Acoustic Reflector with Non-Flat Contour for Phase Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio generators introduce distortion in sound reproduction, failing to accurately represent the original acoustic signal due to non-flat membrane surfaces and uneven sound wave propagation, leading to phase deviations and interference.
Innovation Solution
An audio generator design featuring a non-flat membrane and a reflector with a matching non-flat contour, along with directive guiding walls, ensures that sound waves travel equal distances, eliminating phase deviations and enhancing sound fidelity by compensating for the non-flat surface of the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional loudspeaker with a flat membrane is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sound waves propagate unevenly causing phase deviations and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed with a non-flat, curved surface instead of a flat plane. This curvature allows sound waves to propagate more uniformly by compensating for the natural spreading and phase deviations that occur in conventional flat membranes, thereby improving sound wave propagation uniformity without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is designed with an asymmetric, non-flat contour that complements the curved membrane surface. This asymmetric geometry is specifically shaped to reflect sound waves in a manner that equalizes propagation distances across different frequencies, improving sound reproduction fidelity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a flat membrane is used, then the device is simple in structure, but sound waves of different frequencies experience different propagation distances causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface of the membrane creates variable propagation paths for sound waves of different frequencies. By carefully designing the curvature profile, the patent ensures that high-frequency and low-frequency waves travel equal distances to reach the listener, eliminating phase deviations and improving frequency propagation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the membrane and reflector surfaces from flat to curved configurations. This parameter change fundamentally alters the sound wave propagation characteristics, enabling equalization of propagation distances for different frequencies while maintaining a relatively simple acoustical structure without complex active control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional sound reproduction methods are used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but phase deviations occur leading to poor sound fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector employs an asymmetric contour design that is specifically tailored to compensate for phase deviations caused by the curved membrane. This asymmetric geometry reflects sound waves in a manner that equalizes their arrival times at the listener's position, significantly improving phase accuracy while keeping the transducer element structure relatively simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design significantly reduces distortion, maintaining the temporal order and amplitude of sound frequencies, resulting in improved sound reproduction that accurately represents the original acoustic signal with reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
the reflector has a surface shape adapted to reflect audio waves propagating from the membrane surface
Implementation Method 2
causing audio waves to propagate in a first direction away from the membrane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an audio generator (410, 190) and a method for producing an audio generator. The audio generator (410, 190) includes: a first transducer element (210) comprising a membrane (240, 240A) having a surface (242, 242A) which is non-flat,; and means (250) for causing the membrane (240) to move in dependence on an input signal so as to cause audio waves to propagate in a first direction (M, 300, 300A, 300B) away from said membrane; and wherein the membrane (240A) has an outer perimeter (270) which is flexibly attached to a portion (282) of a transducer element body (280); said outer perimeter (270) defining a first aperture (315) having a first aperture plane (314); and wherein, in operation, the membrane (240) is adapted to cause said audio pressure waves to propagate in the first direction (M, 300, 300A,) orthogonal to said first aperture plane (314); wherein said audio generator (410, 190) further comprises a second aperture (415), a reflector (400) and directive guiding walls (510,520,530,540); the reflector (400) having a surface (442) adapted to reflect acoustic signals; and wherein the reflector (400) co-operates with the directive guiding walls so as to lead and guide said audio pressure waves to propagate in a second direction (300') orthogonal to a plane of said second aperture (415); said second direction (300') being different from said first direction; and wherein the acoustically reflective surface (442) has a non-flat contour (242'), the contour of the non-flat reflector surface (442) being adapted to compensate for the non-flat surface (242) of the membrane (240) by substantially equalizing distances of propagation for mutually different rays of acoustic signals.