Angled Slot Waveguide

Abstract

A loudspeaker assembly including a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide and an audio driver. The wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide includes a first surface including a slotted opening, a second surface joined to the first surface at an edge and inclined relative to the first surface by a first angle, and a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first and second surfaces. The audio driver is coupled to the second surface such that the audio driver is inclined at the first angle relative to the first surface. The first surface is oriented to face in a first direction, and the audio driver is oriented to face in a second direction. A pressure level of sound energy radiated by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction. The vehicle includes a passenger compartment, a pillar extending upward at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment, and a loudspeaker assembly mounted on the pillar.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Reference to Related Application) This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 404,590, filed September 8, 2022, and European Patent Application No. 22214532.8, filed December 19, 2022, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates generally to acoustic waveguides for loudspeakers used in vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The dispersion of sound energy throughout a vehicle is often directed and / or concentrated at lower heights within the passenger compartment, such as near the feet of vehicle occupants. In some cases, this can be due to the sound stage within the passenger compartment often being located at a lower height relative to the occupants' heads because loudspeakers included in a vehicle are often located within the bottom of the vehicle doors and / or other locations below the level of the vehicle dashboard. In some cases, the sound stage within the passenger compartment is located at a lower height relative to the occupants' heads because one or more loudspeakers located within the passenger compartment are oriented to face in a direction below the occupants' heads (e.g., tilted downward). When sound dispersion is directed and / or concentrated at a lower height within the passenger compartment, the quality of the vehicle occupants' listening experience is reduced. Therefore, loudspeakers that emit sound energy with high horizontal dispersion and controlled vertical dispersion at the occupants' listening positions are desired.

[0004] Additionally, the audio system in which the loudspeakers are included may be a multi-channel audio system that includes height channels associated with audio intended to be reproduced above the listening position of the passengers, and in such cases, it may be further desirable for the loudspeakers to radiate or reproduce sound energy associated with height channels that are at heights above the listening position of the passengers.

[0005] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to acoustic waveguides and methods for designing acoustic waveguides for use with loudspeakers included in vehicles. For example, in some aspects, the present disclosure provides an acoustic waveguide used to control the directionality of sound energy radiated by a vehicle loudspeaker. In such aspects, the acoustic waveguide may have a wedge-shaped body that tilts the audio driver of the loudspeaker to face in a direction toward a vehicle occupant. In effect, tilting the audio driver toward the vehicle occupant results in a greater concentration of radiated sound energy at the occupant's listening position.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a loudspeaker assembly is provided that includes a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide and an audio driver. The wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide includes a first surface having a slotted opening formed therein, a second surface joined to the first surface at an edge and inclined relative to the first surface by a first angle, and a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first and second surfaces. The audio driver is coupled to the second surface such that the audio driver is inclined relative to the first surface at the first angle.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an acoustic waveguide for use with an audio driver is provided, the acoustic waveguide including a wedge-shaped body, a first surface having a slotted opening formed therein, a second surface joined to the first surface at an edge and inclined relative to the first surface by a first angle, and a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first surface and the second surface.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes a passenger compartment, a pillar extending upward at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment, and a loudspeaker assembly mounted on the pillar. The loudspeaker assembly includes a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide including a first surface having a slotted opening formed therein, a second surface joined to the first surface at an edge and tilted relative to the first surface by a second angle, and a surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first and second surfaces. The loudspeaker assembly further includes an audio driver coupled to the second surface such that the audio driver is tilted at the second angle relative to the first surface.

[0009] These and other more detailed and specific configurations of the various examples are more fully disclosed in the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a first exemplary perspective view of a vehicle passenger compartment in which a loudspeaker assembly is installed according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a second exemplary perspective view of a vehicle passenger compartment in which a loudspeaker assembly is installed according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary side view of a vehicle passenger compartment in which a loudspeaker assembly is installed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a front view of an acoustic waveguide included in a loudspeaker assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 6]1 illustrates an exemplary side view of a vehicle passenger compartment in which a loudspeaker assembly is installed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 7A] 1A-1C illustrate various exemplary perspective views of an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 1A-1C illustrate various exemplary perspective views of an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7C] 1A-1C illustrate various exemplary perspective views of an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an audio driver coupled to an acoustic waveguide interface according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary distribution of sound energy emitted by a loudspeaker assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates geometric constraints used to design an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 12A] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of a straight acoustic wave guide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of a straight acoustic wave guide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12C]10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of a straight acoustic wave guide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12D] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of a straight acoustic wave guide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 13A] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of an arcuate acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of an arcuate acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 13C] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of an arcuate acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 13D] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the tilt angle of an arcuate acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 14A] 1 illustrates an example contour of sound energy radiated by a loudspeaker assembly including an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] 1 illustrates an example contour of sound energy radiated by a loudspeaker assembly including an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 14C] 1 illustrates an example contour of sound energy radiated by a loudspeaker assembly including an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 14D] 1 illustrates an example contour of sound energy radiated by a loudspeaker assembly including an acoustic waveguide according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 15A]10 is a polar chart illustrating the effect of tilting an audio driver on sound energy distribution in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] 10 is a polar chart illustrating the effect of tilting an audio driver on sound energy distribution in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 15C] 10 is a polar chart illustrating the effect of tilting an audio driver on sound energy distribution in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 15D] 10 is a polar chart illustrating the effect of tilting an audio driver on sound energy distribution in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 16A] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the width of a slot opening in an acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the width of a slot opening in an acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 16C] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the width of a slot opening in an acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 16D] 10 illustrates an exemplary effect of adjusting the width of a slot opening in an acoustic waveguide on sound energy dispersion in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In the following description, numerous details are provided, such as details regarding acoustic waveguides and / or loudspeaker assemblies implemented in a vehicle, to provide an understanding of one or more aspects of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

[0027] Moreover, while this disclosure primarily focuses on examples in which the acoustic waveguides and associated loudspeaker assemblies described herein are implemented within vehicles, it should be understood that the acoustic waveguides described herein may be used with loudspeaker assemblies implemented in other applications in which high horizontal dispersion of audio and / or controlled vertical dispersion of audio are desired. For example, in some examples, the acoustic waveguides described herein may be used with loudspeaker assemblies implemented in multi-channel audio systems used for applications such as televisions, home theaters, movie theaters, concert venues, etc. In such cases, the acoustic waveguides and associated loudspeaker assemblies described herein present audio associated with height channels that are elevated above the listening position (e.g., above head height). For example, the acoustic waveguides and associated loudspeaker assemblies described herein may be configured to direct radiated sound energy associated with height channels in a home theater, movie theater, concert venue, etc., so that the radiated sound energy is focused at a location above the head of a television viewer.

[0028] As mentioned above, the dispersion of sound energy radiated by loudspeakers included in a vehicle is often directed and / or focused at a lower elevation within the passenger compartment. In some instances, this may be due to the fact that the sound stage within the passenger compartment is often located at a lower elevation relative to the passenger listening position. For example, vehicle audio systems often include loudspeakers that are located below the passenger listening position (e.g., within the bottom of a vehicle door, within or below the vehicle dashboard, and / or elsewhere below the passenger listening position) and / or that are oriented to face in a direction below the passenger listening position.

[0029] Therefore, it is advantageous to elevate the sound stage within the passenger compartment by utilizing elevated vehicle structures, such as vehicle pillars, to mount loudspeakers near and / or above the passenger listening positions. Vehicle pillars are components that support the structure of an enclosed automobile body. For example, vehicle pillars are designed to stand at a near-vertical or inclined position to support the roof, windshield, rear window, and other vehicle components. Because vehicle pillars are used to support the vehicle roof, the vehicle pillars extend to a high position within the passenger compartment.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a typical passenger vehicle 100, such as a sedan, including an A-pillar 105A, a B-pillar 105B, and a C-pillar 105C. The A-pillars 105A are located on either side of the vehicle's windshield and extend upward to support the front edge of the vehicle's roof. As illustrated, the A-pillars 105A extend upward at an angle, or slope, in the direction of the vehicle occupants. The B-pillar 105B, sometimes referred to as a post, extends upward to support a central portion of the vehicle's roof, and the C-pillar 105C extends upward at an angle to support the rear edge of the vehicle's roof. As described in more detail below, loudspeakers and acoustic waveguides described herein may be installed on one or more of the vehicle pillars 105A, 105B, and 105C to improve horizontal and vertical distribution of sound energy across the vehicle 100. Installing the loudspeaker and associated waveguide in the vehicle pillar may include mounting the loudspeaker and / or associated waveguide to and / or within the vehicle pillar.

[0031] It should be understood that the vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1 and described herein is provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit in any way the implementation of the loudspeakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein. For example, the loudspeakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein may be implemented in vehicles having more than three sets of pillars, such as a sport utility vehicle including four sets of pillars or a passenger van including five sets of pillars. In another example, the loudspeakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein may be implemented in vehicles having fewer than three sets of pillars, such as a coupe having only two sets of pillars. Hereinafter, the loudspeakers and / or acoustic waveguides described herein may be collectively referred to as a "loudspeaker assembly" throughout this disclosure.

[0032] 2 shows a first perspective view of an interior passenger compartment 200 of a vehicle 100. As shown, an occupant 205 is seated within the passenger compartment 200 facing the general direction of an A-pillar 105A (e.g., toward the windshield). The A-pillar 105A extends upward from the dashboard 210 at a first angle 215 relative to a horizontal axis 220 that extends from the dashboard 210 toward the occupant 205. That is, the A-pillar 105A is tilted at the first angle 215 relative to the occupant 205. As described in more detail below, a loudspeaker assembly 225 is mounted on the A-pillar 105A at a height near the height of a listening position of the occupant 205 and / or elevated above the height of the listening position of the occupant 205. Loudspeaker assembly 225 includes, among other things, a loudspeaker driver, such as an electrodynamic transducer 230, and an acoustic waveguide 235 coupled to driver 230. Hereinafter, speaker driver 230 may be referred to simply as "driver 230," and acoustic waveguide 235 may be referred to simply as "waveguide 235."

[0033] Primarily for aesthetic purposes, industrial designers prefer that accessory devices such as speakers, displays, etc. included in a vehicle not interfere with the interior design of the passenger compartment 200. Thus, it is desirable to mount the loudspeaker 225 on the A-pillar 105A as well as any other pillars to which the loudspeaker assembly 225 may be attached (e.g., the B-pillar 105B, the C-pillar 105C, etc.) while having minimal impact on the interior aesthetics of the passenger compartment 200. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2 , the loudspeaker assembly 225 is mounted on the A-pillar 105A such that the loudspeaker assembly 225 is disposed between the A-pillar 105A and an interior trim panel 240 covering the A-pillar 105A. For example, the interior trim panel 240 may be coupled to the A-pillar 105A in such a way that an interior space 245 that houses the loudspeaker assembly 225 is defined between the trim panel 240 and the A-pillar 105A. In some cases, the loudspeaker assembly 225 is mounted to the interior surface of the A-pillar 105A. That is, in some examples, the loudspeaker assembly 225 includes one or more components that are attached to or otherwise coupled to the surface of the A-pillar 105A that faces toward the passenger compartment 200. In some cases, the loudspeaker assembly 225 is attached to the trim panel 240. In other cases, the loudspeaker assembly 225 is attached to both the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240.

[0034] In some examples, the loudspeaker assembly 225 is mounted to the A-pillar 105 so that the front surface of the waveguide 235 is flush with the surface of the trim panel 240. For example, FIG. 3 shows a second perspective view of the passenger compartment 200 in which the front surface of the waveguide 235 is flush with the trim panel 240. As shown, the front surface of the waveguide 235 is exposed through an opening or cutout formed in the trim panel 240. Thus, in this example, the loudspeaker assembly 225 can be mounted to the A-pillar 105A, which is high in the passenger compartment 200, without sacrificing the interior aesthetics of the passenger compartment 200. 2 and 3, the loudspeaker assembly 225 is shown and described as being mounted on the A-pillar 105A, but it should be understood that the loudspeaker assembly 225 may similarly be mounted on other pillars within the vehicle 100, such as the B-pillar 105B and / or the C-pillar 105C.

[0035] 4 illustrates an example side view of passenger compartment 200 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 4 are not drawn to scale. For example, some components included in loudspeaker assembly 225 are enlarged in scale relative to other components of vehicle 100 so that the particular configuration of loudspeaker assembly 225 can be clearly shown.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 , loudspeaker assembly 225A is disposed within the interior space between A-pillar 105A and trim panel 240. For example, loudspeaker assembly 225A may be mounted to A-pillar 105A and / or trim panel 240 as described above. In the illustrated example, loudspeaker assembly 225A is mounted at a height within passenger compartment 200 that is at and / or above the listening position of passenger 205. As further shown in FIG. 4 , a second loudspeaker assembly 225B is mounted to B-pillar 105B. While the illustrated example of FIG. 4 is described primarily with respect to loudspeaker assembly 225A mounted to A-pillar 105A, it should be understood that any discussion provided with respect to loudspeaker assembly 225A is also applicable to second loudspeaker assembly 225B mounted to B-pillar 105B.

[0037] As described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 , loudspeaker assembly 225A includes driver 230 and waveguide 235. In some cases, driver 230 is implemented as a high aspect ratio driver. In such cases, the aspect ratio of driver 230 may be 1:2 or greater. In some cases, driver 230 is implemented as a rectangular driver. In other cases, driver 230 is a driver of a different shape, such as a conical driver, an elliptical driver, a round driver, or a driver of some other shape. Driver 230 may be implemented as, for example, a tweeter, a mid-range driver, a woofer, or one or more combinations thereof. In some cases, driver 230 radiates sound waves at frequencies up to 20 kilohertz (kHz). In other cases, sound waves are radiated by driver 230 at different and / or additional frequencies. As described in more detail below, waveguide 235 is coupled to driver 230 to direct sound energy emitted by driver 230 in a direction toward the listening position of occupant 205 .

[0038] In some examples, the audio system in vehicle 100 is a multi-channel audio system, and loudspeaker assembly 225A is used to reproduce audio associated with one or more height channels included in the multi-channel audio system. In such cases, waveguide 235 is coupled to driver 230 such that sound energy radiated by driver 230 is presented or reproduced above the listening position of occupant 205.

[0039] 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 facing toward 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 are joined 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 separated from the front face 405 by the oblique angle 420. In some cases, the waveguide 235 is a slotted waveguide. In such cases, a slotted opening 425 ( FIG. 5 ) is formed in the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 such that sound energy radiated by the driver 230 enters the passenger compartment 200 through the slotted opening 425. In some cases, the width 430 of the slotted opening 425 is determined based on a wavelength corresponding to a desired frequency of sound waves radiated by the driver 230. It should further be understood that the driver interface 410 is open to the driver 230, thereby allowing the driver 230 to couple to the waveguide 235 and radiate sound energy through the waveguide 235.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 4 , the body 400 further includes a top surface 435 that joins the extended edge of the front surface 405 to the extended edge of the driver interface 410. That is, the top surface 435 extends between the end of the front surface 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. In the example of FIG. 4 shown, the top surface 435 is relatively straight and / or flat. However, as described in more detail below, in some cases, the top surface 435 is arcuate. FIG. 6 shows an example side view of the passenger compartment 200 in which the top surface 435 of the 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 inward relative to the body 400. The advantages and design considerations for implementing the upper surface 435 as an arc-shaped surface are described in more detail below. Furthermore, hereinafter, when comparing one with the other, a waveguide 235 including a straight upper surface 435 may be referred to as a "straight waveguide," and a waveguide including an arc-shaped upper surface 435 may be referred to as an "arc-shaped waveguide."

[0041] 7A-7C show various exemplary perspective views of a waveguide 235 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 7A-7C, the top surface 435 of the waveguide 235 is arcuate. FIG. 8 shows an exemplary perspective view of a driver 230 coupled to a driver interface 410 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the driver interface 405 is separated from the rest of the body 400 in FIG. 8 to show one example of how the driver 230 may be coupled to the driver interface 410. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, the driver 230 is a rectangular driver that is received by and located within the driver interface 410. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the driver 230 and / or the driver interface 410 have different shapes. Moreover, in some embodiments, the driver 230 may be coupled to the driver interface 410 in a manner different from that illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0042] 9A and 9B show exemplary perspective views of a waveguide 235 including a flange 440 for attaching the waveguide 235 to a vehicle pillar 105A-105C and / or a trim panel 240. As shown, the flange 440 extends outward from and surrounds a slotted opening 425 formed in a front surface 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 such as screws, pins, clips, or staples. In some cases, the flange 440 is secured to the pillar 105A-105C and / or the trim panel 240 with adhesive and / or some other fastening method such as a friction fit. 9A and 9B, the waveguide 235 includes a flange 440 for attaching the waveguide 235 to the pillars 105A-105C and / or the trim panel 240, but in some cases the waveguide 235 may include other structure for attaching the waveguide 235 in addition to or instead of the flange 400. For example, in some cases

[0043] 4 and 6 , when the loudspeaker assembly 225A is installed on the A-pillar 105A, the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 is substantially flush with the trim panel 240. Thus, the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 is oriented approximately parallel to the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240 with respect to the passenger compartment 200. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240 extend upward from the dashboard 210 at a first angle 215 with respect to the passenger compartment 200, and are thus oriented at the first angle 215 with respect to the passenger occupant 205. Because the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 is substantially parallel to the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240, the front surface 405 is also oriented at the first angle 215 with respect to the passenger occupant 205. Thus, because the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 is oriented at the first angle 215 relative to the occupant 205, the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 is oriented to face the occupant 205 in a first direction 445. The first direction 445 is approximately normal to the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235, and therefore is also approximately normal to the A-pillar 105A and the trim panel 240.

[0044] 4 and 6 , a first direction 445 in which a front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 faces is directed toward a position that is below the listening position of the occupant 205 (e.g., below the occupant's head). Thus, to orient the driver 230 more toward the listening position of the occupant 205, the driver interface 410 is tilted relative to the front surface 405 by a tilt angle 420. Thus, because the driver 230 is coupled to the waveguide 235 by the driver interface 410, tilting the driver interface 410 relative to the front surface 405 actually tilts the driver 230 relative to the front surface 405. Thus, when the driver 230 is coupled to the waveguide 235 by the driver interface 410, the driver 230 is oriented to face in a second direction 450 toward the occupant 205. As shown, the second direction 450 that driver 230 and driver interface 410 are oriented to face is directed toward the listening position of occupant 205, rather than below the listening position of occupant 205. Second direction 450 is approximately normal to driver 230 and driver interface 410. Moreover, because driver interface 410 is tilted relative to front surface 405 by tilt angle 420, second direction 450 that driver 230 faces differs from first direction 445 by tilt angle 420. In some cases where loudspeaker assembly 225A is used to reproduce audio associated with height channels in a multi-channel audio system, driver 230 may be tilted to face in a direction directed above the listening position of passenger compartment 205.

[0045] Figure 10 illustrates the effect of the angled waveguide 235 on the distribution of sound energy radiated by the driver 230 into the passenger compartment 200. For example, Figure 10 includes a first curve 1005 that represents the sound pressure level in decibels (dB) of sound energy radiating from the driver 230 in a first direction below the listening position of the passenger 205, and a second curve 1010 that represents the sound pressure level of sound radiating from the driver 230 in a second direction 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 that is normal to the front face 405 of the waveguide 235, and the second curve 1010 represents the sound pressure level within the passenger compartment 200 along an axis that is normal to the driver 230. As shown, the pressure level of sound energy radiating in second direction 450 toward the listening position of occupant 205 is “brighter” or stronger than the pressure level of sound energy radiating in first direction 445 below the listening position of occupant 205. Thus, tilting waveguide 235 such that driver 230 faces in a direction toward the listening position of occupant 205 (e.g., second direction 450) causes a higher concentration of high frequency (e.g., 3 kHz to 30 kHz) sound energy radiated by driver 230 to be directed toward the listening position of occupant 205 (e.g., the occupant's head) rather than below the listening position of occupant 205.

[0046] As mentioned above, in some cases, loudspeaker assembly 225A is used to radiate sound energy associated with a height channel in a multi-channel audio system. Thus, in such cases, waveguide 235 may be designed to angle driver 230 to face in a direction above the listening position of occupant 205. Thus, in such cases, waveguide 235 causes a higher concentration of sound energy associated with the height channel to be presented at an elevation above the listening position of occupant 205.

[0047] As described above, one or more geometric parameters of waveguide 235 may be adjusted to improve control of the vertical and / or horizontal dispersion of sound energy radiated from loudspeaker assembly 225. Thus, when designing waveguide 235, one or more of tilt angle 420, length of front surface 405 of waveguide 235, radius of arcuate top surface 435, and other geometric parameters may be selected to focus the pressure level of high-frequency sound energy radiated by driver 230 in the direction of the listening position of occupant 205. In some cases, one or more of the geometric parameters of waveguide 235 may be designed based in part on the angle (e.g., first angle 215) at which A-pillar 105A is oriented within vehicle 100 at which loudspeaker assembly 225 is installed. In some cases, one or more of the geometric parameters of waveguide 235 may be designed based on which pillar 105A-105C loudspeaker assembly 225 is installed. 4 and 6, the geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 included in the loudspeaker assembly 225A installed on the A-pillar 105A may be designed to be different from the geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 included in the loudspeaker assembly 225B installed on the B-pillar 105B due to the difference in orientation and location between the A-pillar 105A and the B-pillar 105B. For the case in which the loudspeaker assembly 225A is used to radiate sound energy associated with a height channel in a multi-channel audio system, the geometric parameters of the waveguide 235 may be designed such that the pressure level of the radiated sound energy associated with the height channel is focused above the listening position of the occupant 205.

[0048] FIG. 11 is an example diagram 1100 illustrating the geometric constraints described below with respect to Equations 1-6 used to design waveguide 235 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1100, front surface 405 of waveguide 235 has a waveguide length wL, and driver 230 has a driver length dL. It should also be understood that the length of driver interface 410 is approximately equal to driver length dL because driver interface 410 is the component that couples driver 230 to waveguide 235. Furthermore, it should be understood that driver length dL is not a parameter that can be changed after driver 230 included in loudspeaker assembly 225 has been selected. Thus, a practical way to adjust driver length dL when designing waveguide 235 is to select a new driver that matches the desired driver length dL.

[0049] 11 , when the top surface 435 is arcuate, the top surface 435 should be designed so that it is tangent to the front surface 405 at the point where it joins with the front surface 405. Similarly, when the top surface 435 is arcuate, the top surface 435 should be designed so that it is perpendicular to the driver interface 410 at the point where it joins with the driver interface 410. To ensure that the top surface 435 is tangent to the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 and perpendicular to the driver interface 410 of the waveguide 235, the radius R of the arcuate top surface 435 may be solved using the following Equation 1: As explained by Equation 1, the radius R of the arcuate top surface 435 is equal to the product of the length wL of the front surface 405 and the tangent of the tilt angle 420. Thus, when the values ​​of the length wL of the front surface 405 and the tilt angle 420 have been determined, the radius R of the arcuate top surface 435 can be solved. It should be understood that when values ​​for the radius R and length wL of the front surface 405 are determined, Equation 1 can be rearranged to solve for the tilt angle 420. Similarly, it should be understood that when values ​​for the radius R and tilt angle 420 are determined, Equation 1 can be rearranged to solve for the length wL of the front surface 405.

number

[0050] 11, the length wL of the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 may be divided into components A and B. That is, the length wL of the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 may be expressed as the sum of a first length A and a second length B, as represented by Equation 2 below.

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[0051] As represented below by Equation 3, first length A is equal to the cosine of tilt angle 420 times the length dL of driver 230. With reference to FIG. 1100, first length A is the length of the portion of front surface 405 extending between edge 415 where front surface 405 and driver interface 410 are joined and point 1105 along length wL. Point 1105 is the point along length wL of front surface 405 where line segment 1110 extending from the edge of driver interface 410 intersects length wL of front surface 405 at a right angle.

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[0052] As represented below by Equation 4, second length B is equal to the product of the sine of tilt angle 420, driver length dL, and the tangent of angle Zeta. As represented below by Equation 5, angle Zeta is a function of tilt angle 420. With respect to diagram 1100, angle Zeta is the angle between line segment 1110 and line segment 1115 extending between the edge of driver interface 410 and the edge of front surface 405. Moreover, with respect to diagram 1100, second length B is the length of the portion of front surface 405 extending between point 1105 and the edge of front surface 405 that joins with top surface 435.

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[0053] When Equations 2-5 are combined into a single equation, as shown by Equation 6 below, the length wL of front surface 405 of waveguide 235 can be solved as a function of tilt angle 420 and length dL of driver 230. It should be understood that once the length wL of front surface 405 and the length dL of driver 230 have been determined, Equation 6 can be rearranged to solve for tilt angle 420.

number

[0054] Thus, the above equations 1-6 can be used to design and / or solve for various geometric parameters of waveguide 235. As described below with respect to Figures 12-16, adjusting the values ​​of one or more geometric parameters of waveguide 235 can affect changes in the horizontal and / or vertical dispersion of the sound energy radiated by driver 230.

[0055] 12A-12D show the effect that adjusting the tilt angle 420 has on the vertical and horizontal dispersion of sound energy radiated by driver 230 when the waveguide 235 coupled to driver 230 is a straight waveguide (e.g., the top surface 435 is straight rather than arcuate). For example, FIG. 12A shows the vertical dispersion 1200A of sound energy radiated by driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1205A of sound energy radiated by driver 230, and the dispersion 1210A of sound energy radiated by driver 230 along an axis normal to driver 230 (e.g., in a second direction toward the listening position of occupant 205) when a straight waveguide 235 having a 10 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to driver 230. Figure 12B shows the vertical dispersion 1200B of sound energy radiated by driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1205B of sound energy radiated by driver 230, and the dispersion 1210B of sound energy radiated by driver 230 along an axis normal to driver 230 when a straight waveguide 235 having a tilt angle 420 of 20 degrees is coupled to driver 230. Similarly, Figure 12C shows the vertical dispersion 1200C of sound energy radiated by driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1205C of sound energy radiated by driver 230, and the dispersion 1210C of sound energy radiated by driver 230 along an axis normal to driver 230 when a straight waveguide 235 having a tilt angle 420 of 30 degrees is coupled to driver 230. Additionally, FIG. 12D shows the vertical dispersion 1200D of the sound energy radiated by the driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1205D of the sound energy radiated by the driver 230, and the dispersion 1210D of the sound energy radiated by the driver along an axis normal to the driver 230 when a straight waveguide 235 having a 40 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230.

[0056] As shown, the vertical dispersion of sound energy at high frequencies becomes less controlled or more scattered as the tilt angle 420 increases from 10 degrees to 40 degrees. Therefore, an arcuate top surface 435 may be added to the waveguide 235 to improve control of the vertical dispersion of sound energy.

[0057] 13A-13D show the effect that adjusting the tilt angle 420 has on the vertical and horizontal dispersion of sound energy radiated by driver 230 when the waveguide 235 coupled to driver 230 is an arcuate waveguide (e.g., the top surface 435 is arcuate rather than straight). For example, FIG. 13A shows the vertical dispersion 1300A of sound energy radiated by driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1305A of sound energy radiated by driver 230, and the dispersion 1310A of sound energy radiated by driver 230 along an axis normal to driver 230 (e.g., in second direction 450 toward the listening position of occupant 205) when an arcuate waveguide 235 having a 10 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to driver 230. Figure 13B shows the vertical dispersion 1300B of sound energy radiated by driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1305B of sound energy radiated by driver 230, and the dispersion 1310B of sound energy radiated by driver 230 along an axis normal to driver 230 when an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle 420 of 20 degrees is coupled to driver 230. Similarly, Figure 13C shows the vertical dispersion 1300C of sound energy radiated by driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1305C of sound energy radiated by driver 230, and the dispersion 1310C of sound energy radiated by driver 230 along an axis normal to driver 230 when an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle 420 of 30 degrees is coupled to driver 230. Additionally, FIG. 13D shows the vertical dispersion 1300D of the sound energy radiated by the driver 230, the horizontal dispersion 1305D of the sound energy radiated by the driver 230, and the dispersion 1310D of the sound energy radiated by the driver 230 along an axis normal to the driver 230 when an arcuate waveguide 235 having a 40 degree tilt angle 420 is coupled to the driver 230.

[0058] As shown, the vertical dispersion 1300B, 1300C of high frequency sound energy is relatively more controlled or less dispersed when the driver 230 is coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle 420 of 20 degrees or 30 degrees, compared to the vertical dispersion 1300A, 1300D of high frequency sound pressure when the driver 230 is coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle 420 of 10 degrees or 40 degrees. Furthermore, comparing the sound energy dispersion graphs of Figures 12A-12D with the sound energy dispersion graphs of Figures 13A-13D, respectively, it is clear that the vertical dispersion of sound energy radiated by a driver 230 coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 is generally more controlled at higher frequencies than the vertical dispersion of sound energy radiated by a driver 230 coupled to a straight waveguide 235, regardless of the value of the tilt angle 420. That is, a waveguide 235 having an arcuate top surface 435 is more effective at controlling the vertical dispersion of higher frequency sound energy radiated by driver 230 than a waveguide having a straight top surface 435 .

[0059] 14A-14D show sound pressure contours that more clearly illustrate the improved vertical directivity of sound energy radiated by a driver 230 coupled to a waveguide 235 having an arcuate top surface 435. For example, FIG. 14A shows a first contour 1400A illustrating the vertical directivity of sound energy radiated by a driver 230 coupled to a straight waveguide 235 having a 20-degree tilt angle 420. In contrast, FIG. 14B shows a second contour 1400B illustrating the vertical directivity of sound energy radiated by a driver 230 coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 having a 20-degree tilt angle 420. As shown by second contour 1400B, when a driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 having an arcuate top surface 435, there is less variation in the pressure level of sound energy radiated along an axis 1405B that is normal to the driver 230. That is, compared to first contour 1400A, which illustrates the vertical dispersion of sound energy radiated by driver 230 coupled to straight waveguide 235 having a 20-degree tilt angle 420, second contour 1400B illustrates that the sound energy radiated by driver 230 along an axis (e.g., in second direction 450) from driver 230 toward the listening position of occupant 235 is more controlled and highly focused. Additionally, second contour 1400B illustrates that the amount or concentration of downfiring sound energy radiated by driver 230 (e.g., directed below the listening position of occupant 235) is reduced when waveguide 235 has an arcuate upper surface 435.

[0060] A similar effect is demonstrated by comparing FIG. 14C , which shows a third contour 1400C illustrating the vertical directivity of sound energy radiated by a driver 230 coupled to a straight waveguide 235 having a 30 degree tilt angle 420, with FIG. 14D , which shows a fourth contour 1400D illustrating the vertical directivity of sound energy radiated by a driver 230 coupled to an arc-shaped waveguide 235 having a 30 degree tilt angle 420.

[0061] As yet another exemplary depiction of the benefits of coupling a driver 230 to a tilted arcuate waveguide 235, FIGS. 15A-15D provide polar charts each illustrating the controlled dispersion of radiated sound energy along an axis normal to the driver 230. In the example of FIGS. 15A-15D, the illustrated sound energy dispersion has a frequency of 10 kHz. FIG. 15A illustrates dispersion 1500A of radiated sound energy along an axis 1505A normal to a driver 230 coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle of 10 degrees (e.g., the driver 230 is tilted at 10 degrees). FIG. 15B illustrates dispersion 1500B of radiated sound energy along an axis 1505B normal to a driver 230 coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle of 20 degrees (e.g., the driver 230 is tilted at 20 degrees). Figure 15C shows the distribution 1500C of radiated sound energy along an axis 1505C normal to a driver 230 coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle of 30 degrees (e.g., the driver 230 is tilted at 30 degrees). Figure 15D shows the distribution 1500D of radiated sound energy along an axis 1505D normal to a driver 230 coupled to an arcuate waveguide 235 having a tilt angle of 40 degrees (e.g., the driver 230 is tilted at 40 degrees). As shown in Figures 15A-15D, tilting the driver 230 by the tilt angle 420 of the waveguide 235 toward the listening position of the occupant 205 concentrates the distribution of high frequency (e.g., 10 kHz) sound energy along the axis 1505 normal to the driver 230. That is, tilting the driver 230 increases the concentration of high frequency sound energy radiated in a direction toward the occupant's listening position (e.g., second direction 450), while also decreasing the concentration of high frequency sound energy radiated in a direction below the occupant's listening position (e.g., first direction 445).

[0062] Although the width 430 of the slot opening 425 formed in the front surface 405 of the waveguide 235 is not mentioned above in Equations 1-6 used to design 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. In general, designing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 to be much smaller than the length wL of the front surface 405 and smaller than the length dL of the driver 230 improves the horizontal directivity of the sound energy radiated by the driver 230. That is, narrowing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 results in a higher horizontal dispersion of the sound energy within the passenger compartment 200. Furthermore, narrowing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 reduces the amount of attenuation, such as radiation attenuation, due to a smaller area over which the sound energy radiated by the driver 230 exits the waveguide.

[0063] Despite the above-mentioned benefits of narrowing the width 430 of the slot opening 425, narrowing the width 430 too much can have some undesirable effects. For example, narrowing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 too much can present difficulties when coupling the waveguide 235 to a wide driver 230. Furthermore, in some cases, narrowing the width 430 of the slot opening 425 too much can increase the ripple frequency of the loudspeaker assembly 225.

[0064] 16A-16D show the effect that adjusting the width 430 of the slot opening 425 has on the dispersion of sound energy radiated by the driver 230 along an axis normal to the front face 405 of the waveguide 235 (e.g., in a first direction 445) and along an axis normal to the driver 230 (e.g., in a second direction 450). For example, FIG. 16A shows horizontal dispersion 1600A of sound energy radiating from the driver 230 in a first direction below the listening position of the occupant 205 and horizontal dispersion 1605A of sound energy radiating from the driver 230 in a second direction toward the listening position of the occupant 205, where the driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 where the width 430 of the slot opening 425 is 13 millimeters (mm). Figure 16B shows horizontal dispersion 1600B of sound energy radiating from driver 230 in a first direction below the listening position of occupant 205 and horizontal dispersion 1605B of sound energy radiating from driver 230 in a second direction toward the listening position of occupant 205, where driver 230 is coupled to waveguide 235 having a slotted opening 425 width 430 of 10 mm. Figure 16C shows horizontal dispersion 1600C of sound energy radiating from driver 230 in a first direction 445 below the listening position of occupant 205 and horizontal dispersion 1605C of sound energy radiating from driver 230 in a second direction 450 toward the listening position of occupant 205, where driver 230 is coupled to waveguide 235 having a slotted opening 425 width 430 of 7.5 mm. FIG. 16D shows the horizontal dispersion 1600D of sound energy radiating from the driver 230 in a first direction below the listening position of the occupant 205 and the horizontal dispersion 1605D of sound energy radiating from the driver 230 in a second direction toward the listening position of the occupant 205, where the driver 230 is coupled to a waveguide 235 having a slot opening 425 width 430 of 5 mm.

[0065] The loudspeaker assemblies including the angled waveguides described herein provide an improved listening experience for occupants 205 aboard vehicle 100. However, while the loudspeaker assemblies 225, drivers 230, and / or waveguides 235 described herein are primarily described as being implemented in vehicle 100, it should be understood that the loudspeaker assemblies 225, drivers 230, and / or waveguides 235 described herein may be implemented in other applications where the height and / or location of a sound stage may be adjusted. For example, the waveguides 235 described herein may be used with television speakers, speakers in a home theater, speakers in a movie theater, speakers in a concert venue, and / or other speakers to adjust the position of the sound stage in the listening environment. Moreover, the waveguides 235 described herein may be used with television speakers, speakers in home theaters, speakers in movie theaters, speakers in concert venues, and / or other speakers to better control the vertical and / or horizontal dispersion of sound energy radiated by such speakers.

[0066] Additionally, as mentioned above, the loudspeaker assembly 225, driver 230, and / or waveguide 235 described herein may be implemented in multi-channel audio systems and / or products. For example, the loudspeaker assembly 225, driver 230, and / or waveguide 235 may be implemented in a 360-degree loudspeaker, a sound bar, a television, a home theater, and / or other multi-channel audio products and / or systems. In such cases, the waveguide 235 described herein may be coupled to the driver 230 used to output height channel audio. Thus, in such cases, the waveguide 235 is used to steer and / or reproduce the height channel audio radiated by the driver 230 at the intended source location (e.g., a location above the ear level of the listener / viewer). As an example, when waveguide 235 is coupled to driver 230 used to radiate sound energy associated with a height channel included in the device, waveguide 235 steers the radiated sound energy so that the height channel audio output by driver 230 appears to arrive from an elevated position above ear level of the listener / viewer. In some cases, loudspeaker assembly 225, driver 230, and / or waveguide 235 described herein are used to increase lateral spaciousness / directivity instead of or in addition to vertical directivity.

[0067] (effect) Systems, methods, and devices according to the present disclosure may take any one or more of the following configurations:

[0068] (1) A loudspeaker assembly including a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide and an audio driver. The wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide includes a first face, a second face, and a surface, the first face including a slot opening formed in the first face, the second face joined to the first face at an edge and inclined relative to the first face by a first angle, and the 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 the first angle relative to the first face.

[0069] (2) A loudspeaker assembly according to (1), wherein the surface is arc-shaped.

[0070] (3) A loudspeaker assembly according to (2), wherein the surface is tangential to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.

[0071] (4) A loudspeaker assembly according to (2), wherein the radius of the arcuate surface is a function of the length of the first face and the tangent of the first angle.

[0072] (5) A loudspeaker 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.

[0073] (6) A loudspeaker assembly according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first surface is oriented to face in a first direction, the audio driver is rearwardly mounted to face in a second direction, and the pressure level of sound energy radiated by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

[0074] (7) A loudspeaker assembly according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide further comprises a structural component used to mount the loudspeaker assembly on a pillar of a vehicle.

[0075] (8) An acoustic waveguide for use with an audio driver, comprising: a wedge-shaped body; a first face; a second face; and a surface, wherein the first face includes a slot opening formed therein; the second face is joined to the first face at an edge and inclined relative to the first face by a first angle, and configured to couple the audio driver to the acoustic waveguide; and the surface is disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first face and the second face.

[0076] (9) An acoustic waveguide according to (8), the surface of which is arc-shaped.

[0077] (10) An acoustic waveguide according to (9), wherein the surface is tangential to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.

[0078] (11) An acoustic waveguide according to (9), wherein the radius of the arcuate surface is a function of the length of the first face and the tangent of the first angle.

[0079] (12) An 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.

[0080] (13) An acoustic waveguide according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the first surface is oriented to face in a first direction and the audio driver is rearwardly mounted to face in a second direction, and when the audio driver is coupled to the second surface, the pressure level of sound energy radiated by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

[0081] (14) An acoustic waveguide according to any one of (8) to (13), further including a structural component used to install the acoustic waveguide on a pillar of a vehicle.

[0082] (15) A vehicle including a passenger compartment, a pillar extending upward at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment, and a loudspeaker assembly mounted on the pillar, the loudspeaker assembly including a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide, the wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide including: The loudspeaker assembly includes a first surface, a second surface, and a surface, where the first surface includes a slot opening formed in the first surface, the second surface joined to the first surface at an edge and inclined relative to the first surface by a second angle, and the surface disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first surface and the second surface. The loudspeaker assembly further includes an audio driver coupled to the second surface such that the audio driver is inclined at the second angle relative to the first surface.

[0083] (16) The vehicle according to (15), further comprising a trim panel coupled to the pillar, the loudspeaker assembly being disposed between the pillar and the trim panel.

[0084] (17) A vehicle according to (16), wherein the first surface is flush with the surface of the trim panel.

[0085] (18) A vehicle according to any one of (15) to (17), wherein the first surface is oriented to face in a first direction toward the passenger compartment, the audio driver is oriented to face in a second direction toward the passenger compartment, and a pressure level of sound energy radiated by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction.

[0086] (19) A vehicle according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein the surface is arc-shaped.

[0087] (20) A vehicle according to (19), wherein the surface is tangential to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.

[0088] (21) A vehicle according to (19) or (20), wherein the radius of the arcuate surface is a function of the length of the first face and the tangent of the first angle.

[0089] (22) A vehicle according to 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.

[0090] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting. Many examples and applications other than the examples provided will become apparent after reading the above description. The scope should be determined not with reference to the above description, but rather with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technology discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future examples. In summary, it should be understood that this application is capable of modification and alteration.

[0091] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable construction and their ordinary meaning as understood by one skilled in the art described herein, unless expressly stated to the contrary herein. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a," "the," "the," "said," etc. should be read to refer to one or more of the indicated elements unless the claim recites an express limitation to the contrary.

[0092] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is understood that the Abstract is not used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing Detailed Description of the Invention, it will be appreciated that various features are grouped together in various instances for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed instances incorporate more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed instance. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description of the Invention, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

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

2. 10. The loudspeaker assembly of claim 1, wherein the surface is arcuate.

3. 3. A loudspeaker assembly in accordance with claim 2, wherein said surface is tangential to said first plane and perpendicular to said second plane.

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

5. A loudspeaker assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the first side is a function of the length of the second side and the first angle.

6. A loudspeaker assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide further comprises a structural component used to mount the loudspeaker assembly on a pillar of a vehicle.

7. The crew compartment and a pillar extending upwardly at a first angle relative to the passenger compartment; a loudspeaker assembly mounted on the pole; The loudspeaker assembly includes a wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide, the wedge-shaped acoustic waveguide comprising: A first surface; A second surface; a surface; the first surface includes a slot opening formed therein, the second surface is joined to the first surface at an edge and is inclined relative to the first surface by a second angle, and the surface is disposed opposite the edge and is connected between the first surface and the second surface; an audio driver coupled to the second surface such that the audio driver is inclined at the second angle relative to the first surface, the first surface being oriented to face in a first direction toward the passenger compartment, and the audio driver being oriented to face in a second direction toward the passenger compartment; a pressure level of sound energy radiated by the audio driver is greater along the second direction than along the first direction; vehicle.

8. The vehicle of claim 7 further comprising a trim panel coupled to the pillar, the loudspeaker assembly being disposed between the pillar and the trim panel.

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

10. A vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the surface is arcuate.

11. 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the surface is tangential to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.

12. 12. The vehicle of claim 10 or 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. A vehicle according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the length of the first surface is a function of the length of the second surface and the first angle.

14. 1. An acoustic waveguide for use with an audio driver, comprising: a wedge-shaped body; A first surface; A second surface; a surface; the first surface includes a slot opening formed therein, the second surface is edge-joined with the first surface and inclined relative to the first surface by a first angle and configured to couple the audio driver to the acoustic waveguide, the surface being disposed opposite the edge and connected between the first surface and the second surface; the first surface is oriented to face in a first direction and the audio driver is oriented to face in a second direction; a pressure level of sound energy radiated by the audio driver when the audio driver is coupled to the second surface is greater along the second direction than along the first direction; Acoustic waveguide.

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

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

17. 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 surface is a function of the length of the second surface and the first angle.

19. An acoustic waveguide according to any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising a structural component used to mount the acoustic waveguide to a pillar of a vehicle.

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