Acoustic Reflector Orientation for Spatial Sound Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio systems with multiple devices struggle to maintain the spatial effect of surround sound due to the co-location of acoustic drivers in a single cabinet, which degrades the desired acoustic output.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with a rotatable casing that adjusts the orientation of multiple acoustic drivers to optimize sound radiation, using acoustic reflectors to bend the direction of maximum radiation towards a listener, and employing acoustic interference arrays to enhance sound distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple acoustic drivers are co-located in a single cabinet to reduce device quantity, then device complexity is reduced, but the spatial effect of surround sound is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The audio device incorporates a rotatable casing that can change orientation between horizontal and vertical positions. The acoustic drivers are arranged in different spatial configurations that become active depending on the casing orientation, allowing the device to dynamically adapt its acoustic radiation pattern to maintain spatial effect regardless of mounting position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic reflectors positioned at specific angles to redirect sound waves in three-dimensional space. By adding this reflective dimension, the device compensates for the loss of spatial separation caused by driver co-location, creating virtual sound sources that restore the surround sound spatial effect
2Device complexity
If acoustic drivers are fixed in a single orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different listening positions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a rotatable casing mechanism that enables physical reorientation of the acoustic drivers. An orientation detector automatically senses the casing position and triggers appropriate audio processing modes, allowing the system to adapt to different mounting orientations (horizontal, vertical, ceiling-mounted) without requiring manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
An orientation detector is integrated into the device to automatically sense the casing orientation relative to gravity. This feedback mechanism triggers the processor to select appropriate audio processing algorithms and driver activation patterns, enabling automatic adaptation to different listening environments without user intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If acoustic drivers radiate sound in fixed directions, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but sound distribution to listener is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic reflectors are positioned between the acoustic drivers and the listening environment to mediate sound distribution. These reflectors redirect sound waves at controlled angles, ensuring that sound energy is directed toward the listener regardless of the precise orientation of the acoustic drivers themselves, thereby reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances
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
The solution effectively directs sound towards a listener, improving the spatial effect and acoustic output by adjusting the orientation of acoustic drivers and using interference arrays to manage sound distribution, thereby enhancing the listening experience.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates first acoustic driver at least partially overlain by a first acoustic reflector to define a first effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of acoustic drivers disposed on the casing and operable to form an acoustic interference array
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device incorporates first acoustic driver at least partially overlain by a first acoustic reflector to define a first effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation and a second acoustic driver at least partially overlain by a second acoustic reflector to define a second effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation, wherein when the audio device is positioned in a room such that the direction of maximum acoustic radiation of the first acoustic driver is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity, the first effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation is bent more towards a listening position at which a listener is expected to be located than the first direction of maximum acoustic radiation and away from a floor, and the second effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation is bent more towards the listening position than the second direction of maximum acoustic radiation and away from a wall.