Portable Audio Waveguide Structure for Resonance Peak Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Acoustic waveguides in audio systems face challenges in optimizing cross-sectional areas and bending axes to minimize resonance peaks and enhance noise reduction, while also requiring a design that facilitates easy handling and docking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide with subsections that bend around different axes with varying cross-sectional areas, acoustically coupled through a third subsection with a changing aspect ratio, fabricated from moldable parts, and featuring a textured surface for gripping, along with a docking cradle that rotates between open and closed positions for easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the waveguide uses a complex bending structure with multiple axes to reduce resonance peaks, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresonance peaksVSAvoidwaveguide structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple subsections (first, second, third subsections) that bend around different axes. Each subsection has a specific cross-sectional area with controlled aspect ratio, allowing the complex noise reduction function to be achieved through segmented, manageable sections rather than a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different subsections of the waveguide have different cross-sectional areas with specific aspect ratios tailored to their local acoustic requirements. The third subsection specifically has an aspect ratio that varies between the first and second aspect ratios, creating local acoustic conditions that reduce resonance peaks without requiring the entire waveguide to be uniformly complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the acoustic exit is shaped for easy grasping, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovegraspingVSAvoidacoustic exit shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic exit serves dual functions: it is the acoustic output opening and simultaneously functions as a grasping handle. The shape is designed to facilitate grasping with multiple fingers from a single hand, making the device easier to handle while maintaining acoustic performance through proper geometric design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the waveguide uses varying cross-sectional areas to optimize acoustics, then noise reduction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidcross-sectional area variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-sectional area of the waveguide is systematically varied along its length, with each subsection having a specific aspect ratio. The third subsection's aspect ratio varies between the first and second aspect ratios, creating a gradient that optimizes acoustic performance and reduces noise while maintaining manufacturability through controlled parameter transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively reduces resonance peaks, improves noise reduction, and allows for easy handling and docking of portable audio systems, enhancing the overall audio experience and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

A waveguide is located within the housing. The waveguide includes a first subsection that bends around a first axis and has a first cross-sectional area with an aspect ratio that is substantially different from unity. A second subsection bends around a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

The cavity can be sized to reduce a resonance peak in the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS8103035B2Portable audio system having waveguide structure

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 BOSE CORP

AI summary

An apparatus includes a housing. A waveguide is located within the housing. The waveguide includes a first subsection that bends around a first axis and has a first cross-sectional area with an aspect ratio that is substantially different from unity. A second subsection bends around a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis and includes a second cross-sectional area with an aspect ratio that is substantially different from unity. A third subsection acoustically couples the first subsection to the second subsection. The third subsection includes a third cross-sectional area with an aspect ration that varies between the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratio.