o’clock position and the 9 o’clock position. The intersection between the oblique plane and the first horn 200 (e.g., the contoured surface 208 and / or the throat 210) may be a continuous curve. For example, the intersection may be an unbroken curve extending continuously from the entrance 202 to the mouth 206. In one example, the unbroken curve may include at least a portion of the entrance 202, the throat 210, and the contoured surface 208. In another example, the unbroken curve may include at least a portion of the entrance 202 and the contoured surface 208. For example, the oblique plane may intersect the horn at a circumferential position at which the contoured surface 208 is in contact with the entrance 202. In one example, the contoured surface 208 may vary in the circumferential and longitudinal directions such that the intersection between the contoured surface 208 and / or the throat 210 of a section of the first horn 200 and any plane including the longitudinal axis of the first horn 200 and positioned oblique to the first and second planes (e.g., any oblique plane) may be a continuous curve extending between the entrance 202 and the mouth 206.

[0028] By providing a contoured surface having predetermined surface irregularities at predetermined locations, the coverage angle of audible sound emitted by a loudspeaker coupledDocket No. P230234WO with the first horn 200 may be defined for at least three design planes (e.g., the first plane, the second plane, and an oblique plane). In this manner, the first horn 200 may be configured to provide a substantially predefined coverage angle or direction of sound waves in any plane intersecting the longitudinal axis. The predefined coverage angles in a plurality of different planes each including the longitudinal axis may collectively define a predefined coverage pattern of sound waves provided by the first horn 200 or waveguide. In this manner, the coverage angles in the plurality of design planes may collectively define the shape (e.g., the transverse cross sectional shape) of the coverage pattern. The coverage pattern of sound waves may be substantially predefined without regard to the horn shape, which may enable independence between the horn shape and the coverage pattern and / or reduce diffraction as described above. The coverage pattern, which may be formed from a combination of coverage angles in the plurality of planes may be rectangular, elliptical, or any other shape. For example, an elliptical horn or waveguide may produce an elliptical coverage pattern, an elliptical horn or waveguide may produce a rectangular coverage pattern, a rectangular horn or waveguide may produce an elliptical coverage pattern, a rectangular horn or waveguide may produce a rectangular coverage pattern, or an amoeba shaped horn or waveguide may produce a trapezoidal coverage pattern. In other examples, a horn or waveguide having any shape may produce a coverage pattern having any shape. Because the horn or waveguide may be configured to provide a desired coverage pattern of audible sound waves in the plurality of design planes (e.g., design planes in addition to horizontal and / or vertical planes), the frequency response and / or directivity anomalies of sound waves produced by the loudspeaker may be reduced as compared to horn designs with less than three design planes. Because horn geometry may be defined from the central horn axis outward, internal reflections may be reduced and / or frequency response may be improved as compared to horn designs with less than three design planes.

[0029] Turning now to FIGS.3A-3D, they show an example of a second horn 300, which may define the coverage angle of a loudspeaker in three of more planes. The second horn 300 may include an entrance 302 positioned at a first axial end of the second horn. The entrance 302 may be positioned on an entrance plane as described above with reference to the first horn 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. The entrance 302 may include a circular shape. The second horn 300 includes a mouth 306 arranged at a second axial end of the horn opposite the entrance 302. The mouth 306 may be planar or non-planar. For example, the mouth 306 may be disposed on a plane that is substantially parallel to the entrance plane. Alternatively, the mouth 306 may be curved as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. The mouth 306 may be disposed on a surface having aDocket No. P230234WO radius of curvature about the entrance 302. In the example shown in FIGS.3A-3D, the mouth 306 has a pentagonal shape. The pentagonal shape of the mouth 306 may include rounded corners and two or more sides of the pentagon may be different lengths. In other examples, mouth 306 may have any other shape. In one example, the mouth 306 is shaped into a surface 301, wherein the mouth 306 is shaped to direct audio wavelengths to a specific side of the loudspeaker (e.g., loudspeaker 100 of FIG. 1). In this way, the second horn 300 may operate complementary to the first horn 200 by directing audio in a substantially different direction relative to the first horn 200.

[0030] The second horn 300 includes a contoured surface 308 extending between the entrance 302 and the mouth 306. The second horn 300 includes a throat 310 extending between the entrance 302 and the contoured surface 308. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the throat 310 extends from the entrance 302 to a first axial end 312 of the contoured surface 308 to couple the contoured surface and the entrance 302 to one another. The depth of the throat 310 may vary around the circumference of the throat 310.

[0031] The contoured surface 308 may include one or more predetermined surface irregularities or surface variations. For example, the contoured surface 308 may include dimples and / or protuberances positioned at various positions along the contoured surface. A cross section of the second horn 300 may have a shape that is a non-polygonal closed curve that is neither a circle, an ellipse, nor a rectangle. In other words, the cross section may be a non-polygonal, non-circular, non-elliptical, non-rectangular closed curve. The contoured surface 308 may vary in circumferential and / or longitudinal directions. In one example, the contoured surface 308 may vary continuously. For example, the contoured surface 308 may taper in the longitudinal and / or circumferential directions. In another example, the contoured surface may include discontinuous or abrupt transitions. For example, the contoured surface 308 may include a step, an offset, a stagger, a shoulder, a depression, and / or a dome in the longitudinal and / or circumferential directions.

[0032] The second horn 300 may include a plurality of walls that collectively define the contoured surface 308. For example, the second horn 300 may include four walls similar to the first horn 200. The second horn 300 may include a first wall 320 positioned opposite a third wall 324 and a second wall 322 positioned opposite a fourth wall 326. A backside of the fourth wall 326 may correspond to a portion of the surface 301. In one example, the fourth wall 326 may be smaller than each of the first wall 320, the second wall 322, and the third wall 324. The first wall 320 and the third wall 324 may be substantially identical to one another in size and shape. The first wall 320 may represent an upper portion of the contoured surface 308Docket No. P230234WO and the third wall 324 may represent a lower portion of the contoured surface 308. The first wall 320 and the third wall 324 may curve away from one another as they extend away from the entrance 302 and approach the mouth 306. In this way, a cross-sectional opening of the second horn 300 may increase in the direction from the entrance 302 to the mouth 306. The second wall 322 may be larger than each of the first wall 320, the third wall 324, and the fourth wall 326. The second wall 322 may become less curved as it approaches the mouth 306. For example, dashed line 328 illustrates a location at which the second wall 322 becomes less curved.

[0033] In one example, the first wall 320 and the third wall 324 may be mirror images of one another. In other examples, the second horn 300 may include any number of walls (e.g., three, five, or more) that collectively form the contoured surface. The walls may be arranged relative to one another to form the contoured surface 308 of the second horn 300. To that end, each wall may be joined to an adjacent wall at a joint. The first through fourth walls (i.e., first through fourth walls 320, 322, 324, 326) may be formed as a unitary structure or formed separately and joined to one another to form the contoured surface 308. The walls may flare outward as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. In other examples, the walls may extend straight (e.g., planar), curve inward, or have any other desired configuration.

[0034] The mouth 306 may include linear sides shaped via the first wall 320, the second wall 322, and the third wall 324. The linear sides may be equal to one another in length. In one example, the linear side shaped by the second wall 322 may be larger than the linear sides shaped by the first wall 320 and the third wall 324. The mouth 306 may further include angled sides shaped via the first wall 320, the third wall 324, and the fourth wall 326. The angled sides may include a triangular-shape and the linear sides may include a square-shape, such that a combination of two of an angle side and a linear side forms a pentagonal-shape.

[0035] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4D, they show an example of a third horn 400, which may define the coverage angle of a loudspeaker in three of more planes. The third horn 400 may include an entrance 402 positioned at a first axial end of the third horn 400. The entrance 402 may be positioned on an entrance plane as described above with reference to the first horn 200 of FIGS.2A and 2B. The entrance 402 may include a circular shape. The third horn 400 includes a mouth 406 arranged at a second axial end of the horn opposite the entrance 402. The mouth 406 may be planar or non-planar. For example, the mouth 406 may be disposed on a plane that is substantially parallel to the entrance plane. Alternatively, the mouth 406 may be curved as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. The mouth 406 may be disposed on a surface having a radius of curvature about the entrance 402. In the example shown in FIGS.4A-4D, the mouthDocket No. P230234WO 406 has a pentagonal shape. In other examples, mouth 406 may have any other shape. In one example, the mouth 406 is shaped into a surface 401, wherein the mouth 406 is shaped to direct audio wavelengths to a specific side of the loudspeaker (e.g., loudspeaker 100 of FIG. 1). In this way, the third horn 400 may operate complementary to the first horn 200 and second horn 300 by directing audio in a substantially different direction relative to the first horn 200 and the second horn 300. For example, the first horn 200 may direct audio in a substantially first direction, the second horn 300 may direct audio in a substantially second direction angled to the first direction, and the third horn 400 may direct audio in a substantially third direction angled to the first direction and opposite to the second direction. In one example, the third horn 400 is a mirror image of the second horn 300.

[0036] The third horn 400 includes a contoured surface 408 extending between the entrance 402 and the mouth 406. The third horn 400 includes a throat 410 extending between the entrance 402 and the contoured surface 408. In the example shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the throat 410 extends from the entrance 402 to a first axial end 412 of the contoured surface 408 to couple the contoured surface and the entrance 402 to one another. The depth of the throat 410 may vary around the circumference of the throat.

[0037] The contoured surface 408 may include one or more predetermined surface irregularities or surface variations. For example, the contoured surface 408 may include dimples and / or protuberances positioned at various positions along the contoured surface. A cross section of the third horn 400 may have a shape that is a non-polygonal closed curve that is neither a circle, an ellipse, nor a rectangle. In other words, the cross section may be a non- polygonal, non-circular, non-elliptical, non-rectangular closed curve. The contoured surface 408 may vary in circumferential and / or longitudinal directions. In one example, the contoured surface 408 may vary continuously. For example, the contoured surface 408 may taper in the longitudinal and / or circumferential directions. In another example, the contoured surface may include discontinuous or abrupt transitions. For example, the contoured surface 408 may include a step, an offset, a stagger, a shoulder, a depression, and / or a dome in the longitudinal and / or circumferential directions.

[0038] The third horn 400 may include a plurality of walls that collectively define the contoured surface 408. For example, the third horn 400 may include four walls as. The third horn 400 may include a first wall 420 positioned opposite a third wall 424 and a second wall 422 positioned opposite a fourth wall 426. A backside of the fourth wall 426 may be correspond to a portion of the surface 401. In one example, the fourth wall 426 may be smaller than each of the first wall 420, the second wall 422, and the third wall 424. The first wall 420Docket No. P230234WO and the third wall 424 may be substantially identical to one another in size and shape. The first wall 420 may represent an upper portion of the contoured surface 408 and the third wall 424 may represent a lower portion of the contoured surface 408. The first wall 420 and the third wall 424 may curve away from one another as they extend away from the entrance 402 and approach the mouth 406. In this way, a cross-sectional opening of the third horn 400 may increase in the direction from the entrance 402 to the mouth 406. The second wall 422 may be larger than each of the first wall 420, the third wall 424, and the fourth wall 426. The second wall 422 may become less curved as it approaches the mouth 406. For example, dashed line 428 illustrates a location at which the second wall 422 becomes less curved.

[0039] In one example, the first wall 420 and the third wall 424 may be mirror images of one another. In other examples, the third horn 400 may include any number of walls (e.g., three, five, or more) that collectively form the contoured surface. The walls may be arranged relative to one another to form the contoured surface 408 of the third horn 400. To that end, each wall may be joined to an adjacent wall at a joint. The first through fourth walls (i.e., first through fourth walls 420, 422, 424, 426) may be formed as a unitary surface or formed separately and joined to one another to form the contoured surface 408. The walls may flare outward as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. In other examples, the walls may extend straight (e.g., planar), curve inward, or have any other desired configuration.

[0040] The mouth 406 may include linear sides shaped via the first wall 420, the second wall 422, and the third wall 424. The linear sides may be equal to one another in length. In one example, the linear side shaped by the second wall 422 may be larger than the linear sides shaped by the first wall 420 and the third wall 424. The mouth 406 may further include angled sides shaped via the first wall 420, the third wall 424, and the fourth wall 426. The angled sides may include a triangular-shape and the linear sides may include a square-shape such that a combination of two of an angle side and a linear side forms a pentagonal-shape.

[0041] In one example, a method for forming a horn for use with a loudspeaker may include selecting a first design plane including a longitudinal axis of the horn, selecting a second design plane including the longitudinal axis of the horn and being perpendicular to the first design plane, and selecting a third design plane including the longitudinal axis of the horn and being oblique to each of the first design plane and the second design plane. The first design plane and the second design plane may be a horizontal design plane and a vertical design plane, respectively, as described above. Additionally, or alternatively, the third design plane may be an oblique design plane as described above.Docket No. P230234WO

[0042] The method may include selecting a first predetermined coverage angle in the first design plane, selecting a second predetermined coverage angle in the second design plane, and selecting a third predetermined coverage angle in the third design plane. The first predetermined coverage angle, the second predetermined coverage angle, and the third predetermined coverage angle may collectively define a predetermined coverage pattern of audible sound emitted by a driver coupled with the horn as described above. Each of the first predetermined coverage angle, the second predetermined coverage angle, and the third predetermined coverage angle may be independent of the others of the first predetermined coverage angle, the second predetermined coverage angle, and the third predetermined coverage angle. Additionally, or alternatively, each of the first predetermined coverage angle, the second predetermined coverage angle, and the third predetermined coverage angle may be independent of the shape of the entrance and / or the mouth of the horn as described above.

[0043] The method may include forming a contoured surface of the horn such that an intersection of the first design plane with the contoured surface is a first continuous curve having a first function corresponding to the first predetermined coverage angle, an intersection of the second design plane with the contoured surface is a second continuous curve having a second function corresponding to the second predetermined coverage angle, and an intersection of the third design plane with the contoured surface is a third continuous curve having a third function corresponding to the third predetermined coverage angle. The third function may not be a function of the first function and the second function. Additionally, or alternatively, a first cross sectional shape of the contoured surface along the first design plane may correspond to the first predetermined coverage angle, a second cross sectional shape of the contoured surface along the second design plane may correspond to the second predetermined coverage angle, and a third cross sectional shape of the contoured surface along the third design plane may correspond to the third predetermined coverage angle.

[0044] Referring to FIGS.3A-4D, each of the second horn 300 and the third horn 400 may be asymmetrical, wherein a structure of the horns is verified via guide lines. For example, the second horn 300 may be shaped based on two guide lines in a vertical plane 398, defined by the y- and z-axes, and a horizontal plane 399, defined by the x- and z-axes. Additionally, the third horn 400 may be shaped based on two guide lines in a vertical plane 498, defined by the y- and z-axes, and a horizontal plane 499, defined by the x- and z-axes. The guides lines and profile / shape of the second and third horns are described in greater detail below.

[0045] For example, the walls of the second horn 300 and the third horn 400 may be asymmetric. In one example, each of the walls of the second horn 300 or the third horn 400 isDocket No. P230234WO different such that the positioning and use of the walls are not interchangeable. The orientation of the second horn 300 and the third horn 400 may be adjusted to emits sounds to a desired listening area. For example, the second horn 300 and the third horn 400 may be positioned at a determined angle relative to the horizontal plane, such as the horizontal plane 399 or the horizontal plane 499, wherein the determined angle is between +10 degrees. In one example, the determined angle is 5 degrees. The angle may be measured from a deviation between a guide line of the walls and / or mouth of the horn relative to the horizontal plane.

[0046] Turning now to FIG.5A, it shows an embodiment 500 of a first guide line 502 and a second guide line 504 relative to a horizontal plane 510. In one example, the horizontal plane 510 is identical to the horizontal plane 399 of FIGS. 3A-3D and / or identical to the horizontal plane 499 of FIGS.4A-4D. In one example, the first guide line 502 and the second guide line 504 may be used to determine a directionality of the horizontal plane 510. The first guide line 502 and the second guide line 504 may stretch in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane 510 to shape two of the surfaces of the second horn 300 and / or the third horn 400. In one example, the first guide line 502 shapes the second wall (e.g., second wall 322 of FIG.3A or second wall 422 of FIG. 4A) and the second guide line 504 shapes the fourth wall (e.g., fourth wall 326 of FIG. 3A or fourth wall 426 of FIG. 4A) of the second horn 300 and / or the third horn 400. In one example, the horizontal plane 510 is a first mouth plane.

[0047] Turning now to FIG.5B, it shows an embodiment 550 of a third guide line 552 and a fourth guide line 554 relative to a vertical plane 560. The vertical plane 560 may be identical to the vertical plane 398 of FIGS.3A-3D and / or identical to the horizontal plane 498 of FIGS. 4A-4D. The third guide line 552 and the fourth guide line 554 may determine a directionality of the vertical plane 560. The third guide line 552 and the fourth guide line 554 may extend from the vertical plane 560 and shape two of the surfaces of the second horn 300 and / or the third horn 400. In one example, the third guide line 552 shapes the first wall (e.g., first wall 320 of FIG.3A or first wall 420 of FIG.4A) and the fourth guide line 554 shapes the third wall (e.g., third wall 324 of FIG. 3A or third wall 424 of FIG. 4A) of the second horn 300 and / or the third horn 400. In one example, the vertical plane 560 is a second mouth plane, normal to the first mouth plane.

[0048] In one example, the vertical plane 560 is a symmetric plane and the horizontal plane 510 of FIG.5A is an asymmetric plane. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the vertical plane 560 and the horizontal plane 510 may both be asymmetric.Docket No. P230234WO

[0049] Turning to FIG.6, it shows different views of different portions of a side horn 600. In one example, the side horn 600 may be identical to the second horn 300. Additionally or alternatively, the side horn 600 may be identical to the third horn 400.

[0050] A first view 602 illustrates a back side of the side horn 600. The back side may occlude a mouth and illustrate only an entrance 604.

[0051] A second view 610 illustrates a front side of the side horn 600. The front side may illustrate the entrance 604 and the mouth 606.

[0052] A third view 612 and a fourth view 614 illustrate views of a first pair of surfaces of the side horn 600. A fifth view 620 and a sixth view 622 illustrate views of a second pair of surfaces of the side horn 600.

[0053] Turning now to FIGS.7A and 7B, they show examples of the directivity of the side horn 600 along the horizontal direction parallel to the horizontal axis 192 of FIG. 1. The 0 degree axis may represent an axial direction and the 90 degree axis may represent a lateral direction in the embodiment 750. Additionally or alternatively, the 0 degree axis is perpendicular to the entrance of horn and the 90 degree axis is parallel to the entrance of horn.

[0054] The directivity is illustrated in plot 700, which illustrates a first directivity 702 and a second directivity 704. The first directivity 702 may include a first frequency and the second directivity 704 may include a second frequency. In one example, the second frequency is higher than the first frequency. As illustrated, a main lobe of sound is distributed along the positive axial axis and in unequal portions in the positive and negative lateral directions. A side lobe portion of the sound may be directed in the off- axial direction, which may combine with a middle horn to provide an immersive sound experience.

[0055] Turning now to FIG. 8, it shows an embodiment 800 of a top view of the loudspeaker 100 including the first horn 200 and the side horn 600. The main lobe of sound 802 is directed in a direction away from the first horn 200. The side lobe of sound 804 is directed in a direction to the first horn 200. In one example, the side lobe of sound 804 may combine with sound from the first horn 200. In this way, an immersive sound experience may be generated, which may increase customer satisfaction and sound clarity.

[0056] Turning now to FIGS.9A and 9B, they show examples of the directivity of the side horn 600 along the vertical direction parallel to vertical axis 194 of FIG.1. The 0 degree axis may represent an axial direction and the 90 degree axis may represent a lateral direction in the embodiment 950. Additionally or alternatively, the 0 degree axis is parallel to a horizontal plane and the 90 degree axis is parallel to a vertical plane.Docket No. P230234WO

[0057] The directivity is illustrated in plot 900, which illustrates a first directivity 902 and a second directivity 904. The first directivity 902 may include a first frequency and the second directivity 904 may include a second frequency. In one example, the second frequency is higher than the first frequency. As illustrated, a main lobe of sound is distributed along the positive axial axis and in equal portions in the positive and negative lateral directions. A side lobe portion of the sound may be directed in the off- axial direction. The side lobe portion may enhance an immersive effect of the loudspeaker.

[0058] The disclosure provides support for a loudspeaker including a plurality of horns arranged at different angles, wherein each horn of the plurality of horns comprises an entrance disposed at a first axial end and configured to receive a driver, a mouth disposed at a second axial end opposite the first axial end, and a contoured surface between the entrance and the mouth, wherein the contoured surface of each horn of the plurality of horns curves and extends in a unique direction. A first example of the loudspeaker further includes where the plurality of horns includes a first horn, a second horn, and a third horn. A second example of the loudspeaker, optionally including the first example, further includes where each of the first horn, the second horn, and the third horn face different directions. A third example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where the first horn is arranged between the second horn and the third horn. A fourth example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where sound emitted from the first horn overlaps with sound emitted from the second horn and the third horn. A fifth example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where the loudspeaker is symmetric. A sixth example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where mouths of each of the plurality of horns are parallel or angled to a vertical plane.

[0059] The disclosure provides additional support for a loudspeaker including a first horn facing a first direction, a second horn facing a second direction angled to the first direction, a third horn facing a third direction, angled to each of the first and second directions, wherein each horn of the plurality of horns includes an entrance disposed at a first axial end and configured to receive a driver, a mouth disposed at a second axial end opposite the first axial end, and a contoured surface between the entrance and the mouth, wherein the contoured surface of each horn of the plurality of horns curves and extends in an associated direction. A first example of the loudspeaker further includes where the contoured surface of the second horn comprises a plurality of walls including a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall, wherein the first wall and the third wall curve away from one another from theDocket No. P230234WO entrance to the mouth of the second horn, and wherein the second wall and the fourth wall are arranged between the first wall and the third wall, and wherein the second wall is less curved as it extends from the entrance to the mouth. A second example of the loudspeaker, optionally including the first example, further includes where the second horn comprises a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, the vertical plane normal to the horizontal plane, and wherein a first pair of guide lines extending normally to the vertical plane shape the first wall and the third wall, and a second pair of guide lines extending normally to the horizontal plane shape the second wall and the fourth wall, and wherein the vertical plane is symmetric and the horizontal plane is asymmetric. A third example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where the contoured surface of the third horn comprises a plurality of walls including a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall, wherein the first wall and the third wall curve away from one another from the entrance to the mouth of the second horn, and wherein the second wall and the fourth wall are arranged between the first wall and the third wall, and wherein the second wall is less curved as it extends from the entrance to the mouth. A fourth example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where the mouth of the third horn comprises a pentagonal shape, wherein a square-shaped portion of the mouth is shaped by the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, and wherein a triangle-shaped portion of the mouth is shaped by the first wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall. A fifth example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where a curvature of the mouth shaped by the fourth wall is greater than any other curvature of the mouth. A sixth example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where the second horn emits a main lobe of sound traveling in the second direction, and wherein the second horn emits a side lobe of sound traveling in the third direction and overlapping with a lobe of sound of the first horn. A seventh example of the loudspeaker, optionally including one or more of the previous examples, further includes where the third horn emits a main lobe of sound traveling in the third direction, and wherein the third horn emits a side lobe of sound traveling in the second direction and overlapping with a lobe of sound of the first horn.

[0060] FIGS.1-6B, 7B, 8, and 9B show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example,Docket No. P230234WO components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above / below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left / right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example. It will be appreciated that one or more components referred to as being “substantially similar and / or identical” differ from one another according to manufacturing tolerances (e.g., within 1-5% deviation). FIGS.1-6B, 7B, and 9B are shown approximately to scale.

[0061] It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies and systems illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. For purposes of discussion, the drawings are described collectively. Thus, like elements may be commonly referred to herein with like reference numerals and may not be re-introduced.

[0062] As used in this application, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects. The following claims particularly point out subject matter from the above disclosure that is regarded as novel and non-obvious.Docket No. P230234WO

[0063] It will be appreciated that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like are not intended to denote any order, position, quantity, or importance, but rather are used merely as labels to distinguish one element from another. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein.

[0064] As used herein, the term “approximately” is construed to mean plus or minus five percent of the range unless otherwise specified.

[0065] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub- combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

Docket No. P230234WO CLAIMS:

1. A loudspeaker, comprising: a plurality of horns arranged at different angles, wherein each horn of the plurality of horns comprises: an entrance disposed at a first axial end and configured to receive a driver; a mouth disposed at a second axial end opposite the first axial end; and a contoured surface between the entrance and the mouth, wherein the contoured surface of each horn of the plurality of horns curves and extends in a unique direction.

2. The loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein the plurality of horns includes a first horn, a second horn, and a third horn.

3. The loudspeaker of claim 2, wherein each of the first horn, the second horn, and the third horn face different directions.

4. The loudspeaker of claim 2, wherein the first horn is arranged between the second horn and the third horn.

5. The loudspeaker of claim 2, wherein sound emitted from the first horn overlaps with sound emitted from the second horn and the third horn.

6. The loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein the loudspeaker is symmetric.

7. The loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein mouths of each of the plurality of horns are parallel or angled to a vertical plane.

8. A loudspeaker, comprising: a first horn facing a first direction; a second horn facing a second direction angled to the first direction; a third horn facing a third direction, angled to each of the first and second directions; wherein each horn of the plurality of horns comprises: an entrance disposed at a first axial end and configured to receive a driver; a mouth disposed at a second axial end opposite the first axial end; andDocket No. P230234WO a contoured surface between the entrance and the mouth, wherein the contoured surface of each horn of the plurality of horns curves and extends in an associated direction.

9. The loudspeaker of claim 8, wherein the contoured surface of the second horn comprises a plurality of walls including a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall, wherein the first wall and the third wall curve away from one another from the entrance to the mouth of the second horn, and wherein the second wall and the fourth wall are arranged between the first wall and the third wall, and wherein the second wall is less curved as it extends from the entrance to the mouth.

10. The loudspeaker of claim 8, wherein the second horn comprises a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, the vertical plane normal to the horizontal plane, and wherein a first pair of guide lines extending normally to the vertical plane shape the first wall and the third wall, and a second pair of guide lines extending normally to the horizontal plane shape the second wall and the fourth wall, and wherein the vertical plane is symmetric and the horizontal plane is asymmetric.

11. The loudspeaker of claim 8, wherein the contoured surface of the third horn comprises a plurality of walls including a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall, wherein the first wall and the third wall curve away from one another from the entrance to the mouth of the second horn, and wherein the second wall and the fourth wall are arranged between the first wall and the third wall, and wherein the second wall is less curved as it extends from the entrance to the mouth.

12. The loudspeaker of claim 11, wherein the mouth of the third horn comprises a pentagonal shape, wherein a square-shaped portion of the mouth is shaped by the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, and wherein a triangle-shaped portion of the mouth is shaped by the first wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall.

13. The loudspeaker of claim 12, wherein a curvature of the mouth shaped by the fourth wall is greater than any other curvature of the mouth.Docket No. P230234WO 14. The loudspeaker of claim 8, wherein the second horn emits a main lobe of sound traveling in the second direction, and wherein the second horn emits a side lobe of sound traveling in the third direction and overlapping with a lobe of sound of the first horn.

15. The loudspeaker of claim 8, wherein the third horn emits a main lobe of sound traveling in the third direction, and wherein the third horn emits a side lobe of sound traveling in the second direction and overlapping with a lobe of sound of the first horn.

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