Angled Magnet Shapes for Planar Magnetic Drivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Planar magnetic drivers face sound wave obstruction due to rectangular magnets, leading to trapped sound waves, distortion, and undesirable frequency response.
Innovation Solution
The use of triangular or hexagonal angled magnet shapes on the membrane-facing side of planar magnetic drivers allows sound waves to escape more directly, reducing obstruction and distortion by tapering the magnetic surfaces away from the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If rectangular magnets with squared-off edges are used, then magnetic force and efficiency are maximized, but sound waves are trapped and distorted causing standing waves and undesirable frequency response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces by replacing the traditional squared-off rectangular magnet edges with rounded or tapered edges. This curvature modification allows sound waves to pass more smoothly around the magnet surfaces, reducing the trapping and reflection that causes standing waves and distortion, while preserving the magnetic force through careful design of the curved geometry.
2Power
If rectangular magnets are positioned parallel to the diaphragm plane, then magnetic field interaction with electrical traces is optimized, but sound waves have no direct escape path and must bounce off flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by positioning magnets at angled orientations relative to the diaphragm plane rather than strictly parallel. This asymmetric arrangement creates non-flat surfaces that redirect sound waves at various angles, providing escape paths that reduce direct reflections and standing waves, while the angled positioning maintains effective magnetic field interaction with the electrical traces.
3Force
If magnets are placed directly adjacent to electrical traces, then magnetic force on the membrane is maximized, but sound waves have no direct path to escape the driver chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the sound wave escape issue by modifying the three-dimensional geometry of the magnet surfaces with tapered or angled configurations. This dimensional modification creates pathways for sound waves to escape along the angled surfaces, reducing the obstruction problem while the magnets remain positioned adjacent to the electrical traces to maintain magnetic force effectiveness.
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 configuration provides a more linear path for sound waves to reach the listener, minimizing standing waves and distortion, resulting in improved frequency response and sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
The current flowing through the electrical trace interacts with the magnetic field of carefully placed magnets on either/both sides (or on only one side for lighter driver units) of the diaphragm, causing the membrane to vibrate uniformly in (ideally) pistonic motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A planar magnetic transducer of a speaker driver unit includes one or more magnetic bodies wherein a proximate surface of the one or more magnetic bodies are facing rearward toward the transducer membrane, and wherein the proximate surface includes a tapered portion directed rearward so as to direct the frontward orientation of the soundwaves generated by the transducer membrane when electrical power is supplied to the electrical trace of the transducer membrane.