Speaker apparatus and method

Abstract

A speaker apparatus has a membrane, a frame coupled to the membrane, and an exciter coupled to the frame. The frame may act to distribute energy from the exciter across the membrane. The frame may have one or more struts, which may intersect with one another. The exciter may be coupled to the frame via a mount. The mount may have fingers configured to engage with the frame.

Description

Speaker Apparatus and MethodBENEFIT OF EARLIER APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from US provisional application 63 / 646,303 filed May 13, 2024.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to sound wave generation in general, and speaker apparatus and methods in particular.BACKGROUND

[0003] Speakers come in various shapes, which can offer different utility and which may give rise to various problems. Certain so-called "flat" speakers of the prior art include an exciter attached to a planar structure, e.g., a planar sheet of material. For example, with reference to Fig. 1, a speaker apparatus 100 of the prior art includes a membrane 12, with an exciter 14 coupled to the membrane. In use, the exciter vibrates the membrane, causing the membrane to vibrate nearby air molecules, producing sound waves. The mechanical properties of the membrane material dissipate a portion of the vibration transmitted from the exciter to the air molecules. The young module parameter of the membrane's material affects the inertia of the membrane, the distribution of energy from the exciter, and the propagation of vibration. The membrane can act as a damper, potentially diminishing the accuracy of the sound produced.

[0004] As illustrated, the membrane is substantially square shaped with the exciter disposed at approximately the centre. The exciter's force is concentrated at the point at which it makes contact with the membrane. Accordingly, the amplitude of the vibration of the membrane is greatest where the exciter meets the membrane, and the amplitude is relatively lower further away from the exciter. There is a demand for a means to distribute the vibration of the exciter across a larger proportion of, and more evenly across, the surface area of the membrane.

[0005] As the skilled reader will appreciate, a body's natural frequency refers to the rate at which it vibrates when disturbed without being subjected to a driving or damping force. The pattern or shape of this vibrating motion corresponds to the normal mode of vibration of the body or system. It is possible for vibrating objects to have one or more normal modes, depending on how they were initially disturbed. There is a natural frequency associated with each normal mode. A system thatis stimulated by a force with frequencies near its natural frequency mode gets excited without damping, which is known as resonance.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a speaker apparatus, comprising: a membrane; a frame coupled to the membrane; and an exciter coupled to the frame.In accordance with another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a speaker apparatus comprising: a membrane having a rectangular shape, a plurality of frames coupled to the membrane, including a central frame disposed substantially at the centre of the membrane, the central frame including a horizontal strut and a vertical strut intersecting one another, a comer frame including a first pair of stmts coupled into an L-shaped member, a second pair of stmts coupled into an X-shaped member, the L-shaped member and the X-shaped member coupled such that each arm of the L-shaped member connects two distal ends of the X-shaped member, thereby forming an arrow shaped member, the arrow shaped member pointing towards a comer of the membrane; a first exciter coupled to the central frame; and a second exciter coupled to the comer frame at the intersection of the second pair of stmts of the corner frame.

[0007] It is to be understood that other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all within the present invention. Furthermore, the various embodiments described may be combined, mutatis mutandis, with other embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring to the drawings, several aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in detail in the figures, wherein:(a) Fig. l is a schematic diagram of a speaker apparatus of the prior art;(b) Fig. 2 is a plan view of a speaker apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention;(c) Fig. 3, is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to another embodiment of the present invention;(d) Fig. 4, is a partly cutaway top side perspective view of a frame and mount of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(e) Fig. 5, is a partly cutaway bottom side perspective view of a frame and mount of a speaker apparatus, according to the embodiment of Fig. 4;(f) Fig. 6, is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(g) Fig. 7, is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(h) Fig. 8, is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(i) Fig. 9 is a plan view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(j) Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(k) Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(l) Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(m) Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(n) Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(o) Fig. 15 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(p) Fig. 16 is a plan view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(q) Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(r) Fig. 18 is a top perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(s) Fig. 19A is a partly cutaway top side perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;(t) Fig. 19B is a close-up view of a portion of Fig. 19A;(u) Fig. 20A is a partly cutaway top side perspective view of a speaker apparatus, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and(v) Fig. 20B is a close-up view of a portion of Fig. 20A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0010] As noted above, there is a demand for a means to distribute the vibration of the exciter across a larger proportion of the surface area of the membrane than is possible in the prior art, e.g., the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0011] Flat speakers may be used in connection with noise suppression applications, including active noise cancellation apparatus and methods. In this regard, noise suppression efficiency is important. There is a demand for improved noise suppression efficiency for flat speakers.

[0012] One issue with the flat speakers of the prior art, including that of Fig. 1, is system outrage, which occurs when the natural frequency of the flat speaker is aligned with incoming sound intended to be suppressed. "Outrage" in this context refers to undesirable vibration of the membrane and excessive amplitude rises caused by frequency of the noise, i.e., the incoming sound wave, aligning with the natural frequency of the structure of the speaker. Accordingly, there is a demand for a means to tune the natural frequency of the speaker apparatus.

[0013] In testing, increasing the natural frequency of the structure of the speaker is associated with decreased incidence of outrage. For example, in testing, a first speaker apparatus with a natural frequency in the range of 900 Hz to 1100 Hz was observed to be more stable (i.e., gave rise to less outrage) than a second speaker apparatus having a natural frequency in the range of 100 Hz to 300 Hz.

[0014] With reference to Fig. 2, a speaker apparatus 200 may include a membrane 12 and a plurality of exciters 14 coupled to the membrane. In the illustrated embodiment, sixteen exciters are arranged in four rows of four exciters, making a grid pattern on the membrane. Compared to the embodiment of Fig. 1, the embodiment of Fig. 2 causes a greater proportion of the surface area of the membrane to vibrate at a more consistent amplitude.

[0015] A speaker apparatus is provided. The speaker apparatus includes a membrane, a frame coupled to the membrane, and an exciter coupled to the frame. The exciter may be coupled to the frame via a mount. The frame may be coupled to the membrane at a centre portion of the membrane.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 3, a speaker apparatus 300 has a membrane 12, and a frame 30 coupled to the membrane. An exciter 14 may be coupled to the frame via a mount 40.

[0017] The frame includes at least one strut 50. The strut may be T-shaped or L-shaped in cross section, with a wider base 52, which may be a planar surface, and an upstanding wall 54. Wall 54 may extend perpendicular to base 52. Frame, e.g., the base of the frame, may be coupled to the membrane, e.g., via adhesive. The base may be parallel to the membrane, and wall 54 may be perpendicular to the membrane. The frame may further include one or more perimeter frame members 35. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame may include four perimeter frame members 35, forming a substantially rectangular shape. The exciter may be positioned substantially at the centre of the rectangular shape defined by the perimeter frame members. Aswith the strut, the perimeter frame member may also have a T-shape or an L-shape with base and an upstanding wall.

[0018] It is to be appreciated that the frame may have any number of configurations. For example, in Fig. 3, speaker apparatus 300 includes two diagonal struts forming an X shape, intersecting one another proximate the centre of the membrane. The perimeter frame may form a rectangular shape, having four corners, 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d. In the illustrated embodiment, 36a is at the top left of the page, 36b is at the top right of the page, 36c is at the bottom left of the page, and 36d is at the bottom right of the page. A first diagonal strut 50ad extends from comer 36a to corner 36d, and second diagonal stmt 50bc extends from corner 36b to corner 36d. Comers 36a and 36d are diametrically opposed to one another. Corners 36b and 36c are diametrically opposed to one another.

[0019] The exciter may be coupled to the frame. For example, the exciter may be coupled to the frame with an adhesive. In embodiments with a mount, the exciter may be coupled to the mount with an adhesive, and the mount may be coupled to the frame.

[0020] The exciter may be coupled to the frame via a mount 40. With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, mount 40 may have a base 42 and a plurality of fingers 44. The fingers may extend from the base for engagement with the frame. The fingers may be biased towards one another to clip onto the frame. The fingers may receive the frame, e.g., one or more struts thereof. The mount may be configured, e.g., the fingers may be shaped, to engage onto at least one strut. For example, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, two diagonal struts may intersect with one another forming an X shape. In this embodiment, the fingers of the mount may be shaped to engage onto the struts at their intersection. Each finger of the four fingers may have an outboard end forming a V shape, with the point of the V of each finger biased towards each other, such that, together the four fingers form an X shape. The fingers may be biased towards one another to clip onto and make contact with the frame. While this particular configuration may be used to clip onto intersecting struts, it is to be appreciated that it can also be used to clip onto a single strut. It is to be appreciated that any number of struts and / or perimeter frame members can intersect with one another, and a mount can be configured, with different numbers and shapes of fingers, to engage with any such intersection. In one embodiment, e.g., where the frame may have four struts intersecting one another at the same intersection point, the mount may have eight fingers.

[0021] Furthermore, the exciter may be mounted to a strut at a point where the strut does not intersect with another part of the frame. In such an embodiment, the mount may have two fingers extending from the base of the mount, the fingers being substantially planar and biased towards one another such that they can clip onto the strut.

[0022] The mount may be integral with the frame. In such an embodiment, the mount may include a base with or without fingers. There may be a gap formed between each finger and the strut to which it is connected.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 6, a speaker apparatus 600 may have a frame 30 with four perimeter walls 35 forming a rectangle shape. Frame 30 may further include a horizontal strut 50h and a vertical strut 50v. The horizontal strut and the vertical strut may intersect with one another, forming a cross shape. Mount 40 may be coupled to the intersection of the horizontal strut and the vertical strut. Membrane 12 may extend past the outer perimeter of the perimeter wall members, forming a lip 12a. Similarly, for example, in embodiments without perimeter wall members, the membrane may extend past the distal ends of the struts, thereby forming a lip.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 7, a speaker apparatus 700 may have a frame 30 with four perimeter walls 35 forming a rectangle shape with corners 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d. Frame 30 may further include a horizontal strut 50h, a vertical strut 50v, a first diagonal strut 50bc extending from corner 36b to corner 36c, and a second diagonal strut 50ad extending from corner 36a to comer 36d. The diagonal stmts may intersect with one another to form an X. The vertical and horizontal stmts may intersect with one another to form a cross. One or more, e.g., all of stmts 50h, 50v, 50bc, and 50ad may intersect with one another at a common intersection point, resembling an eight-pointed asterisk. Such a frame may be referred to as having a star construction. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 7, mount 40 is mounted to the frame at the common intersection point. The horizontal stmt and the vertical stmt may intersect with one another, forming a cross shape. Mount 40 may be coupled to the intersection of the horizontal stmt and the vertical stmt. Membrane 12 may extend past the outer perimeter of the perimeter wall members, forming a lip 12a.

[0025] Fig. 8 illustrates a speaker apparatus 800 with multiple frames 30 thereon. In Fig. 8, the frames resemble that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, though it is to be appreciated that other frame configurations may be used. The same membrane 12 may be shared by multiple frames, which may have the same configuration as one another (as illustrated) or may have differentconfigurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the frames are spaced apart from one another, in a grid-like manner; however, the frames may abut one another, in another embodiment.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 9, a speaker apparatus 900 may have a frame 30 with four perimeter walls 35 forming a rectangle shape. The frame may include one or more horizontal struts and one or more vertical struts 50v. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three horizontal struts 50h and three vertical struts 50v. The horizontal struts are substantially parallel to one another, and to the two horizontal perimeter wall members. The vertical struts are substantially parallel to one another and to the two vertical perimeter wall members. The three vertical struts and the three horizontal struts form nine intersection points. One or more of the intersection points may have an exciter coupled thereto, e.g., via a mount. One or more mounts 40 may be coupled to one or more of the intersections of the horizontal struts and the vertical struts.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 10, a speaker apparatus 1000 may have a frame 30 with four perimeter walls 35 forming a rectangle shape with comers 35a', 35b', 35c', and 35d'. One or more of the corners may be rounded. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the corners 35a', 35b', 35c', and 35d' is rounded.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 11, a speaker apparatus 1100 may have a frame 30 coupled to a membrane 12. The frame may include one or more diagonal struts 50ad extending in a first direction, and one or more diagonal struts 50bc extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Diagonal struts 50ad may be parallel to one another. Diagonal struts 50bc may be parallel to one another. The frame may include one or more horizontal struts 50h. The frame may include one or more vertical struts 50v. The horizontal struts may be parallel to one another. The vertical struts may be parallel to one another. Each strut may be configured to intersect with one or more of the other struts. For example, a diagonal strut 50bc may intersect with a diagonal strut 50ad to form an X shape with an intersection point 53. A horizontal strut may intersect with a vertical strut to form a cross shape. The cross shape and the X shape may intersect at a common point, such that a vertical strut 50v, a horizontal strut 50h, a diagonal strut 50ad, and a diagonal strut 50bc share a common intersection point 51. It is to be appreciated that, depending on the number of struts, there may be any number of common intersection points 51. One or more exciters 40 may be mounted to the frame. For example, an exciter 40 may be mounted at a common intersection point 51. Each of the struts may extend to the edge of the membrane, as shown inFig. 11. Alternatively, the membrane may extend beyond the ends of the struts, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0029] Perimeter wall members 35 may intersect with struts, as shown, e.g., in Fig. 7. Alternatively, struts 50 may be spaced apart from perimeter wall members 35, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 14, a speaker apparatus 1400 may have a frame 30 coupled to a membrane 12. The frame may include one or more diagonal struts 50ad extending in a first direction, and one or more diagonal struts 50bc extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Diagonal struts 50ad may be parallel to one another. Diagonal struts 50bc may be parallel to one another. The struts may be configured to intersect with one another. For example, a diagonal strut 50bc may intersect with a diagonal strut 50ad to form an X shape with an intersection point 53. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the diagonal struts, being diagonal strut 50ad', intersects with three of the diagonal struts 50bc, due to diagonal strut 50ad' being centrally located on the membrane. Similarly, one of the diagonal struts, being diagonal strut 50bc', being centrally located, intersects with three of the diagonal struts 50ad.

[0031] Central diagonal strut 50bc' may extend from one corner of the frame to another, i.e., from corner 36b to corner 36c. A first distal diagonal strut 50bc", parallel to diagonal strut 50bc', is between diagonal strut 50bc' and comer 36d. A second distal diagonal stmt 50bc", parallel to diagonal stmt 50bc', is between diagonal stmt 50bc' and corner 36a.

[0032] Central diagonal stmt 50ad' may extend from one corner of the frame to another, i.e., from corner 36a to comer 36d. A third distal diagonal stmt 50ad", parallel to central diagonal stmt 50ad', is between diagonal stmt 50ad' and comer 36c. A fourth peripheral diagonal stmt 50ad", parallel to diagonal stmt 50ad', is between diagonal stmt 50ad' and corner 36b. Distal diagonal stmts may extend from a point on the first perimeter frame member, the point being between the corners of the frame, to an adjacent perimeter frame member.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 15, a speaker apparatus 1500 may have a frame 30 coupled to a membrane 12. The frame may include peripheral wall members 35 forming a rectangular shape with corners 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d. Diagonal stmts 50ad, 50bc may intersect to form an X shape with a first intersection point 70. The frame may further include a first horizontal stmt 50ab, extending from diagonal stmt 50ad to diagonal stmt 50bc, between intersection point 70 and the upper perimeter wall member. The frame may further include a second horizontal stmt 50cd,extending from diagonal strut 50bc to diagonal strut 50ad, between intersection point 70 and the lower perimeter wall member. The frame may further include a first vertical strut 50ac, extending from diagonal strut 50ad to diagonal strut 50bc, between intersection point 70 and the left perimeter wall member. The frame may further include a second vertical strut 50bd, extending from diagonal strut 50bc to diagonal strut 50ad, between intersection point 70 and the right perimeter wall member. The first vertical strut and the second vertical strut may be parallel to one another. The first horizontal strut and the second horizontal strut may be parallel to one another. The vertical struts and the horizontal struts may be configured to form a rectangular shape, within the larger rectangular shape formed by the perimeter wall members. Accordingly, the vertical struts and the horizontal struts may define four corners, each of which may intersect with one of the diagonal struts, defining intersection points 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d. One or more exciters may be coupled to the frame. For example, an exciter may be coupled, via a mount 40, to each of intersection points 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d, as shown in Fig. 15.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 16, a speaker apparatus 1600 may include a membrane 12 and a plurality of frames. The membrane may have a rectangular shape, defining comers 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d. A first frame 30t may include a horizontal stmt 50h and a vertical stmt 50v intersecting one another to form a cross shape. The first frame 30t may be disposed substantially at the centre of the membrane 12.

[0035] Further frames may be disposed in one or more, e.g., each corner of the membrane. Each corner frame may include a first pair of stmts coupled into an L-shaped member, and a second pair of stmts coupled into an X-shaped member. The L-shaped member and the X-shaped member may be coupled such that each arm of the L-shaped member connects two distal ends of the X-shaped member, thereby defining an arrow shape. The corner frame may be disposed on the membrane with the head of the arrow shape pointing to a corner of the membrane.

[0036] Put differently, an arrow-shaped frame 30a may have two perpendicular diagonal stmts intersecting one another, forming an X shape. The top points of the X shape may be connected by a horizontal stmt. The left side points of the X shape may be connected by a vertical stmt. The diagonal stmts, together with the horizontal and vertical stmts, may form an arrow shape, the head of the arrow pointing to comer 36a, and the point of the X shape that is not connected to either of the horizontal stmt or the vertical stmt, i.e., as illustrated, the bottom right point of frame 30a, mayterminate proximate the intersection of the struts of first frame 30t. Arrow-shaped frame 30a may be disposed in the top-left quadrant of the membrane.

[0037] A second arrow-shaped frame 30b may be disposed on the top-right quadrant of the membrane, with the head of its arrow shape pointing to corner 36b. A third arrow-shaped frame 30c may be disposed on the bottom-left quadrant of the membrane, with the head of its arrow shape pointing to corner 36c. A fourth arrow-shaped frame 30d may be disposed on the bottomright quadrant of the membrane, with the head of its arrow shape pointing to comer 36d. In other words, frame 36b may resemble frame 36a, rotated clockwise 90 degrees; frame 36c may resemble frame 36a, rotated counterclockwise 90 degrees; and frame 36d may resemble frame 36a, rotated 180 degrees.

[0038] An exciter may be coupled to one or of the frames. For example, an exciter may be coupled to the intersection point of frame 30t. A second exciter may be coupled to the intersection of the diagonal struts of frame 30a. Additional exciters may be coupled to frames 30b, 30c, and 30d in a manner similar to frame 30a.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 17, frame 30t' may include a long vertical member 50v' and a long horizontal member 50h' intersecting one another to form a first cross shape at the centre of frame 3 O . At one or more of the distal ends of the first cross shape, the frame may further include a perpendicular distal strut. One or both of the ends of long vertical strut 50v' may include a distal strut, being a short horizontal strut 50h". Long vertical strut 50v' and short horizontal strut 50h" may intersect to form a cross shape. One or both of the ends of long horizontal strut 50h' may include a distal strut, being a short vertical strut 50v". Long horizontal strut 50h' and short vertical strut 50v" may intersect to form a cross shape. In other words, there may be five cross shapes, being one central cross shape, and one cross shape at each of the distal ends of the central cross shape.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 18, a speaker apparatus 1800 may have a frame 30 coupled to a membrane 12. The membrane may have a substantially rectangular shape, defining corners 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d. The frame may include a strut 50ad extending in a first direction, and one or more diagonal struts 50bc extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Diagonal struts 50bc may be parallel to one another.

[0041] Central diagonal strut 50bc' may extend from one corner of the frame to another, i.e., from corner 36b to corner 36c. A first distal diagonal strut 50bc", parallel to diagonal strut 50bc', may be between diagonal strut 50bc' and comer 36d. A second distal diagonal strut 50bc", parallel to diagonal stmt 50bc', may be between diagonal stmt 50bc' and comer 36a. Central diagonal stmt 50ad' may extend from one corner of the frame to another, i.e., from corner 36a to comer 36d. Diagonal stmt 50ad may intersect with each diagonal stmt 50bc, due to diagonal stmt 50ad' being centrally located on the membrane.

[0042] One or more exciters may be coupled to the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, nine stmts are arranged in three rows of three, each stmt being coupled to at least one stmt. A first exciter 14 may be coupled to the intersection point of stmt 50bc and stmt 50ad. A second exciter 14 may be coupled to stmt 50bc proximate corner 36b. A third exciter may be coupled to stmt 50bc proximate corner 36c. A fourth exciter may be coupled to stmt 50ad proximate corner 36a. A fifth exciter may be coupled to stmt 50bc proximate corner 36d. A sixth exciter may be coupled to first distal stmt 50bc" proximate the top of the membrane. A seventh exciter may be coupled to first distal stmt 50bc" proximate the left side of the membrane. An eighth exciter may be coupled to second distal stmt 50bc" proximate the bottom of membrane 12. A ninth exciter may be coupled to second distal stmt 50bc" proximate the right of membrane 12. Each exciter may be vertically and horizontally aligned with one or more other exciters. The exciters may be aligned to form a dotted grid pattern. The exciters may be arranged in three rows of three. The first row may include the fourth exciter, the sixth exciter, and the second exciter. The second row, below the first row, may include the seventh exciter, the first exciter, and the ninth exciter. The third row may include the third exciter, the eighth exciter, and the fifth exciter. The exciters may be arranged in three columns of three. The first column may include the fourth exciter, the seventh exciter, and the third exciter. The second column may include the sixth exciter, the first exciter, and the eighth exciter. The third column may include the second exciter, the ninth exciter, and the fifth exciter. Each exciter in a given column may be vertically aligned with one another. Each exciter in a given row may be horizontally aligned with one another.

[0043] The apparatus may include a housing (not shown in the figures in order to illustrate the other elements of the apparatus), which may be made of aluminum or any number of materials. The membrane may be made of any number of materials, e.g., fibreglass. The frame may be made of a material including one or more of polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol(PETG), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and / or other materials, depending on the requirements of the particular application of interest.

[0044] The frame and / or the mount may be manufactured using 3D printing. The frame may distribute energy from the exciter to the membrane. The exciters may be selected according to their capacity and energy consumption, depending on the frequencies and application of interest.

[0045] As noted above in the various embodiments described herein and illustrated in the figures, the frame may have any number of configurations. Configurations may be selected in order to affect (e.g., increase) the natural frequency of the speaker apparatus as a whole. For example, it may be desirable for the natural frequency of the speaker apparatus to be different than a particular range of frequencies is intended to be emitted by the speaker apparatus, or that is expected to be emitted near the speaker apparatus, in order to avoid or mitigate outrage issues.

[0046] It is to be appreciated that numerous factors, including the dimensions of the speaker apparatus and the materials of which the speaker apparatus is made, will affect the natural frequency of the overall speaker apparatus. In testing, for example, the embodiment of Fig. 3 was observed to have a natural frequency of approximately 660 Hz; the embodiment of Fig. 6 was observed to have a natural frequency of approximately 254 Hz; the embodiment of Fig. 7 was observed to have a natural frequency of approximately 767 Hz.

[0047] The exciters may optionally be made of a material including piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT-5H). The exciters may be charged with an electric potential of approximately 120 volts. The exciter deformation may be vibrated in the frame, and exciters' energy may be transmitted to the frame. The exciters may optionally be made of enameled copper wire wound in a coil excited against a permanent magnet by electrical impulse.

[0048] Every noise has its own signature. Accordingly, when a speaker is used for active noise cancellation, it is preferrable that the vibration of the membrane of the speaker be very accurate, and that all frequencies be generated and transmitted simultaneously by one single membrane. Through the addition of frames and increased synchronization of exciters, the vibration pattern of the membrane may be improved to be more accurate. An audio file is preferably handled as a single solid body movement through a single membrane. In such a configuration, it is possible for the speaker to address a range of specific frequencies, e.g., from approximately 80Hz to approximately 1500Hz.Clauses

[0049] Clause 1. A speaker apparatus, comprising: a membrane; a frame coupled to the membrane; and an exciter coupled to the frame.

[0050] Clause 2. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the exciter is coupled to the frame via a mount.

[0051] Clause 3. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the mount includes a base and a plurality fingers extending from the base, the fingers configured to engage the frame.

[0052] Clause 4. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the fingers are biased towards one another to clip onto the frame.

[0053] Clause 5. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the frame includes a plurality of struts intersecting with one another at an intersection point, the exciter coupled to one or more struts of the frame.

[0054] Clause 6. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the frame includes one or more perimeter frame members.

[0055] Clause 7. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the plurality of struts have a star configuration, including: a first diagonal strut; a second diagonal strut disposed perpendicular to the first diagonal strut; a horizontal strut; a vertical strut; and the first diagonal strut, the second diagonal strut, the horizontal strut, and the vertical strut intersecting with each other at the intersection point.

[0056] Clause 8. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, further comprising a second plurality of struts having the star configuration.

[0057] Clause 9. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein: the first diagonal strut extends from a first comer of the membrane to a second corner of the membrane, the second corner being diametrically opposed to the first comer; and the second diagonal stmt extends from a third corner of the membrane to a fourth comer of the membrane, the third comer being diametrically opposed to the fourth corner.

[0058] Clause 10. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the exciter is coupled to a single strut of the frame.

[0059] Clause 11. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the exciter is coupled to the frame at the intersection point.

[0060] Clause 12. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the membrane extends past the perimeter frame members, defining a lip.

[0061] Clause 13. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein the frame is coupled to the membrane at a centre portion of the membrane.

[0062] Clause 14. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, wherein: the frame includes a strut; and the strut has a base that is planar and perpendicular to the membrane, and the base is coupled to the membrane.

[0063] Clause 15. A speaker apparatus comprising: a membrane having a rectangular shape, a plurality of frames coupled to the membrane, including a central frame disposed substantially at the centre of the membrane, the central frame including a horizontal strut and a vertical strut intersecting one another, a corner frame including a first pair of struts coupled into an L-shaped member, a second pair of struts coupled into an X-shaped member, the L-shaped member and the X-shaped member coupled such that each arm of the L-shaped member connects two distal ends of the X-shaped member, thereby forming an arrow shaped member, the arrow shaped member pointing towards a corner of the membrane; a first exciter coupled to the central frame; and a second exciter coupled to the corner frame at the intersection of the second pair of struts of the corner frame.

[0064] Clause 16. The speaker apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-16, further comprising: a second corner frame pointing towards a second corner of the membrane, with a third exciter coupled to the second corner frame; a third corner frame pointing towards a third corner of the membrane, with a fourth exciter coupled to the third comer frame; and a fourth comer frame pointing towards a fourth corner of the membrane, with a fifth exciter coupled to the fourth corner frame.

[0065] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, butnot every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such module, aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In other words, any module, element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility, or it is specifically excluded.

[0066] It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element or step. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

[0067] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase "one or more" is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage.

[0068] The term "about" can refer to a variation of ± 5%, ± 10%, ± 20%, or ± 25% of the value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or two integers greater than and / or less than a recited integer at each end of the range. Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.

[0069] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges recited herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as the individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. A recited range includes each specific value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves,thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.

[0070] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to", "at least", "greater than", "less than", "more than", "or more", and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio.

[0071] The terms "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," and similar terms, are intended to illustrate elements in relation to each other, and to reflect the embodiments illustrated in the figures; and it is to be appreciated that the apparatus described herein may be orientated in another manner without departing from the present invention.

[0072] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or "step for".

Claims

CLAIMS1. A speaker apparatus, comprising: a membrane; a frame coupled to the membrane; and an exciter coupled to the frame.

2. The speaker apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exciter is coupled to the frame via a mount.

3. The speaker apparatus of claim 2, wherein the mount includes a base and a plurality fingers extending from the base, the fingers configured to engage the frame.

4. The speaker apparatus of claim 3, wherein the fingers are biased towards one another to clip onto the frame.

5. The speaker apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a plurality of struts intersecting with one another at an intersection point, the exciter coupled to one or more struts of the frame.

6. The speaker apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes one or more perimeter frame members.

7. The speaker apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of struts have a star configuration, including: a first diagonal strut; a second diagonal strut disposed perpendicular to the first diagonal strut; a horizontal strut; a vertical strut; and the first diagonal strut, the second diagonal strut, the horizontal strut, and the vertical strut intersecting with each other at the intersection point.

8. The speaker apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a second plurality of struts having the star configuration.

9. The speaker apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the first diagonal strut extends from a first comer of the membrane to a second corner of the membrane, the second corner being diametrically opposed to the first corner; and the second diagonal strut extends from a third corner of the membrane to a fourth corner of the membrane, the third corner being diametrically opposed to the fourth corner.

10. The speaker apparatus of claim 5, wherein the exciter is coupled to a single strut of the frame.

11. The speaker apparatus of claim 5, wherein the exciter is coupled to the frame at the intersection point.

12. The speaker apparatus of claim 6, wherein the membrane extends past the perimeter frame members, defining a lip.

13. The speaker apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frame is coupled to the membrane at a centre portion of the membrane.

14. The speaker apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the frame includes a strut; and the strut has a base that is planar and perpendicular to the membrane, and the base is coupled to the membrane.

15. A speaker apparatus comprising: a membrane having a rectangular shape, a plurality of frames coupled to the membrane, including a central frame disposed substantially at the centre of the membrane, the central frame including a horizontal strut and a vertical strut intersecting one another, a corner frame including a first pair of struts coupled into an L-shaped member,a second pair of struts coupled into an X-shaped member, the L-shaped member and the X-shaped member coupled such that each arm of the L-shaped member connects two distal ends of the X-shaped member, thereby forming an arrow shaped member, the arrow shaped member pointing towards a corner of the membrane; a first exciter coupled to the central frame; and a second exciter coupled to the corner frame at the intersection of the second pair of struts of the comer frame.

16. The speaker apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a second corner frame pointing towards a second corner of the membrane, with a third exciter coupled to the second corner frame; a third corner frame pointing towards a third corner of the membrane, with a fourth exciter coupled to the third comer frame; and a fourth comer frame pointing towards a fourth corner of the membrane, with a fifth exciter coupled to the fourth comer frame.

Images