Asymmetric Speaker Assembly for Uniform Motion in Tight Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating a speaker assembly into electronic devices with limited and unique housing volumes while maintaining high performance and functionality, particularly in head-mountable displays, is exacerbated by the need for asymmetric shapes that cause non-uniform forces and motion, leading to decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of an asymmetric diaphragm and magnet assembly with a variable stiffness surround and customized magnetic components to compensate for non-uniform motion, ensuring uniform movement and maximizing diaphragm surface area within the available space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If an asymmetric diaphragm and magnet assembly are used to maximize surface area within limited housing volume, then the speaker performance is improved, but non-uniform forces and motion occur causing rocking and rotational motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the magnet assembly and surround differently on each side of the diaphragm. The magnet assembly includes magnets positioned at non-uniform intervals, and the surround has variable stiffness with different sections having different rigidities. This asymmetric configuration compensates for the asymmetric diaphragm shape, balancing the forces acting on the diaphragm surface and preventing rocking motion while maximizing the use of available housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating non-uniform properties in specific regions of the speaker assembly. The surround is designed with different stiffness characteristics in different sections to compensate for local force imbalances. The magnet assembly uses magnets of varying strengths and positions tailored to specific locations. This localized customization ensures uniform diaphragm motion across the entire asymmetric surface area.
2Volume of moving object
If the speaker unit is compacted to fit within limited housing volume, then device size is reduced, but the complexity of maintaining uniform diaphragm motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the surround and magnet assembly into an integrated compensation system that works together to address asymmetric forces. The variable stiffness surround and asymmetrically configured magnets are designed as coordinated components that collectively compensate for the asymmetric diaphragm geometry. This unified approach achieves uniform motion control within a compact volume without requiring separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the stiffness of the surround in different sections and adjusting the positions and strengths of magnets in the asymmetric magnet assembly. These parameter variations are optimized to compensate for the asymmetric diaphragm shape, enabling uniform motion control within a compact speaker unit volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric components are used in the speaker assembly, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to accommodate unique housing volumes and maximize diaphragm surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately employs asymmetry in the magnet assembly and surround configuration to adapt to unique housing volumes and maximize diaphragm surface area. The asymmetric design is manufactured using precision molding and assembly techniques that, while more complex than symmetric designs, enable custom fitting to specific housing geometries and optimization of acoustic performance.
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 approach enhances speaker performance by minimizing rocking and rotational motion, thereby improving sound output and efficiency within constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The compensation feature can include a surround attached to the asymmetric diaphragm, the surround having a variable stiffness
Implementation Method 2
an asymmetric magnet assembly... The asymmetric magnet assembly can include at least one of a plurality of asymmetrically aligned magnets, or an asymmetric magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, including a housing defining an opening, a speaker unit disposed within the housing and adjacent the opening, the speaker unit including an asymmetric diaphragm, and an asymmetric magnet assembly. The speaker unit can include a housing defining an internal volume, an asymmetric driver disposed in the housing; and a surround comprising a variable stiffness.