Loudspeaker system
A pressure vessel with multiple chambers and acoustic channels in loudspeaker systems ensures efficient in-phase sound emission across frequency ranges, addressing the challenge of maintaining acoustic radiation efficiency at low frequencies and preventing water ingress.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing loudspeaker systems struggle to maintain high acoustic radiation efficiency at low frequencies without compromising performance in mid and high frequency ranges, especially when located outside a vehicle enclosure, often resulting in out-of-phase sound emissions inside and outside the vehicle.
The use of a pressure vessel with multiple chambers and acoustic channels, including active and passive radiators, along with auxiliary air paths and vents, to create an acoustic resonance system that ensures in-phase sound emission both inside and outside the vehicle, while incorporating features like semipermeable membranes and acoustic filters to prevent water ingress.
Enhances acoustic output efficiency across various frequency ranges, ensuring in-phase sound transmission within and outside the vehicle, while maintaining acoustic power generation and preventing water or vapor ingress into the vehicle interior.
Smart Images

Figure 2026048581000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Various embodiments of the present application relate to loudspeaker enclosure design in the field of loudspeaker design, more specifically, improving the acoustic radiation efficiency at low frequencies without sacrificing the acoustic radiation efficiency in the mid and high frequency ranges, or in a dedicated low-frequency loudspeaker.
Background Art
[0002] A loudspeaker is a device that converts an electrical audio signal into sound waves radiated from the loudspeaker. A loudspeaker generally includes one or more speaker drivers attached to an enclosure designed to improve the acoustic radiation efficiency and spectral fidelity of the radiated sound waves. The speaker driver converts the electrical audio signal into sound waves, radiating a portion of the sound waves from the enclosure and another portion into the enclosure. The enclosure sustains and filters the internal radiation portion of the sound waves and radiates them from the enclosure through an opening (such as a port tube) or using a passive radiator. Especially at low audio frequencies, the design of the enclosure can have a significant impact on the acoustic radiation efficiency. Such loudspeakers and their systems can be included inside or outside a vehicle and can be part of a vehicle audio system or an active noise cancellation system.
[0003] Note that there is Patent Document 1 as a literature related to the technical field.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
[0005] In some embodiments, the pressure vessel may be located outside the vehicle interior (e.g., the general or substantially enclosed passenger compartment air mass of the vehicle). The pressure vessel may be configured to maintain a controlled environment distinct from the environments outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle interior. An active acoustic radiator may be located inside the pressure vessel and radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle interior through an acoustic channel, vent, or other opening. The active acoustic radiator typically comprises a magnetic circuit and a movable diaphragm. Another acoustic channel may fluidly connect the inside of the pressure vessel to the inside of the vehicle housing. The acoustic channel may radiate acoustic emissions into the vehicle housing that are in phase with the acoustic emissions generated outside the vehicle housing by the active acoustic radiator. The acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator may be further filtered or improved by including an acoustic filter on a second side of the diaphragm of the active acoustic radiator and then radiated to an external area through another opening or vent. A vent may connect the inside of the pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0006] Each of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this disclosure has several innovative aspects, and none of them alone possess all of the desirable attributes disclosed herein. Many forms or additional implementations are possible that substantially adopt the novel concepts of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art, after considering this disclosure, may identify additional embodiments or possible variations of the disclosed elements that do not substantially alter the novel functionality of this disclosure. Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described herein are given in the accompanying drawings and the following descriptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrates a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with a single chamber that includes an auxiliary air path into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing a passive sound radiator and an active sound radiator, and the second chamber containing an auxiliary air path into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, and the second chamber containing an auxiliary air path into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, and the second chamber containing an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and an external port pipe to the environment, and the second chamber containing an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an auxiliary air path into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, and the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram illustrates a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having a single chamber containing an active acoustic radiator and an internal port tube leading into the vehicle housing. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram illustrates a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber including an active sound radiator and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, and the second chamber including an external port pipe leading to the environment. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram illustrates a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, and the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram shows a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing an active acoustic radiator and an external port pipe to the environment, and the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram illustrates a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber including an active sound radiator and an internal port tube leading into the vehicle housing. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram shows a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having two chambers, the first chamber including an active sound radiator and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, and the second chamber including an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber including an active sound radiator, a passive sound radiator, and an auxiliary air path with a resistive element leading into the interior of the vehicle housing; the second chamber including an external port pipe to the environment; and the third chamber including an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. [Figure 18]A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator, the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the fourth chamber containing an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 19] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator and an auxiliary air path with a resistive element leading into the interior of the vehicle housing, the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the fourth chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 20] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator, the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing, and the fourth chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. [Figure 21] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator with an auxiliary air path having a resistive element into the interior of the vehicle housing, the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an auxiliary air path into the interior of the vehicle housing, and the fourth chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 22] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an auxiliary air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. [Figure 23] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator and an auxiliary air path with a resistive element leading into the interior of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 24]A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators and an external port tube to the environment. The second chamber includes an attached air path to the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port tube to the environment. The third chamber includes an attached air path to the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port tube to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 25] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators and an external port tube to the environment. The second chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. The third chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 26] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators, an external port tube to the environment, and an attached air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. The third chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 27] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators and an external port tube to the environment. The second chamber includes an attached air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 28] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators and an external port tube to the environment. The second chamber includes an attached air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. The third chamber includes an attached air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 29] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators, an external port tube to the environment, and an attached air path to the interior of the vehicle housing. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 30]A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators and an attached air path into the interior of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. The third chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may include a secondary chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 31] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators. The second chamber includes an external port tube to the environment and an attached air path into the interior of the vehicle housing. The third chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may include a secondary chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 32] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes two active acoustic radiators. The second chamber includes an external port tube to the environment and an attached air path into the interior of the vehicle housing. The third chamber includes an external port tube to the environment and an attached air path into the interior of the vehicle housing. Each of the second and third chambers may include a secondary chamber having an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 33] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes an active acoustic radiator and an internal port tube into the interior of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an external port tube to the environment. The internal port tube may connect the first chamber and the third chamber. [Figure 34] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having two chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes an active acoustic radiator and an internal port tube into the interior of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an internal port tube into the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port tube to the environment. [Figure 35] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having two chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes an active acoustic radiator and an external port tube to the environment. The second chamber includes an internal port tube into the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port tube to the environment. [[ID=十六]] [[ID=十七]] [Figure 36]A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with two chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the second chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 37] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 38] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 39] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the second chamber containing an active sound radiator and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe leading to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 40] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 41] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The internal port pipes can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 42] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 43] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 44] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, the second chamber containing an external port pipe leading to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe leading to the environment. [Figure 45] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators and an external port pipe to the environment, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. [Figure 46] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators and an external port pipe to the environment, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. [Figure 47] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. [Figure 48] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators and an external port pipe to the environment, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. [Figure 49]A loudspeaker comprising a pressure vessel having three chambers is schematically illustrated, the first chamber comprising two active sound radiators and an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe into the environment, the second chamber comprising an external port pipe into the environment and an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing, and the third chamber comprising an external port pipe into the environment and an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing. [Figure 50] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. [Figure 51] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 52] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 53] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. [Figure 54] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the second chamber containing an active sound radiator, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. The internal port pipe may connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 55] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, the second chamber containing an active sound radiator, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of a vehicle housing. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 56] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 57] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 58] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. The third chamber includes an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 59] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and an external port pipe to the environment, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 60] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The third chamber includes an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 61] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber includes an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The internal port pipes can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 62]A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an external port pipe to the environment. The third chamber includes an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipes can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 63] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The third chamber includes an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipes can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 64] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 65] A loudspeaker comprising a pressure vessel having three chambers is schematically illustrated. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The third chamber includes an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipes can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 66] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. The second chamber includes an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The third chamber includes an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipes can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 67]A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an internal port to the interior of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 68] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe leading to the environment. The internal port pipe can connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 69] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker equipped with a pressure vessel having three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, a passive sound radiator, and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, the second chamber containing an external port pipe leading to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe leading to the environment. [Figure 70] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment and an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing. [Figure 71] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator, the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the fourth chamber containing an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 72] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the fourth chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 73]A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, a passive sound radiator, and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing; the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing; the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment; and the fourth chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 74] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers. The first chamber includes an active sound radiator, a passive sound radiator, an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, and an external port pipe to the environment. The second chamber includes a passive sound radiator, an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, and an external port pipe to the environment. The third chamber includes an external port pipe to the environment. The fourth chamber also includes an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 75] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, and the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth chambers may include an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 76] A loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers is schematically illustrated, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator, and the second chamber containing a passive sound radiator. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth chambers may include an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe may connect the first and third chambers. [Figure 77] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with four chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth chambers may include an internal port pipe to the inside of the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. The internal port pipe may connect the first and third chambers. The internal port pipe may connect the second and fourth chambers. [Figure 78]A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three main chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators and an external port pipe to the environment, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. Each of the second and third chambers may contain a sub-chamber containing an active sound radiator. [Figure 79] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three main chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators, an external port pipe to the environment, and an internal port pipe to the interior of the vehicle housing. The second and third chambers may each contain sub-chambers with active sound radiators. [Figure 80] A loudspeaker comprising a pressure vessel having three main chambers is schematically illustrated, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators, the second chamber containing an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an internal port pipe into the vehicle housing and an external port pipe to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may contain a sub-chamber containing an active sound radiator. [Figure 81] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three main chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators and an internal port pipe leading into the vehicle housing, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may contain a sub-chamber containing an active sound radiator. [Figure 82] A schematic diagram shows a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active sound radiators, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 83] A schematic diagram shows a prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. [Figure 84]A prior art loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel having three chambers is schematically illustrated, the first chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, the second chamber containing an active acoustic radiator, and the third chamber containing an active acoustic radiator. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber containing an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 85] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing two active acoustic radiators, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may contain a sub-chamber containing an active acoustic radiator. [Figure 86] A schematic diagram shows a loudspeaker system comprising a pressure vessel with three chambers, the first chamber containing an active sound radiator and a passive sound radiator, the second chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment, and the third chamber containing an external port pipe to the environment. Each of the second and third chambers may include a sub-chamber containing an active sound radiator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] A loudspeaker can convert an electrical signal received from an electronic system (e.g., an audio amplifier) into a sound wave having nearly the same spectral characteristics as the original sound. A loudspeaker comprises at least one electroacoustic transducer (referred to as an active transducer or speaker driver) and a housing to which the speaker driver is mounted. The housing improves the fidelity (e.g., spectral fidelity) of the sound produced by the loudspeaker compared to the sound produced by a speaker driver without a housing.
[0009] Loudspeakers may be advantageous if they are located on the outside of another enclosure, such as a vehicle housing. A loudspeaker may include a system that is at least partially disposed within a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may have one or more acoustic radiators (e.g., active, passive), one or more acoustic channels between the pressure vessel and the interior of the vehicle housing, one or more vents, one or more partitions forming various partitions, and / or other elements described herein. Acoustic channels or vents may create fluid communication between the environment outside the pressure vessel and the interior of the pressure vessel (e.g., one or more of its chambers).
[0010] For such externally mounted loudspeaker systems, it may be desirable to emit low-frequency acoustic output simultaneously with the outside of the vehicle within a closed or semi-closed vehicle. As is well known in the art, it may be beneficial to provide acoustic output over a certain frequency range inside the vehicle via an auxiliary air path from an external loudspeaker simultaneously emitting acoustic output outside the vehicle, which is in phase with the acoustic output outside the vehicle.
[0011] In some embodiments, an acoustic resonance system can increase the acoustic output from a speaker enclosure and / or isolate the speaker from external conditions. For example, embodiments are described herein that enable the creation of an external audio system that efficiently meets high output level requirements while simultaneously providing audio transmission inside the vehicle that is substantially in phase with external audio transmission. While embodiments have been described in the prior art that can emit sound inside the vehicle and outside the vehicle simultaneously using a single speaker, the output inside the vehicle provided by these systems is generally out of phase with the acoustic output provided outside the vehicle, limiting their applications and usefulness, and there is a need in the art for a method to provide efficient in-phase acoustic radiation both inside and outside the vehicle.
[0012] As described herein, certain configurations that may accompany and / or complement an external sound system for a vehicle may be particularly suitable for low frequencies. One or more air passages, such as acoustic channels, may incorporate features such as variable cross-sectional area along the path length, sound-absorbing materials, horns, flares, grilles, semipermeable membranes, and / or aesthetic transitions between the air passage and flat, curved, or contoured surfaces. Some air passages may act as resonant acoustic masses involved in the formation of tuned acoustic resonances in the air chambers. In some embodiments, diaphragms of one or more active transducers and / or passive radiators may additionally or alternatively act as barriers against the ingress of water or vapor from the external environment of the vehicle into the interior space of the vehicle and / or into one or more chambers of the pressure vessel and / or into corrosive components of the active transducer (e.g., magnetic circuits). In some embodiments, semipermeable membranes, filters, breathers, valves, and / or flow-permissible or flow-resisting elements described herein may be provided to prevent the ingress of water or vapor into the vehicle interior.
[0013] A loudspeaker transducer may be referred to as a “speaker” and / or “active transducer.” A loudspeaker may have at least one voice coil motor assembly, a diaphragm, and an elastic suspension for the diaphragm to support movement perpendicular to the mounting surface. A loudspeaker may be capable of receiving an audio signal and emitting out-of-phase sound pressure between two air parcels through the movement of the diaphragm proportional to the input signal. Additionally or alternatively, a loudspeaker transducer may include a composite arrangement of transducers such as “equal-barometric” pairs and / or multiple transducers mounted on the same wall of the enclosure.
[0014] A passive radiator (e.g., a "drone cone," "secondary radiator," or "bus diaphragm") may have at least one diaphragm, a mass element integrated with or mounted on the diaphragm, and an elastic suspension for the diaphragm to support movement perpendicular to the mounting surface. The diaphragm may move in modes of translation, bending, deformation, or oscillation. The diaphragm may be watertight or vapor-tight.
[0015] A vent may be a port tube (e.g., a “ref port / vent”) having a tube or conduit that opens at each end. A vent may have a cross-sectional area that is substantially constant between the two ends, and / or a specified length between the two ends that defines the suspended mass of air inside. The cross-sectional area of a vent may be circular (e.g., cylindrical), oblong, elliptical, rectangular (e.g., slotted), triangular, or another geometric shape. Such vents generally cannot provide a water-resistant barrier because they are filled with air and open at either end, resulting in low resistance to airflow. Vents and passive radiators can be considered “acoustic mass” elements used to modulate the resonance of an air parcel. In some embodiments, vents and passive radiators may be implemented interchangeably to prevent the passage of water or corrosive vapors between chambers, while achieving the same or similar effects in the loudspeaker systems described herein.
[0016] The various embodiments described herein include one or more auxiliary air passages. When used herein, auxiliary air passages are used to provide conduits for sound energy from the chamber of an external speaker system to the interior of a vehicle. They may be defined as generating a low-resistance sound transmission path from one air mass to another, but this definition does not imply any particular set of length, cross-sectional area, or end conditions. Auxiliary air passages may be configured as port tubes where required in the implementation example. Additional passive radiating elements or diaphragms may be provided in some embodiments to allow sound transmission while preventing the movement of air or water in a continuous flow state between the exterior and interior of the vehicle. In other embodiments, assuming that a semipermeable membrane, breather, or other flow-permissive or flow-resistive element substantially allows sound transmission from one area to another, such elements may be employed at either end of the air passage.
[0017] To adjust the balance of sound output to the interior or exterior of the vehicle, the relative size adjustment of the conduit cross-sectional area to other acoustic vents of the system may be used. Additional or alternative means of resistance may be used. The conduit may be rigid or flexible. An additional grille may be provided at the end of the conduit that forms a boundary with the interior of the vehicle to prevent the ingress of debris. A breather assembly incorporating a semipermeable membrane (such as Gore-Tex®), a foam absorbent medium, and / or a number of means to protect the end of the conduit from liquid or debris may be incorporated into this grille. The end of the conduit that forms a boundary with the interior of the vehicle may also be concealed behind other vehicle trim panels to avoid exposure. As described herein, a semipermeable membrane may be placed at the inlet to an auxiliary air path that forms a boundary with the air chamber of the sound system.
[0018] An auxiliary air path into the vehicle interior may emit an acoustic output that is substantially in phase with the loudspeaker output outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, one or more acoustic channels (e.g., vents, auxiliary air paths) may emit an acoustic output into the vehicle interior that is out of phase with the output emitted outside the vehicle interior. Additionally or alternatively, an auxiliary air path may be configured as a reflector vent that is in phase with an externally facing reflector vent and contributes to the acoustic output into the vehicle interior. In some embodiments, an acoustic channel may be replaced by a passive radiator diaphragm acting through an opening inside the vehicle.
[0019] As used herein, the term “exterior” may include the space outside the interior of the vehicle (e.g., the passenger compartment). Loudspeaker systems may be mounted outside of metal sheeting or trim surface finishes. Additionally or alternatively, they may be mounted in the gap between the interior walls of the vehicle (defining an enclosing or semi-enclosing passenger compartment air mass) and the exterior walls of the vehicle (e.g., metal sheeting), such as above, behind, or to the side of the battery, motor, axle, or fuel tank.
[0020] External loudspeaker mounting may be permanent, semi-permanent / removable, or temporary. Breather assemblies forming a semipermeable membrane between the interior and exterior may be configured to be airtight or watertight when exposed to water, and to allow airflow again after drying.
[0021] The housing of a pressure vessel can prevent sound waves generated by the rear surface of the speaker driver's diaphragm from interacting with sound waves generated by the front surface of the diaphragm, which may be out of phase, resulting in distortion of the sound waves or a decrease in their pressure level. Therefore, the housing includes at least a baffle (e.g., the front surface to which the speaker driver is mounted), a closed box, or a vented box. Additionally, the housing can act as an acoustic resonator that sustains the sound waves generated by the speaker driver. Therefore, the volume and rigidity of the air mass of the housing can directly affect the performance of the loudspeaker. As a resonator, the housing can adjust the spectral acoustic power distribution of at least a portion of the sound waves generated by the speaker driver and radiated through the housing. Therefore, the housing design and configuration are an integral part of manufacturing a loudspeaker with desirable performance characteristics.
[0022] It can be advantageous for a loudspeaker to emit sound across the entire frequency range (e.g., including low, mid, and high frequency ranges). A major challenge in loudspeaker design is to improve performance in other frequency ranges (e.g., non-overlapping or partially overlapping frequency ranges) while maintaining acoustic power generation and radiation efficiency within a frequency range. This can be particularly challenging in speaker systems located outside the vehicle enclosure. Other types of loudspeaker systems can be optimized to provide efficient low-frequency output and often operate in other frequency ranges to support other loudspeakers where output both inside and outside the vehicle may be desirable. Electrical, electronic, digital, mechanical, or acoustic filters can be provided to optimize the interaction between loudspeaker systems operating simultaneously across multiple frequency ranges.
[0023] Some loudspeaker systems use ported or vented enclosures, or passive radiators (also called passive transducers), to enhance the performance of the corresponding loudspeakers. Vented enclosures may have vents, opening tubes, or tubular structures connected to openings to improve low-frequency output, increase efficiency, or reduce the size of the enclosure.
[0024] Using passive radiators to emit low-frequency sound waves from the enclosure can increase the low-frequency efficiency of a loudspeaker while allowing for a smaller enclosure than a vented loudspeaker with similar performance. In some applications, as is well known in the art, moderately tuned passive radiators may be used to replace or work with one or more ports to produce acoustically tuned frequencies. In such configurations, it is important to carefully consider the water or vapor barrier requirements of the system, such as those required to prevent water from entering the vehicle interior.
[0025] A passive radiator generally refers to a speaker structure that does not have a flexible diaphragm with a mass element, or an electroacoustic transducer or magnetic assembly. In some cases, a passive radiator may comprise a cone or diaphragm, one or more suspensions (e.g., spiders or rolling seals at the cone edge, usually referred to as "surround"), and / or a frame. In contrast to a speaker driver, a passive radiator generally does not include a voice coil for converting electrical signals into vibrations in the cone or diaphragm. A passive radiator may receive primary sound waves (e.g., sound waves generated by a speaker driver) from one side of the cone and re-radiate secondary sound waves from the opposite side of the cone. A passive radiator system may be excited by the sound pressure of the enclosure and configured to produce low-frequency sound waves (e.g., bass frequencies). A passive radiator may have an effective area from which sound is radiated from the enclosure, or in some cases into a chamber of the enclosure that is acoustically coupled to the main chamber of the enclosure to which the speaker driver is connected. The effective area of a passive radiator may have a shape such as circular, oval, elliptical, or rectangular. In some cases, the effective area of a passive radiator may include other shapes. In some cases, the effective area of a passive radiator is the standard S of the passive radiator. d It has a rating. In some cases, the effective area of a passive radiator may include the area of the cone of the passive radiator (e.g., the protruding area).
[0026] The frequency response of a passive radiator (PR) may include the resonance effect associated with the PR's resonant frequency. The PR's resonant frequency can be determined at least in part on the mass and / or shape of the cone / diaphragm, and / or the properties of the suspension. Additionally, the PR's resonant frequency may be influenced by the stiffness of the air in the vicinity of the PR, e.g., the stiffness of the air in the enclosure where the PR receives primary sound waves, the stiffness of the air outside the enclosure (in contact with the external components of the passive radiator), or the stiffness of the air in the chamber of the enclosure from which the PR radiates secondary sound waves.
[0027] The resonant frequency of a PR can be adjusted by changing its mass (for example, by adding mass to the cone or diaphragm). Alternatively, the PR may be adjusted by changing the stiffness of the air in contact with it (referred to as the "load effect"). For example, the resonant frequency of a PR can be lowered (e.g., reduced) by adding mass to the cone or by increasing the stiffness of the air in the chamber in which the PR radiates secondary sound waves and / or receives primary sound waves.
[0028] Some of the disclosed systems and methods utilize a mass of air surrounded by a chamber configured to accommodate passive radiators and otherwise overcome the contradiction of restricting air movement in a conventional enclosure, thereby increasing the sound pressure level (SPL) of the generated low-frequency sound waves (usually by only about +3dB, e.g., 3dB to 6dB, 6dB to 9dB, 9dB to 12dB, or any range formed by these values), thereby improving the low-frequency performance of the corresponding loudspeaker. Thus, the proposed loudspeaker enclosure designs can enhance acoustic radiation efficiency compared to loudspeakers of similar size that do not have resonant systems at both low and high frequencies. Using these designs, loudspeakers can produce sound at higher SPLs without requiring more input while maintaining fidelity of the output sound. The passively assisted acoustic chamber can adjust the output from low to very low frequencies without negatively impacting overall acoustic power efficiency, enabling the design of active low-frequency transducers for higher efficiency.
[0029] In some embodiments, the system may include interfaces, partitions, or other dividers to protect the loudspeaker assembly from certain environmental conditions (e.g., humidity) that would otherwise damage the transducer by causing corrosion on the back of the transducer where fragile components such as the voice coil or other metal parts are exposed. For example, in some embodiments, a loudspeaker enclosure is disclosed having two or more compartments or chambers, including a tuned arrangement configured to enhance the low-frequency response of the speaker driver to increase output acoustic power and low-frequency efficiency. The arrangement and design of interfaces, chambers, and acoustic load elements may be carefully considered to provide a desired sound energy distribution both on the outside and inside of the vehicle interior when such acoustic radiation characteristics are desired.
[0030] In some embodiments, the loudspeaker enclosure may include a first or primary chamber having a main port or opening. At least one speaker driver or other radiator may be disposed in the first chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a second chamber acoustically coupled to the primary chamber via one or more passive radiators or port tubes. The second chamber and one or more passive radiators or ports may be configured to enable highly efficient acoustic power transfer from the speaker driver to the second chamber or subsequent chambers (e.g., low-frequency chambers below 200 Hz) and efficient acoustic power radiation from one or more output ports in the second chamber or subsequent chamber. The second chamber and passive radiators may be configured to improve low-frequency performance (e.g., acoustic power generation and radiation efficiency) so that their influence on the acoustic power and spectral properties of the active output (also referred to as the fundamental wave) directly radiated from the loudspeaker by one or more speaker drivers is negligible. In some cases, the fundamental wave may encompass sound waves having frequencies in the high and / or intermediate frequency range. The room may be designed or optimized to generate or minimize acoustic loss in the high and / or intermediate frequency range required for the application.
[0031] The speaker driver may be mounted on the wall of the primary chamber (e.g., the front wall) such that the front of the speaker driver is outside the primary chamber and the rear of the speaker driver is inside the primary chamber. Ideally, the chamber walls should be designed to minimize deflection in the enclosure portion where acoustic radiation from the enclosure structure is not explicitly required. In any air passages formed by the enclosure walls or additional tubing, it may be ideal to make the cross-sectional area of the tubing large enough to avoid air impact noise, which is generally unnecessary.
[0032] Figures 1–9 show schematic diagrams of examples of loudspeaker systems comprising a pressure vessel having one or more chambers, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For clarity, numbered elements having the same or similar function are not repeated in every figure. Instead, clarity is prioritized in figures where elements having the same or similar function as other already numbered elements are illustrated. The features of these elements may have one or more of the features already described. Therefore, not every figure is described in detail here. Instead, for clarity and space saving, features of figures described in more detail may also apply to figures that are described little or nowhere.
[0033] This specification describes various pressure vessels disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing. A pressure vessel may include one or more acoustic radiators, acoustic channels, acoustic vents, bulkheads, resistive elements, and / or other features described herein. These features may be disposed within one or more chambers of the pressure vessel. An acoustic channel may include one or more auxiliary air passages and / or port tubes. A vent may include a port tube or other resonant tuning means common to vented box systems (also known as bass reflex systems or ported box systems), and may be replaced by a passive radiating element for moderate tuning where a solid barrier between multiple air masses is required. A vent or passive radiator may be configured to form a target resonant tuning frequency or frequency set. For example, it may be beneficial for the vehicle to produce a specific sound (e.g., at a specific frequency) so that the system can be tuned to operate most efficiently.
[0034] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the loudspeaker system 300 may include a pressure vessel 301 having a first chamber 332. The pressure vessel 301 may include an active acoustic radiator 304 disposed within the first chamber 332. The pressure vessel 301 may include an auxiliary air passage 310 connecting the first chamber 332 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. The pressure vessel 301 may include an external port pipe 314 that fluidly connects the first chamber 332 to the environment outside the pressure vessel 301. The active acoustic radiator 304 may include a magnetic circuit 306 and a movable diaphragm 308. The movable diaphragm 308 may be disposed such that a substantial portion of the movable diaphragm 308 forms and / or is connected to the exterior of the pressure vessel 301. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel 301 includes a particle barrier 316. The particle barrier 316 may be positioned at or near the end of the auxiliary air passage 310 to prevent particulate matter or liquid mist from passing between the interior of the vehicle housing 302 and the first chamber 332. The end of the auxiliary air passage 310 may be advantageously positioned above the vehicle's maximum wading depth line, but may be positioned below the vehicle's maximum wading depth line if appropriate means are provided to prevent water ingress in the event of flooding, such as when the semipermeable membrane becomes wet. Ideally, the loudspeaker system example is made of a material that is waterproof or water-resistant and capable of withstanding immersion in water or saltwater to a given depth, but some arrangements disclosed later may provide protection to the loudspeaker components without this inherent water resistance. If an automatic valve is used to prevent water ingress, it should not interfere with the air pressure in any direction of flow in the conduit.
[0035] Figure 2 shows another example of a loudspeaker system 300 comprising a pressure vessel 301. The pressure vessel 301 may have a partition 320 forming a first chamber 332 and a second chamber 334. An active acoustic radiator 304 may be disposed in the first chamber 332. The pressure vessel 301 may additionally or alternatively include a passive acoustic radiator 324. The passive acoustic radiator 324 may be located in the pressure vessel 301. The passive acoustic radiator 324 may be disposed in the second chamber 334 and / or the first chamber 332. The passive acoustic radiator 324 may be disposed in the partition 320 between the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334. The passive acoustic radiator 324 may form at least a portion of the partition 320 and / or be connected to the partition 320. The passive acoustic radiator 324 may include a second movable diaphragm 308 which can be disposed in the pressure vessel 301.
[0036] The partition 320 and / or the passive acoustic radiator 324 (e.g., diaphragm 308) may form a fluid barrier between the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334 if the passive radiator material is water-resistant and watertight. The fluid barrier may prevent fluid flow between the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334 to protect the rear of the loudspeaker from direct exposure to water or mist. The passive acoustic radiator 324 may be configured to radiate an out-of-phase or resonant acoustic emission into the first chamber 332 of the pressure vessel 301. The out-of-phase acoustic emission may have a phase opposite to and / or substantially similar amplitude to the acoustic emission radiated into the first chamber 332 by the opposite side of the active acoustic radiator, in order to provide a suitable phase inversion effect close to the tuned resonant frequency, thereby providing acoustic transmission from the port tube and associated acoustic channels that are in phase with the external sound radiation from the active acoustic radiator.
[0037] An auxiliary air path 310 may connect the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. An external port pipe 314 may connect the second chamber 334 to the environment outside both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302. The external port pipe 314 may be configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber 334 to the environment.
[0038] In some variations, an acoustic channel configured as a port tube (e.g., an internal port tube) may be configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. In some embodiments, the loudspeaker system 300 may include a second external port tube connecting the first chamber 332 to the environment outside both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302. The second external port tube may be configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the first chamber 332 to the environment outside both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302.
[0039] In some embodiments, the passive acoustic radiator 324 may be configured to form a first resonant tuning frequency. In some embodiments, the external port tube 314 may include a vent. The vent may be configured to form a second resonant tuning frequency. The second resonant tuning frequency may differ from the first resonant tuning frequency in some embodiments.
[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 300 having a pressure vessel 301 comprising a first chamber 332 and a second chamber 334. An active acoustic radiator 304 may be disposed in the first chamber 332. The active acoustic radiator 304 may be disposed in a partition wall 320 between the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334, and may include an active acoustic radiator 304 that forms at least a portion of the partition wall 320 and / or is connected to the partition wall 320. A movable diaphragm 308 may be disposed such that a substantial portion of the movable diaphragm 308 forms the partition wall 320 and / or is connected to it. The magnetic circuit 306 and / or movable diaphragm 308 of the active acoustic radiator 304 may be located in the first chamber 332 for protection from the external environment of the vehicle, or, if required by application, the magnetic circuit may be oriented to face the opposite chamber, without substantially altering the system acoustic output except for reversing the mechanical polarity of the electrically correctable diaphragm operation. The movable diaphragm 308 may be configured to transmit acoustic emissions to the second chamber 334, with out-of-phase radiation from the opposite side of the movable diaphragm transmitted to the first chamber 332. The pressure vessel 301 may include an auxiliary air path 310 connecting the inside of the vehicle housing 302 to the second chamber 334. The loudspeaker system 300 may include an external port pipe 314 that can connect the second chamber 334 to the environment outside the pressure vessel 301. In this configuration, the primary source of acoustic radiation outside the vehicle is the port pipe, while the primary source of acoustic radiation inside the vehicle is the inner end of the auxiliary air path. This may be advantageous in some applications to provide an outlet for acoustic radiation that has an aesthetic appearance similar to the vehicle's tailpipe. Any port pipe in the system according to this disclosure may be replaced by multiple port pipes connecting the same two air parcels, or by multiple passive radiators connecting the same two air parcels, the operation of such a system is to form a single effective resonant frequency despite multiple resonant acoustic mass elements. Similarly, the auxiliary air path may be replaced by multiple auxiliary air paths having similar or different routes to components inside the vehicle.
[0041] Figure 4 shows a loudspeaker system 300 with an auxiliary air path configured as an inward-facing port pipe 312 connecting the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. In several variations, the inward port pipe 312 may be configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. The loudspeaker system 300 may include an external port pipe 314 connecting the second chamber 334 to the environment outside both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302. In several variations, the external port pipe 314 may be configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber 334 to the environment outside both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302. When the auxiliary air path is configured as an inward-facing port pipe, it may be important that the inlet of the port pipe into the vehicle is above the vehicle's maximum wading depth.
[0042] Figure 5 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 300 with two external port tubes 314. The first external port tube 314 connects the first chamber 332 to the external environment of both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302. The second external port tube 314 connects the second chamber 334 to the external environment of both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302. An auxiliary air path 310 may connect the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. This type of system can form a "double-tuned" acoustic bandpass filter arrangement between the two chambers and the outside of the vehicle.
[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 300 having two partitions 320 separating a first chamber 332, a second chamber 334, and a third chamber 336. As shown, a passive sound radiator 324 and an active sound radiator 304 may each be located within the first chamber 332. The movable diaphragm 308 of the passive sound radiator 324 may be configured to transmit acoustic emissions to the third chamber 336. Additionally or alternatively, the active sound radiator 304 may be configured to send acoustic emissions to the second chamber 334. A first external port pipe 314 may connect the third chamber 336 to the environment. A second external port pipe 314 may connect the second chamber 334 to the environment. An auxiliary air path 310 may connect the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. This type of system can form a “series-tuned” acoustic bandpass filter arrangement between the three chambers and the outside of the vehicle. Additionally, the passive radiator may be provided with a protective water-resistant barrier between the port tube of chamber 336 and the rear side of the active acoustic radiator.
[0044] The passive acoustic radiator 324 may form at least a portion of the second bulkhead 320 and / or may be connected to the second bulkhead 320. The auxiliary air passage 310 may be configured to fluidly connect the second chamber 334 and / or the third chamber 336 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. As shown herein, various embodiments include one or more auxiliary air passages 310 that can connect one or more of the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, the third chamber 336, and / or the fourth chamber 338. Additional chambers and / or auxiliary air passages may be included.
[0045] In some embodiments, the loudspeaker system 300 may have a second external port pipe 314 connecting the third chamber 336 to the external environment of both the pressure vessel 301 and the vehicle housing 302. Additional external port pipes 314 may be included, as shown in various embodiments herein. Figure 7 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 300 with an auxiliary air path 310 connecting the third chamber 336 to the interior of an internal port pipe 312. Additional port pipes may form additional resonant tuning frequencies between the chamber and the external / internal ambient environment of the vehicle.
[0046] Figure 8 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 300 comprising both active and passive sound radiators 304 and 324, each having a corresponding movable diaphragm 308 connected to and / or arranged to form part thereof of the same bulkhead 320. The bulkhead 320 can separate the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334. An external port pipe 314 can connect the second chamber 334 to the environment. An auxiliary air path 310 can connect the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302.
[0047] Figure 9 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 300 having three chambers. Both the active and passive acoustic radiators 304 and 324 are located in the first chamber 332, an internal port pipe 312 connects the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302, and / or an external port pipe 314 connects the environment to the third chamber 336. The movable diaphragm 308 of the passive acoustic radiator 324 may be configured to transmit acoustic emissions to the third chamber 336. Additionally or alternatively, the active acoustic radiator 304 may be configured to send acoustic emissions to the second chamber 334. Figures 9 and 50 illustrate that either the active or passive acoustic radiator, as required by a particular application, may be directly vented to the vehicle compartment.
[0048] Figures 10-15 show schematic diagrams of prior art loudspeaker systems 400, which include a pressure vessel 301 having one or more active acoustic radiators 304. For example, Figure 10 illustrates a prior art system comprising a first chamber 332 containing an active acoustic radiator 304. The loudspeaker system 400 may include an internal port pipe 312 connecting the first chamber 332 to the interior of a vehicle housing 302. Figure 11 illustrates another prior art loudspeaker system 400, comprising a second chamber 334 with an external port pipe 314 connecting the second chamber 334 to the environment. Figure 12 illustrates a loudspeaker system 400 that does not include an internal port pipe 312 connecting the interior of a vehicle housing 302 to the first chamber 332, forming a well-known fourth-order acoustic bandpass system. Figure 13 illustrates a loudspeaker system 400 that includes an external port pipe 314 connecting the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334 to the environment, forming a well-known double-tuned or sixth-order acoustic bandpass system. Figure 14 illustrates a loudspeaker system 400 that does not include an external port pipe 314 connecting the second chamber 334 to the environment, forming a fourth-order acoustic bandpass system in which the output is directed into the vehicle interior for "through-flow" applications. Figure 15 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 400 having multiple inward-facing port pipes 312. One internal port pipe 312 can connect the first chamber 332 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302, and another internal port pipe 312 can connect the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302, forming a double-tuned or sixth-order acoustic bandpass system in which the output is directed into the vehicle interior. Such systems are already known to be employed and are presented here for distinction from the present disclosure.
[0049] Figure 16 shows an example of a loudspeaker system comprising an auxiliary air path 310 having a resistive element 328 disposed within it. The resistive element 328 may be a flow-resistive element that reduces the airflow or acoustic emissions passing through it. Thus, the resistive element 328 may also function as an acoustic mass element. The resistive element 328 may be configured to act as a filter for sound passing from one or more chambers of the pressure vessel 301 and the interior of the vehicle housing 302, in particular from these chambers that are subjected to high internal sound pressure. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the resistive element 328 may act as a sound filter between the first chamber 332 and the interior of the vehicle housing 302.
[0050] Figure 17 shows an example of a loudspeaker system 300 having a plurality of auxiliary air passages 310 and a plurality of external port pipes 314 in a novel configuration that goes beyond those already known in the art. For example, an auxiliary air passage 310 may connect the interior of the vehicle housing 302 to a third chamber 336, and another auxiliary air passage 310 may connect the interior of the vehicle housing 302 to a second chamber 334. A particle barrier 316 may be provided across the opening of the auxiliary air passage 310 into the interior of the vehicle housing 302. An external port pipe 314 may connect the second chamber 334 to the environment, and another external port pipe 314 may connect the third chamber 336 to the environment.
[0051] Figures 18-32 show schematic diagrams of various embodiments of a loudspeaker system 500 comprising a pressure vessel 301 having one or more auxiliary air passages 310 into the interior of a vehicle housing 302. The various embodiments shown in Figures 18-32 include two, three, or more active sound radiators 304 and / or passive sound radiators 324. Figure 18 shows a loudspeaker system 500 comprising a pressure vessel 301 having four chambers—a first chamber 332, a second chamber 334, a third chamber 336, and a fourth chamber 338. The first chamber 332 may include an active sound radiator 304 and a passive sound radiator 324. The second chamber 334 may include a passive sound radiator 324. The third chamber 336 may include an external port pipe 314 to the environment. The fourth chamber 338 may include an external port pipe 314 to the environment. The fourth chamber 338 may include an auxiliary air path 310 into the interior of the vehicle housing 302, which may include a particle barrier 316. Figure 19 illustrates the auxiliary air path 310 to the second chamber 334, which includes a resistive element 328 as described herein. Figure 20 illustrates the second chamber 334, which includes auxiliary air paths 310 from the interior of the vehicle housing 302 to the third chamber 336 and the fourth chamber 338. Figure 21 illustrates the auxiliary air paths 310 to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336, the auxiliary air path 310 to the second chamber 334, which includes a resistive element 328.
[0052] Figure 22 illustrates a loudspeaker system 500 comprising a pressure vessel 301 having three chambers. The first chamber 332 may include an active sound radiator 304 and a passive sound radiator 324. The second chamber 334 may include a passive sound radiator 324. The third chamber 336 may include an auxiliary air passage 310 and / or an external port pipe 314. As illustrated in Figure 23, the auxiliary air passage 310 may be connected to the second chamber 334 and / or may include a resistive element 328.
[0053] The loudspeaker system 500 may include active acoustic radiators 304 that directly guide (e.g., generate, transmit) acoustic emissions into the environment outside the pressure vessel 301. For example, Figure 24 shows an embodiment comprising two active acoustic radiators 304 configured to generate acoustic emissions into corresponding chambers of the pressure vessel 301. Such a configuration may be advantageous for offsetting lateral forces applied to the housing, reducing unwanted vibrations, or providing a symmetrical configuration suitable for an aesthetic design range. Figure 24 shows a pressure vessel 301 comprising three chambers. The first chamber 332 may include two active acoustic radiators 304 and / or an external port pipe 314. The second chamber may include an auxiliary air passage 310 and / or an external port pipe 314. The third chamber 336 may include an auxiliary air passage 310 and / or an external port pipe 314. The loudspeaker system 500 may include active acoustic radiators 304 configured to generate and direct acoustic emissions directly into the environment. For example, two active acoustic radiators 304 may be configured such that corresponding diaphragms are mounted on and / or form part of the wall of the pressure vessel 301. Each of the second chamber 334 and / or third chamber 336 may include a sub-chamber 318 configured as described and operating in a frequency range that overlaps with or is separate from the surrounding system, enabling a wide operating bandwidth for a fully integrated system, while protecting secondary active radiators from damage due to low-frequency pressure in the other chambers. Figure 25 shows that the auxiliary air path 310 to the third chamber 336 may be removed, indicating that the system does not need to be symmetrical. Figure 26 shows the auxiliary air path 310 connected to the first chamber 332 and the external port pipes 314 connected to the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, and the third chamber 336. Figure 27 shows that the external port pipe 314 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336, and the auxiliary air passage 310 connected to the second chamber 334 have been removed. Figure 28 illustrates the auxiliary air passage 310 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336, and the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332. Figure 29 shows the auxiliary air passage 310 connected to the first chamber 332 and the external port pipe 314.Figure 30 shows the auxiliary air path 310 connected to the first chamber 332 and the external port pipe 314 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336. Figure 31 shows the auxiliary air path 310 connected to the second chamber 334. Figure 32 shows the auxiliary air path 310 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336.
[0054] Figures 33–81 show schematic diagrams of examples of loudspeaker systems 600 comprising a pressure vessel 301 having one or more tuned ports into the interior of a vehicle housing, according to various embodiments. Additional or alternative tuned ports may be included to provide acoustic tuning frequencies or other fluid communication between chambers. Figure 33 illustrates a loudspeaker system 600 comprising three chambers. The first chamber 332 includes an active acoustic radiator 304 and an internal port tube 312 into the interior of the vehicle housing 302. The second chamber 334 includes an external port tube 314. An internal port tube 312 connecting the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336 is included, which may function as an integrated acoustic absorber at the tuning frequency. The internal port tube 312 may include one or more features of any other internal port tube 312 described herein, such as the one shown in Figure 37.
[0055] Figure 34 illustrates a loudspeaker system 600 comprising two chambers. The first chamber 332 includes an active sound radiator 304. The second chamber 334 includes an external port tube 314. An internal port tube 312 may connect the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334 to the interior of the vehicle housing 302. Figure 35 illustrates that the internal port tube 312 may be removed from the first chamber 332 to include the external port tube 314. Figure 36 illustrates that the first chamber 332 may include both the internal port tube 312 and the external port tube 314.
[0056] Figure 38 illustrates a loudspeaker system 600 having three chambers, clearly demonstrating series tuning of the chambers. The first chamber 332 may include an active sound radiator 304. The second chamber 334 may include an external port tube 314. The third chamber 336 may include an internal port tube 312 and an external port tube 314. The internal port tube 312 may connect the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 39 illustrates that the internal port tube 312 may be connected to the second chamber 334 instead of the third chamber 336, the external port tube 314 to the second chamber 334 may be removed, and the active sound radiator 304 may be installed in the second chamber 334. Figure 40 illustrates that the active sound radiator 304 may be installed in the first chamber 332 and the external port tube 314 may be connected to the second chamber 334. Figure 41 illustrates that the internal port tube 312 can be connected to the third chamber 336. Figure 42 illustrates that the internal port tube 312 can be removed and two active acoustic radiators 304 can be placed in the first chamber 332. The internal port tube 312 can be connected to the second chamber 334. The external port tube 314 can be connected to the third chamber 336. Figure 43 illustrates that the external port tube 314 can be connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336. The internal port tube 312 can be connected to the second chamber 334. Figure 44 shows that the internal port tube 312 can be connected to the first chamber 332. Figure 45 illustrates that the internal port tube 312 can be connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336, and that the external port tube 314 can be connected to the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334. Figure 46 illustrates that the internal port pipe 312 may be connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336, and the external port pipe 314 may be connected to the first chamber 332. Figure 47 illustrates that the internal port pipe 312 and the external port pipe 314 may be connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336. Figure 48 illustrates that the external port pipe 314 may also be connected to the first chamber 332. Figure 49 illustrates that the internal port pipe 312 and the external port pipe 314 may be connected to the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, and / or the third chamber 336, respectively.As has been clearly expressed, multiple vent / chamber networks can establish a desired combination through series / parallel tuning of chambers and routing of chamber outputs to the interior or exterior of the vehicle, which can be advantageous in defining a system with efficient output over a wide frequency band.
[0057] Figure 50 illustrates that the first chamber 332 may include an active sound radiator 304 and / or a passive sound radiator 324. The external port tube 314 may be connected to the second chamber 334. The internal port tube 312 may be connected to the third chamber 336. Figure 51 shows that the external port tube 314 may also be connected to the second chamber 334. Figure 52 illustrates that the internal port tube 312 may be connected to the third chamber 336. Figure 53 illustrates that the internal port tube 312 is connected to both the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336. Figure 54 illustrates the active sound radiator 304 of the second chamber 334 and the internal port tube 312 and external port tube 314 connected to the third chamber 336. The internal port tube 312 may connect the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 55 shows the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332, the active acoustic radiator 304 of the second chamber 334, the internal port pipe 312 connected to the third chamber 336, and the internal port pipe 312 connecting the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 56 shows the active acoustic radiator 304 of the first chamber 332, the external port pipe 314 connected to the second chamber 334, the internal port pipe 312 connected to the third chamber 336, and the internal port pipe 312 connecting the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 57 shows the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 58 shows the internal port pipe 312 connected to the first chamber 332. Figure 59 shows the internal port pipe 312 connected to the second chamber 334. Figure 60 illustrates the internal port pipe 312 connected to the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 61 illustrates the external port pipe 314 connecting the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334. Figure 62 shows the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, and the third chamber 336. Figure 63 shows the internal port pipe 312 connected to the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334, and the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 64 illustrates the internal port pipe 312 and the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334. Figure 65 shows the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, and the third chamber 336. Figure 66 shows the internal port pipe 312 and external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, and the third chamber 336.Figure 67 shows the internal port pipe 312 connected to the third chamber 336 and the external port pipe 314 connected to the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 68 shows the internal port pipe 312 connected to the first chamber 332 and the external port pipe 314 connected to the third chamber 336. Figure 69 shows the first chamber 332 equipped with an active sound radiator 304 and a passive sound radiator 324, the internal port pipe 312 connected to the first chamber 332, and the external port pipe 314 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336. Figure 70 shows the internal port pipe 312 and the external port pipe 314 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336.
[0058] Figure 71 shows a loudspeaker system 600 comprising a pressure vessel 301 having four chambers. The first chamber 332 includes an active sound radiator 304 and a passive sound radiator 324. The second chamber 334 includes a passive sound radiator 324. An internal port tube 312 is connected to the fourth chamber 338. An external port tube 314 is connected to the third chamber 336 and the fourth chamber 338. Figure 72 shows the internal port tube 312 connected to the second chamber 334. Figure 73 shows the internal port tube 312 connected to the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334. Figure 74 shows the internal port tube 312 connected to the first chamber 332 and the second chamber 334, and the external port tube 314 connected to the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, the third chamber 336, and the fourth chamber 338. Figure 75 shows the internal port pipes 312 and external port pipes 314 connected to the first chamber 332, the second chamber 334, the third chamber 336, and the fourth chamber 338. Figure 76 shows the internal port pipe 312 connecting the first chamber 332 and the third chamber 336. Figure 77 shows the internal port pipe 312 connecting the second chamber 334 and the fourth chamber 338.
[0059] Figure 78 shows a loudspeaker system 600 comprising a pressure vessel 301 having three chambers. The first chamber 332 includes two active acoustic radiators 304 and an external port tube 314. An internal port tube 312 may be connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336. The second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336 may include sub-chambers 318 comprising active acoustic radiators 304 configured to generate and transmit acoustic emissions into the environment. Figure 79 shows the internal port tube 312 connected to the first chamber 332. Figure 80 shows the internal port tube 312 and the external port tube 314 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336. Figure 81 shows the internal port tube 312 connected to the first chamber 332 and the external port tube 314 connected to the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336.
[0060] As described herein, the port tube can act as an acoustic mass. Therefore, it can be used to obtain resonant tuning frequencies such as corresponding resonant tuning frequencies, which may be selected to be the same or different from each other, as required by the application. Other combinations are described herein and shown in various figures.
[0061] Figures 82-86 show schematic diagrams of prior art loudspeaker systems 700, comprising a pressure vessel 301 having one or more port pipes to the outside of a vehicle housing. In the embodiments shown herein, acoustic channels (e.g., auxiliary air paths, vents, port pipes) connected to the inside of the vehicle housing 302 are not included in these examples. Thus, these examples primarily concern generating and / or transmitting acoustic emissions outside the pressure vessel 301 to the surrounding environment, but not simultaneously transmitting to the inside and outside of the vehicle in any induction scheme as presented by the novel claims of this disclosure. Since these embodiments do not generate in-phase acoustic radiation simultaneously both inside and outside the vehicle, they do not constitute novel developments and are outside the scope of the novel claims presented. Figure 82 illustrates a loudspeaker system 700 comprising a pressure vessel 301 comprising three chambers. The first chamber 332 comprises two active acoustic radiators 304. The second chamber 334 comprises an external port pipe 314. The third chamber 336 comprises an external port pipe 314. This configuration, as illustrated in Figure 82, is a dual-driver configuration of the already well-known fourth-order bandpass design. Figure 83 illustrates that the first chamber 332 may include an active acoustic radiator 304 and a passive acoustic radiator 324. Figure 84 illustrates that the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336 may include an active acoustic radiator 304 and a sub-chamber 318, and that the active acoustic radiator 304 is configured to generate acoustic emissions and direct them directly into the environment. Figure 85 illustrates the second chamber 334 and the third chamber 336, which include a sub-chamber 318 and an active acoustic radiator 304 within it, and the first chamber 332 has two active acoustic radiators 304. Figure 86 illustrates the first chamber 332, which includes an active acoustic radiator 304 and a passive acoustic radiator 324. [Examples]
[0062] Example of an embodiment Several non-limiting embodiments described herein are presented below. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit or narrow the interpretation of any disclosure herein.
[0063] Example 1. A loudspeaker system comprising: a pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing; an active acoustic radiator disposed inside the pressure vessel and configured to radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle housing, the active acoustic radiator comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil; an acoustic channel configured to fluidly connect the inside of the pressure vessel to the inside of the vehicle housing, the acoustic channel configured to radiate acoustic emissions that are in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator to the inside of the vehicle housing; and a vent connecting the inside of the pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, the vent configured to radiate a portion of the acoustic emissions generated from the rear side of the active acoustic radiator to the environment.
[0064] Example 2. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the acoustic channel encompasses an attached air path.
[0065] Example 3. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the acoustic channel encloses the port tube.
[0066] Example 4. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the vent encloses the port tube.
[0067] Example 5. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the vent is configured to form a resonant tuning frequency.
[0068] Example 6. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the vent has an elliptical or rectangular cross-section.
[0069] Example 7. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, further comprising a particle barrier disposed in the acoustic channel, wherein the particle barrier is configured to reduce the transmission of particulate matter passing between the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0070] Example 8. The loudspeaker system of Example 7, wherein the particle barrier comprises at least one of a grille, a semipermeable membrane, a foam, a valve, or a breather assembly configured to be wetted to form a fluid barrier.
[0071] Example 9. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, further comprising a fluid barrier disposed between the environment and the magnetic circuit, wherein the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the environment and the magnetic circuit.
[0072] Example 10. The loudspeaker system of Example 9, wherein the fluid barrier comprises at least one of the following: a semipermeable membrane, a foam, a valve, a movable or expandable diaphragm, or a breather assembly configured to form a fluid barrier upon wetting.
[0073] Example 11. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the transducer forms at least a portion of the pressure vessel or is connected to the pressure vessel.
[0074] Example 12. The loudspeaker system of Example 11, wherein the transducer forms a fluid barrier between the environment and the magnetic circuit, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the environment and the magnetic circuit.
[0075] Example 13. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the converter comprises multiple converters mechanically coupled to a magnetic circuit.
[0076] Example 14. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the loudspeaker system is configured to be detachably coupled to a vehicle.
[0077] Example 15. The loudspeaker system of Example 1, wherein the pressure vessel is equipped with a partition wall separating the first chamber of the pressure vessel from the second chamber.
[0078] Example 16. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, wherein the transducer for the active acoustic radiator is located in the first chamber of the pressure vessel.
[0079] Example 17. The loudspeaker system of Example 16, wherein the magnetic circuit and transducer are arranged in the first chamber of the pressure vessel.
[0080] Example 18. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, wherein the converter forms at least a portion of the partition or is connected to the partition.
[0081] Example 19. The loudspeaker system of Example 18, wherein the converter forms a fluid barrier between the first chamber and the second chamber, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.
[0082] Example 20. The loudspeaker system of Example 18, wherein the transducer is configured to radiate an inverse-phase acoustic emission into a first chamber of a pressure vessel, and the inverse-phase acoustic emission has the opposite phase to the acoustic emission radiated by the transducer into a second chamber.
[0083] Example 21. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, wherein the acoustic channel connects the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0084] Example 22. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, in which a vent connects the second chamber to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0085] Example 23. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, wherein a vent is configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber to the environment.
[0086] Example 24. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, wherein the acoustic channels are configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0087] Example 25. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, further comprising a second vent connecting the first chamber to the external environment of both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0088] Example 26. The loudspeaker system of Example 25, wherein a second vent is configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the first chamber to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0089] Example 27. The loudspeaker system of Example 15, further comprising a passive acoustic radiator having a second movable diaphragm, wherein the passive acoustic radiator is disposed within the pressure vessel of the loudspeaker system.
[0090] Example 28. The loudspeaker system of Example 27, wherein the passive acoustic radiator is placed inside the first chamber of the pressure vessel.
[0091] Example 29. The loudspeaker system of Example 27, wherein the passive acoustic radiator forms at least a portion of the partition or is connected to the partition.
[0092] Example 30. The loudspeaker system of Example 29, wherein a passive acoustic radiator forms a fluid barrier between the first and second chambers, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the first and second chambers.
[0093] Example 31. The loudspeaker system of Example 29, wherein the active acoustic radiator forms at least a portion of the partition or is connected to the partition.
[0094] Example 32. The loudspeaker system of Example 27, wherein the passive acoustic radiator is configured to form a first resonant tuning frequency.
[0095] Example 33. The loudspeaker system of Example 32, wherein the vent is configured to form a second resonant tuning frequency.
[0096] Example 34. The loudspeaker system of Example 33, wherein the second resonant tuning frequency is different from the first resonant tuning frequency.
[0097] Example 35. The loudspeaker system of Example 27, wherein the pressure vessel further comprises a second partition separating the first chamber from the third chamber.
[0098] Example 36. The loudspeaker system of Example 35, wherein a passive acoustic radiator forms at least a portion of the second partition or is connected to the second partition.
[0099] Example 37. The loudspeaker system of Example 35, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to fluidly connect the third chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0100] Example 38. The loudspeaker system of Example 35, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to fluidly connect the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0101] Example 39. The loudspeaker system of Example 35, further comprising a second vent connecting the third chamber to the external environment of both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0102] Example 40. A loudspeaker system comprising: a pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing; an active acoustic radiator disposed inside the pressure vessel and configured to radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle housing, comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil; a passive acoustic radiator comprising a second movable diaphragm, disposed inside the pressure vessel of the loudspeaker system and configured to radiate acoustic emissions into the interior of the vehicle housing; and a vent connecting the interior of the pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, configured to radiate acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator into the environment.
[0103] Example 41. The loudspeaker system of Example 40, wherein the passive acoustic radiator is configured to form a first resonant tuning frequency.
[0104] Example 42. The loudspeaker system of Example 40, further comprising an acoustic channel configured to fluidly connect the inside of a pressure vessel to the inside of a vehicle housing, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to radiate acoustic emissions that are in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by an active acoustic radiator into the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0105] Example 43. The loudspeaker system of Example 40, wherein the pressure vessel is provided with a partition wall separating the first chamber of the pressure vessel from the second chamber.
[0106] Example 44. The loudspeaker system of Example 43, wherein the passive acoustic radiator is placed inside the first chamber of the pressure vessel.
[0107] Example 45. The loudspeaker system of Example 43, wherein the passive acoustic radiator forms at least a portion of the partition or is connected to the partition.
[0108] Example 46. The loudspeaker system of Example 45, wherein a passive acoustic radiator forms a fluid barrier between the first and second chambers, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the first and second chambers.
[0109] Example 47. The loudspeaker system of Example 46, wherein the converter forms at least a portion of the partition or is connected to the partition.
[0110] Example 48. A pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, wherein the pressure vessel is configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, and comprises a partition wall separating a first chamber of the pressure vessel from a second chamber; an active acoustic radiator disposed inside the pressure vessel and configured to radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle housing, comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil; and an acoustic channel comprising an auxiliary air path configured to fluidly connect the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing, A loudspeaker system comprising: an acoustic channel configured to radiate acoustic emissions in phase with acoustic emissions generated by an acoustic radiator into the interior of a vehicle housing; a particle barrier disposed within the acoustic channel, configured to reduce the transmission of particulate matter passing between a pressure vessel and a vehicle housing, and comprising a semipermeable membrane; and a vent connecting the interior of a pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, configured to radiate acoustic emissions generated by an active acoustic radiator into the environment.
[0111] Example 49. The loudspeaker system of Example 48, wherein the converter forms a fluid barrier between the second chamber and the first chamber, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the second chamber and the first chamber.
[0112] Example 50. The loudspeaker system of Example 48, wherein the acoustic channels are configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0113] Example 51. The loudspeaker system of Example 48, further comprising a second vent connecting the first chamber to the external environment of both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0114] Example 52. The loudspeaker system of Example 51, wherein a second vent is configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the first chamber to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
[0115] Example 53. A loudspeaker system comprising: a pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, and having a partition wall separating a first chamber of the pressure vessel from a second chamber; an active acoustic radiator disposed inside the pressure vessel and configured to radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle housing, the active acoustic radiator comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil; an acoustic channel encompassing a port pipe configured to fluidly connect the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing, the acoustic channel configured to radiate acoustic emissions in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator to the inside of the vehicle housing; and a vent connecting the inside of the pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, the vent configured to radiate acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator to the environment.
[0116] Example 54. The loudspeaker system of Example 53, wherein the converter forms a fluid barrier between the second chamber and the first chamber, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the second chamber and the first chamber.
[0117] Example 55. The loudspeaker system of Example 53, wherein the port tube is configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0118] Example 56. A pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, wherein the pressure vessel is configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, and comprises a partition wall separating a first chamber of the pressure vessel from a second chamber, and a second partition wall separating the first chamber from a third chamber; an active acoustic radiator disposed in the first chamber and configured to radiate acoustic emissions into the second chamber, comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil; and a passive acoustic radiator comprising a second movable diaphragm, disposed in the first chamber, A loudspeaker system comprising: a passive acoustic radiator configured to radiate acoustic emissions into a third chamber; an acoustic channel having an attached air path configured to fluidly connect the inside of a pressure vessel to the inside of a vehicle housing; a vent connecting a second chamber to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, configured to radiate acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator into the environment; and a second vent connecting a third chamber to the environment, configured to radiate acoustic emissions generated by the passive acoustic radiator into the environment.
[0119] Example 57. The loudspeaker system of Example 56, wherein the acoustic channel into the vehicle housing is configured to radiate acoustic emissions into the vehicle housing that are in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator.
[0120] Example 58. The loudspeaker system of Example 56, wherein an attached air path connects the second chamber to the interior of the vehicle housing.
[0121] Example 59. The loudspeaker system of Example 56, wherein an attached air path connects the third chamber to the interior of the vehicle housing.
[0122] Example 60. A loudspeaker system comprising: a pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, and comprising a partition wall separating a first chamber of the pressure vessel from a second chamber and a second partition wall separating the first chamber from a third chamber; an active acoustic radiator disposed in the first chamber and configured to radiate acoustic emissions into the second chamber, comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil; a passive acoustic radiator comprising a second movable diaphragm, disposed in the first chamber and configured to radiate acoustic emissions into the third chamber; and an acoustic channel encompassing a port pipe configured to fluidly connect the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing.
[0123] Example 61. The loudspeaker system of Example 60, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to radiate acoustic emissions that are in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator into the interior of the vehicle housing.
[0124] Example 62. The loudspeaker system of Example 60, wherein the converter forms a fluid barrier between the second chamber and the first chamber, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the second chamber and the first chamber.
[0125] Example 63. The loudspeaker system of Example 60, wherein a passive acoustic radiator forms a fluid barrier between the third chamber and the first chamber, and the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the third chamber and the first chamber.
[0126] Example 64. The loudspeaker system of Example 60, further comprising a vent connecting a third chamber to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, the vent being configured to radiate acoustic emissions generated by a passive acoustic radiator into the environment.
[0127] Example 65. The loudspeaker system of Example 64, further comprising a second vent connecting a third chamber to the environment, wherein the second vent is configured to radiate acoustic emissions generated by a passive acoustic radiator into the environment.
[0128] Example 66. The loudspeaker system of Example 60, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to form an acoustic bandpass filter from the second chamber to the inside of the vehicle housing. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0129] 300…Loudspeaker system, 301…Pressure vessel, 302…Vehicle housing, 304…Active acoustic radiator, 306…Magnetic circuit, 308…Movable diaphragm, 310…Auxiliary air passage, 312…Internal port tube, 314…External port tube, 316…Particle barrier, 318…Sub-chamber, 320…Bulkhead, 324…Passive acoustic radiator, 328…Resistive element, 332…First chamber, 334…Second chamber, 336…Third chamber, 338…Fourth chamber, 400…Loudspeaker system, 500…Loudspeaker system, 600…Loudspeaker system, 700…Loudspeaker system
Claims
1. It is a loudspeaker system, A pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, An active acoustic radiator disposed inside the pressure vessel and configured to radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle housing, comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil, An acoustic channel configured to fluidly connect the inside of the pressure vessel to the inside of the vehicle housing, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to radiate acoustic emissions that are in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator into the inside of the vehicle housing, A vent connecting the interior of the pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, the vent configured to radiate the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator to the environment, A loudspeaker system equipped with the following features.
2. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic channel includes an attached air path.
3. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic channel includes a port tube.
4. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the vent includes a port tube.
5. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, further comprising a particle barrier disposed within the acoustic channel, wherein the particle barrier is configured to reduce the transmission of particulate matter passing between the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing.
6. The loudspeaker system according to claim 5, wherein the particle barrier comprises at least one of a grille, a semipermeable membrane, a foam, a valve, a movable diaphragm, or a breather assembly configured to be wetted to form a fluid barrier.
7. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid barrier disposed between the environment and the magnetic circuit, wherein the fluid barrier is configured to prevent fluid flow between the environment and the magnetic circuit.
8. The loudspeaker system according to claim 7, wherein the fluid barrier comprises at least one of a semipermeable membrane, a foam, a valve, or a breather assembly configured to form a fluid barrier upon wetting.
9. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel comprises a partition wall separating the first chamber of the pressure vessel from the second chamber.
10. The loudspeaker system according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic circuit of the active sound radiator is disposed in the first chamber of the pressure vessel.
11. The loudspeaker system according to claim 9, wherein the acoustic radiator forms at least a portion of the partition or is connected to the partition.
12. The loudspeaker system according to claim 11, wherein the acoustic radiator is configured to radiate an out-of-phase acoustic emission into the first chamber of the pressure vessel, and the out-of-phase acoustic emission has a phase opposite to the acoustic emission radiated by the acoustic radiator into the second chamber.
13. It is a loudspeaker system, A pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, An active acoustic radiator disposed within the pressure vessel and configured to radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle housing, comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil, A passive acoustic radiator comprising a second movable diaphragm, which is disposed within the pressure vessel of a loudspeaker system and configured to radiate acoustic emissions into the interior of the vehicle housing, A vent connecting the inside of the pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, the vent configured to radiate the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator to the environment, A loudspeaker system equipped with the following features.
14. The loudspeaker system according to claim 13, further comprising an acoustic channel configured to fluidly connect the inside of the pressure vessel to the inside of the vehicle housing, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to radiate acoustic emissions in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator into the inside of the vehicle housing.
15. It is a loudspeaker system, A pressure vessel disposed on the outside of a vehicle housing, wherein the pressure vessel is configured to maintain a controlled environment different from the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, and the pressure vessel is provided with a partition wall separating a first chamber of the pressure vessel from a second chamber, An active acoustic radiator disposed inside the pressure vessel and configured to radiate acoustic emissions to the outside of the vehicle housing, comprising a magnetic circuit, a movable diaphragm, and a voice coil, An acoustic channel comprising an auxiliary air path configured to fluidly connect the second chamber to the interior of the vehicle housing, wherein the acoustic channel is configured to radiate acoustic emissions in phase with the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator into the interior of the vehicle housing, A particle barrier disposed within the acoustic channel, configured to reduce the transmission of particulate matter passing between the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, and comprising a semipermeable membrane, A vent connecting the inside of the pressure vessel to the environment outside both the pressure vessel and the vehicle housing, the vent being configured to radiate the acoustic emissions generated by the active acoustic radiator to the environment, A loudspeaker system equipped with the following features.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Woofer
JP1996079876A