Acoustic Waveguide with Divided Paths for High-Frequency Sound Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-way loudspeaker systems face challenges in evenly distributing sound on a listening plane while reducing excess sound emitted outside the plane, particularly for high-frequency devices vertically spaced greater than half a wavelength, leading to uneven sound distribution and unwanted noise.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency waveguide design with exponentially diverging acoustic paths, divided when the path width exceeds half the wavelength, and sound integrators to control sound direction and distribution, ensuring wavefront curvature less than a quarter wavelength and optimal area expansion for improved acoustic loading and reduced distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide uses a fixed horn shape and enclosure design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sound coverage angle is fixed and cannot be adjusted to direct sound at desired angles or away from walls
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple independent acoustic paths (first acoustic path, second acoustic path, etc.) that can be separately controlled. Each path can be adjusted independently to direct sound in different directions, allowing the system to change sound coverage angles without redesigning the entire waveguide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic control of sound direction. The acoustic paths can be configured to direct sound at different angles based on the listening environment, transforming a static horn design into a dynamic system that adapts to various spatial requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the waveguide uses multiple acoustic paths with different configurations, then sound distribution on the listening plane is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise path length and geometry control
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the waveguide have locally optimized properties. Each acoustic path is designed with specific local characteristics (cross-sectional area, curvature, length) tailored to its function, while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through modular design and standardized fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide employs asymmetric acoustic path configurations where paths have different lengths, cross-sectional areas, and curvatures based on their specific acoustic functions. This asymmetry is deliberately designed to achieve optimal sound distribution while remaining manufacturable through precise but not excessive dimensional variations.
3Shape
If the acoustic paths are made longer to improve sound distribution, then the wavefront curvature is improved, but the area expansion is reduced and acoustic loading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide systematically varies multiple parameters simultaneously - path length, cross-sectional area, curvature radius, and wall thickness - to achieve optimal acoustic performance. By coordinating these parameter changes across different acoustic paths, the system achieves both desired wavefront curvature and adequate area expansion for proper acoustic loading.
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 to the listening plane, reduces unwanted noise, and allows for specified area expansion, enhancing sound distribution and rejection of noise outside the listening plane, thereby improving sound quality and control.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic waveguide (101) may be used with high frequency drivers (901-903) to control the radiating direction of sound
Implementation Method 2
Sound radiating from sources, in the absence of an enclosure, may spread in uncontrolled directions
Implementation Method 3
ensuring wavefront curvature less than a quarter wavelength and optimal area expansion for improved acoustic loading and reduced distortion
Implementation Method 4
optimal area expansion for improved acoustic loading and reduced distortion
Data Source
AI summary
A high frequency waveguide and methods relating to the design and use of the waveguide are described. The waveguide can include an acoustic input to receive an audio input signal from a high frequency driver, an acoustic output to broadcast sound, and a plurality of acoustic paths extending from the input to the output. A first path of acoustic paths is divided into two paths when a width of the first path is greater than ½ wavelength of a highest frequency at the input. In an example, each of the plurality of acoustic paths carries across all frequencies from the high frequency driver. In an example, the paths each have a first port receiving audio and a second port outputting audio, and the paths enlarge from the first port to the second port.